ACADEMIC POLICIES
& COURSE CATALOG
2023-2024
Brooks School does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, color, sexual orientation,
disability, or religion in the administration of its education policies, admission policies,
employment policies, financial aid and loan programs, athletic programs, and other
school-administered programs and activities.
Last update: April 17, 2023
Currie Joya Huntington, Academic Dean
Please contact chuntington@brooksschool.org with questions or comments.
Academic Policies & Course Catalog 2023-2024 1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION 1
ACADEMIC POLICIES 2
Requirements 2
Diploma Requirements 2
Departmental Graduation Requirements 4
Course Load 5
Promotion Requirements 5
General Policies 6
Grading System & Progress Reports 6
Effort Marks 6
Assignments & Assessments 6
Pass/Fail Status 7
Course Credit & Transfer Credits 7
Course Changes 8
Advanced Placement Courses & Exams 8
Independent Study 8
Online Learning 8
Winter Term 9
Programs Outside of Brooks School 9
Summer Coursework 9
Competency-Based Education 10
Our Six School-Wide Competencies 10
Academic Honors 11
Honor Roll 11
Cum Laude Society 11
Graduation 11
Academic Probation 11
Introduction 11
Conditions & Process 11
Academic Integrity 12
Introduction 12
Character & Honor 12
Cheating & Plagiarism 12
Consequences of Academic Dishonesty 13
Class Attendance 13
Attendance & Absences 13
Unexcused Academic Absences 14
The Learning Center 14
Introduction 14
Services Offered 14
Resources for Students with Disabilities 14
Academic Policies & Course Catalog 2023-2024 2
COURSE CATALOG 15
The Arts 15
Required Third-Form Arts 15
Music 15
Theater 18
Visual Arts 19
World Languages 23
Classical Languages 23
Modern Languages 25
Mandarin Chinese 25
French 27
Spanish 29
School Year Abroad (SYA) 31
English 31
Required English Sequence 31
English Electives 33
History 37
Required History Sequence 37
History Electives 41
Exchange Program 46
Mathematics 46
Required Mathematics Sequence 47
Further Mathematics Study 48
Computer Science 50
Science 52
Foundational Laboratory Science Sequence 52
Further Science Study 53
Self in Community 56
Academic Policies & Course Catalog 2023-2024 3
INTRODUCTION
The Brooks curriculum provides students with a broad-based academic experience in preparation for university. In
addition, students develop skills and habits of the mind that will benefit them for the rest of their lives. Ideally, all
students will enroll in courses in the five major disciplines for all four years of high school. Students are also
encouraged to pursue their interests in the arts throughout their career at Brooks. Students should keep their future
career options open as long as possible.
This course catalog will give you a sense of the depth and breadth of our curriculum. Requirements are considered the
minimum needed to graduate from Brooks. Students should look beyond what they must take to what they could and
should take to make themselves the most attractive candidates for college admission. For example, all students should
complete courses in the three basic sciences (physics, chemistry and biology), even though those courses are not
necessary for graduation. Most students graduate with transcripts that far exceed the school's requirements.
Brooks offers students the opportunity to choose academic programs appropriate for their abilities; many courses have
multiple levels. Students have more choices as they progress through the curriculum. For example, sixth-formers may
wish to double up and take two courses in a particular field of study. As always, consultation between students and
parents, advisors, teachers, the college counselors and the academic dean is necessary to ensure students choose the
most challenging courses within which they will do well.
ACADEMIC POLICIES
Requirements
Diploma Requirements
The Brooks academic year consists of two semesters divided by a three-week winter term in January. The minimum
number of credits required for a diploma is 90. Due to Covid-19 and the cancellation of Winter Term in January 2021,
the class of 2024 has an 89-credit threshold. Credit is assigned for successful completion of a course on the following
basis:
● Two-semester major: four credits
● One-semester major: two credits
● Two-semester minor: two credits*
● One-semester minor: one credit*
● Winter term course: one credit
Credits will be recognized for the successful completion of appropriate courses at previous schools, after review by the
academic dean.
*Minor classes that meet twice per week award one credit per semester. Minor courses that meet less than twice per week award
one-half credit per semester.
Academic Policies & Course Catalog 2023-2024 4
Departmental Graduation Requirements
Arts
Third-form entry: In their third-form year, the student will enroll in Arts Exploratory or a year-long music course. In
their remaining three years, the student must take six additional credits (typically, three additional semester-long
classes) satisfying the arts distribution requirement as laid out below.
Fourth-form entry: In their three years, the student must take ten total credits (typically, five semester-long classes)
satisfying the arts distribution requirement laid out below. As many as four credits may transfer in from a prior
institution. Transfer credits may also satisfy the arts distribution requirement at the discretion of the department and
the academic office.
Fifth-form entry: In their two years, the student must take four credits (typically, two semester-long classes). The arts
distribution requirement does not apply.
Arts distribution requirement: Students must take courses in at least two of the three arts disciplines: performing arts
(theater and dance), music, and visual arts. Courses in the catalog are categorized by discipline. Students who
“specialize,” or study the same discipline for their entire time at Brooks, are exempt from the distribution requirement.
Students who decide to cut short their specialization will be required to take an arts course in a different discipline.
Arts Exploratory credits count toward a student’s total arts credits but do not satisfy the distribution requirement.
World Languages
One language through the third level.
English
Both semesters, every year.
History
The Global Humanities course or the Modern World History course, plus U.S. History.
Mathematics
Completion of the Second Year Algebra course.
Science
Two years of laboratory sciences, one of which must be a two-semester course.
Self in Community
Both semesters, every year.
The faculty will consider petitions from students requesting exemptions from one or more of these requirements.
Exemptions will not be permitted if the student has failed to compile a satisfactory academic record. For instance,
students might secure an exemption from Modern World History or one year of Brooks science by committing
themselves to completing three years of a second language and two years of a third language.
Academic Policies & Course Catalog 2023-2024 5
Course Load
The expected course load for all students is either five or six major courses, depending on whether a student is taking a
class in the Arts, and one minor course. Thus, the typical Brooks student carries 11 or 13 credits per semester: five
two-credit majors or six two-credit majors, one of which is a class in the Arts, and a required minor, such as Self in
Community in the third form. Third-form students may enroll in fewer than six major courses only with permission of
the academic dean. These requests are considered extraordinary and a student's credit situation must be monitored
closely to ensure that they are able to graduate on time.
The school feels strongly that a student taking the prescribed course load is taking a full and rigorous program. In rare
cases, a student may petition to double up in courses in one discipline without dropping a course in another discipline,
resulting in a course load of six or seven majors. That would require permission from the student's advisor and college
guidance counselor, the department head in the discipline where the student is taking two courses, and the academic
dean, as well as the consent of the Curriculum Committee.
Promotion Requirements
For promotion to the fourth form, a student must have:
● Passed the English I and Self in Community courses.
● Earned an average of at least 70 in Semester 2.
● Acquired a total of at least 23 credits.
For promotion to the fifth form, a student must have:
● Passed the English II, First Year Algebra and Self in Community courses.
● Acquired four credits in a language other than English.
● Successfully completed one year of the history requirement, unless exempted or deferred by the academic
dean and the history department.
● Earned an average of at least 70 in Semester 2.
● Acquired a total of at least 46 credits.
For promotion to the sixth form, a student must have:
● Passed the English III, Geometry, and Self in Community courses.
● Acquired eight credits in a language other than English.
● Completed one laboratory science.
● Earned an average of at least 70 in the Semester 2.
● Acquired a total of at least 70 credits.
Students who fulfill the appropriate departmental and promotion requirements are in good academic standing and
eligible for promotion or graduation. The academic dean and the faculty may recommend that students who do not
earn the minimum requirements for promotion not be invited to return. If they do remain at Brooks, they will be
considered special students until the promotion requirements are met.
Students with an "incomplete" (I) grade at the end of any semester will be granted one month from the submission of
grades to make up the incomplete grade and therefore earn appropriate credit. Incomplete grades are normally
granted only for medical reasons or in other emergency situations.
Sixth-formers failing with a third-class effort in Semester 1 must make up that failure in Semester 2 to be eligible for
graduation. Sixth-formers failing any course in Semester 2 with a third-class effort will not participate in graduation
and will not receive a diploma until they have made up the course.
Academic Policies & Course Catalog 2023-2024 6
After the conclusion of AP examinations, sixth-formers are generally exempt from spring exams. Exceptions include:
● Sixth-formers with an average below 70 in a course will be expected to take a final exam.
● Sixth-formers may have to take exams in required courses.
General Policies
Grading System & Progress Reports
Number grades are posted at the midterm and end of every semester for all major courses. Minor courses are graded
pass/fail at the midterm and with a number grade at the semester’s end. Certain performance-based courses in the
arts are graded pass/fail. Sixth-formers may petition the academic office to have one elective course below the AP
level graded pass/fail (see below). A brief explanation of the number grading system and the Brooks School Honor
Roll follows:
100 - 92 Highest Honors
91 - 88 High Honors
87 - 85 Honors
84 - 80 Commendable
79 - 75 Satisfactory
74 - 70 Fair
69 - 60 Passing
59 - 55 Failing
Effort Marks
Effort marks are awarded at the end of each quarter: I = outstanding; III = poor. They are internal grades only and do
not appear on student transcripts. The criteria used in assessing effort include the following:
● Punctuality in class attendance and timely submission of assignments.
● Unexcused class absences.
● Satisfactory makeup of quizzes, tests, and examinations.
● Attendance at extra help sessions.
● Class preparation.
● Involvement in class discussion.
● Attitude and cooperation.
The grade and effort mark together attempt to make a clear statement of assessment. A student working hard in a
challenging course who receives a 75 and a first-class effort is doing commendable work.
The school cannot make a convincing academic recommendation on behalf of students whose cumulative academic
average is under 70.
Assignments & Assessments
As defined in the Community Covenant in the Brooks School Student Handbook, students are expected to complete all
properly posted assignments. “Incomplete” grades are granted only for medical reasons or in other emergency
situations. An assignment will be counted as late if submitted after the start of the class in which it is due. A 10%
deduction will be applied for the first week, 20% for the second week, and 30% for the third week. Beyond the third
Academic Policies & Course Catalog 2023-2024 7
week, a student may earn up to a 55% if the assignment is submitted before the semester’s close. A zero will be
recorded for the assignment if no work is submitted.
Students should not have three major assessments due on the same day. A major assessment is a full class period
evaluation of at least a week's worth of material, or a major paper. Students with three scheduled tests/papers due on
the same day should consult with their advisor and ask one of the teachers, prior to test day, if a test may be
postponed. Generally, students should not be assigned more than one typical night’s homework during a vacation
break. Students in AP courses are an exception. Also, this guideline is not meant to preclude a struggling student from
doing significant make-up work or review if the situation requires it.
Pass/Fail Status
Members of the sixth form may choose to take one non-required elective course below AP level on a pass/fail basis.
Sixth-formers may take either a two-semester course or a one-semester course each semester pass/fail. All applications
for pass/fail status for the year or fall semester must be submitted to the academic dean within 48 hours of the
publication of fall midterm grades. Sixth-form students may apply for Semester 2 courses to be taken pass/fail within
48 hours of the publication of spring midterm grades. These applications are reviewed by the curriculum committee
and are granted to students wanting to challenge themselves in disciplines in which they may expect to struggle.
Course Credit & Transfer Credits
While enrolled at Brooks, the school recognizes credits taken during the academic year from other institutions only in
the following instances:
● One year or one semester for Brooks-affiliated exchanges with School Year Abroad.
● One quarter for other Brooks exchanges or off-campus sixth form projects.
Proposals toward undertaking any other academic work for credit must be approved by the academic dean,
Curriculum Committee and the faculty before such work is undertaken.
A student separated from school (dismissed, suspended) may receive credit for courses taken that semester provided
that they are not affected by the 18% attendance rule and they complete satisfactorily all major outstanding work,
including exams when appropriate.
Teachers are not expected to teach students from afar. Instead, students should proceed through the syllabus on their
own and submit the required assignments.
Course Changes
A student is allowed to change courses with approval of their advisor, their teacher, the relevant department chair and
the academic dean during the first two weeks of each semester. If a student switches courses within or across
departments during this time, the grade from their first course will not follow them to their next course; they receive a
clean slate. The last days for student-initiated course changes are marked on the school calendar.
Following this period, course changes may only be initiated by a student’s advisor. After midterm grades are
submitted, students who drop a course at the initiation of their advisor will have a W (“withdrawn”) recorded on their
transcript.
If a level change (e.g., from Honors to non-Honors) should be initiated, the process must be completed within two
weeks following the release of midterm grades during Semester 1. If a student moves down a level in the same course
Academic Policies & Course Catalog 2023-2024 8
(e.g., from AP Modern World History to Modern World History, or from Honors Physics to Physics) a ten-point
upward adjustment will be made to the student’s grade point average. If a student moves up a level in the same
course, the appropriate adjustment will be made by the teacher in consultation with the department chair. If a student
changes levels between Semester 1 and Semester 2, there will be no change to the Semester 1 transcript.
Advanced Placement Courses & Exams
Advanced Placement (AP) courses are college-level courses based on a standardized curriculum approved by the
College Board. The School recommends that students take no more than three AP courses in an academic year. All
students enrolled in AP courses are expected to sit for the appropriate AP exams in May. As with other standardized
tests administered at Brooks, parents and guardians are billed for the cost of the exams.
Students who wish to take AP exams for courses not offered by the school may do so by arrangement with the
academic dean prior to spring break. Typically, students not enrolled in AP courses offered at Brooks will not be
allowed to sit for those exams administered by the school (e.g., a student not enrolled in the AP Physics course will not
be allowed to sit for the Brooks administration of the AP Physics exam).
Independent Study
Students who wish to engage in an independent study must contact the academic dean to discuss their independent
study proposal. A form will be completed as part of the approval process. This form must be completed with a
detailed description of the study, including texts and grade evaluation procedures, and permission of the advisor,
department chair, college office and teacher overseeing the course.
Online Learning
Sixth-formers in good standing and in attendance at Brooks may supplement their Brooks education by taking an
approved online course sponsored by the College Board or an institution of higher learning for college credit. The one-
or two-semester course, to be supervised by a Brooks faculty member, must be one that is not taught at Brooks.
Students may take only one such course per year. Students should submit a detailed proposal to the advisor, academic
dean, department head and the Curriculum Committee. This proposal will include a syllabus and all relevant
information about the course and the program sponsor. Once approved, satisfactory completion will typically satisfy
our independent study requirement and earn Brooks credit.
Students should be aware that they are responsible for assuming the entire cost of this optional course. Students
enrolled in courses sponsored by another institution are bound by the policies, rules and procedures of that institution.
Brooks has no control over the course requirements, instructor or grade earned. A failure in such an independent
study course may mean a student does not graduate as scheduled.
Students may also take online courses for the purposes of placement or advanced standing. No credit is earned or
awarded. No credit is earned or awarded in these instances. With approval of the academic dean and the department
head, students may engage in scholarship that would allow them to prepare to take a Brooks exam in a particular
course. The expectation is that a successful performance on the exam would enable the student to pass out of the
course to enroll in a more advanced one.
Winter Term
Brooks takes pride in the Winter Term program, a required three-week term in January. All students are expected to
successfully complete one full-day or two half-day Winter Term courses each year. Winter Term courses are graded
Academic Policies & Course Catalog 2023-2024 9
pass/fail. Note that the 18% attendance rule applies during Winter Term. Students who fail to meet that standard will
not receive credit for their Winter Term course.
Programs Outside of Brooks School
Though we believe the experience of attending Brooks School is an exciting and fulfilling adventure in its own right,
occasionally a student may become interested in pursuing a semester-long course of study away from the Brooks
campus. The Island School might be an example of this kind of program. Ideally, students need to be thinking about
these options early in their Brooks career. Bearing in mind that many students complete graduation requirements and
AP courses during their fifth-form year, and that these courses are usually not offered by these types of programs, it
can be very challenging to accommodate a fifth-former being away for a semester. Spring of the fourth-form year tends
to be the least disruptive time for such a program. Students and their parents interested in applying to these programs
should be in touch with the academic dean as early as possible.
Summer Coursework
Brooks School does not customarily award credit for required or enrichment courses taken during the summer.
However, for a number of reasons, students may elect or be required to take essential courses during the summer. In
order to do so, they must enroll in a summer course approved by the academic dean and the relevant teacher(s) and
department head(s) and/or take a special Brooks exam administered by the appropriate academic department.
Arrangements and permissions should be secured well in advance.
Students may attempt to advance a level over the summer (i.e. from First Year Algebra to Second Year Algebra, by
taking Geometry). However, students (and their parents) should be aware that mastering a year's worth of coursework
(4 classes per week for 30+ weeks) over the summer is a difficult challenge, even for the most able student. Another
consideration is that the University of California system requires transcript evidence that a course has been
successfully completed. It may be that other universities, unbeknownst to us, may require this as well. If a UC school is
even a possibility in a student's future, enrolling in formal coursework at another institution is probably the best
option. Students passing a summer course and /or exam do not earn credit from Brooks, but successful completion
may mean they have earned the right to advance to the next course in the Brooks curriculum.
With the addition of the Brooks Summer Session to the academic program, students may enroll in up to two academic
minor courses during summer months. A student may elect to take a course for a numeric grade or on a pass/fail
basis. The credit associated with each course may count toward graduation, but cannot satisfy a departmental
graduation requirement. All expectations of students associated with the academic life of the school remain true
during Brooks Summer Session. BSS will not run during the summer of 2023, but may return in future years.
Academic Policies & Course Catalog 2023-2024 10
Competency-Based Education
Competency-based education (CBE) is our academic vision in support of our school mission and core values. CBE is a
framework to foster educational equity for all students.
CBE at Brooks includes:
● Creating meaningful assessment opportunities for students that focus on skill development and the
application of knowledge.
● Using departmental skill rubrics in support of our school wide competencies for students and teachers to track
their growth and progress.
● Communicating, clearly and consistently, to students how their grades are earned.
Our Six School-Wide Competencies
Communicate
Effectively
The student can generate, develop, organize, and convey original ideas orally, using language,
presentation skills, and/or other media (for example, digital texts, images, and graphs) to present those
ideas clearly, confidently, and in a manner appropriate to different audiences.
Learning Agency
The student recognizes they are part of a learning community, from which they seek help and to which
they contribute by using their voice, knowledge, motivation, and ability to make choices to further their
own learning and the learning of those around them.
The student takes responsibility for managing their own learning by engaging fully with the learning
process, setting goals and steps to meet those goals, and reflecting on their work with the aim of
improving future work. The student engages in all areas of the community with an aim to connect with
their own passions.
Collaboration
Student acts with integrity to resolve conflict, assume responsibility for behavior, demonstrate diversity,
tolerance, and empathy to help maintain a safe and supportive environment, individually and in a group
contributing to one’s school community and the world.
Creativity &
Innovation
The student demonstrates the ability to generate new ideas, bodies of work, or novel business ventures
that add to, connect, or create insight into existing contexts or content.
Critical Thinking,
Problem Solving,
& Analysis
The student demonstrates proficiency in using critical thinking, analysis, and logical methods to make
good decisions and solve problems.
Social Justice
Responsibility
The student recognizes that social justice responsibility is both an ongoing process and a goal, and
understands the definitions and implications of systems of power, intersectional identities, and
intercultural awareness. In their journey towards becoming an active change agent, the student
understands how their actions impact various communities and advances equity, inclusion, and
belonging for all.
Academic Policies & Course Catalog 2023-2024 11
Academic Honors
Honor Roll
Students may attain honor roll status at the end of any semester with the following grade point averages:
92 - 100 Highest Honors
88 - 91 High Honors
85 - 87 Honors
Cum Laude Society
The Cum Laude Society is a national organization that recognizes superior academic achievement. According to the
Cum Laude constitution, the Brooks chapter may elect up to 20 percent of the members of the sixth form who have
earned an honors record. Half may be elected upon the conclusion of their fifth-form year and the remainder in
Semester 2 of their sixth-form year. Inductees must be completing at least their second year of high school at Brooks
School at the time of induction.
Graduation
Brooks recognizes scholastic achievement at graduation with the following designations: the top 10 percent of the class
as Summa Cum Laude, the next 20 percent as Magna Cum Laude, and the following 20 percent as Cum Laude.
Academic Probation
Introduction
The purpose of Academic Probation is to provide students with a warning sign and opportunities to check in about
ways to improve their performance. This process is intended to be restorative.
Conditions & Process
A student will be placed on Academic Probation if one or more of the following conditions is present on their report
card at the end of any marking period:
● Two or more third-class effort marks.
● Two or more grades below 70.
● Overall quarter or semester average below 70.
● Failing grade in one or more of the departmental or promotion requirements.
● Failing grade in a course at the end of a semester.
At the end of each quarter, the academic office will review the status of all students not in good standing. The
academic dean will write a letter to those students, re-affirming the academic expectations of the school. In the event
that students on academic probation are unable to fulfill the minimum standards as stated, they will remain on
probation and may be dismissed. Students on academic probation may have their weekend and travel privileges
limited by the school. Students on academic probation who are failing two courses with third-class effort marks at the
end of a semester should expect to be dismissed from the school.
Academic Policies & Course Catalog 2023-2024 12
Academic Integrity
Introduction
Academic honesty is the basis of sound scholarship and integral to proper learning. Students must understand that
truthfulness and honesty govern their work at all times. Cheating and plagiarism are considered major violations of
school rules. Students are expected to present work that is their own, and to cite references and sources when
appropriate.
Character & Honor
At the beginning of every course and at every semester, teachers inform students of their expectations regarding the
proper role of collaboration, use of resources (both printed and electronic), citation practices and other issues related to
academic honesty. The range of the school's responses to cheating and plagiarism is outlined below. Students must
realize that it is their responsibility to do their work honestly and truthfully. Gray areas are inevitable. The appropriate
use of calculators, for example, is determined by the individual departments. When doubt exists, the burden is on the
students to have the appropriate teachers clarify issues before work is submitted for evaluation.
Cheating & Plagiarism
The following types of conduct are prohibited by the school, with Level 1 offenses generally regarded as more
significant violations of the school’s standards of academic honesty.
Level 1. Buying or copying a significant portion of a paper from the Internet or any other source and presenting
it as one's own; stealing or otherwise obtaining a copy of a test or examination before its administration;
unauthorized use of a language translator; premeditated cheating, such as the use of a crib sheet on a test;
spontaneous cheating on a test or a quiz; unauthorized use of work previously submitted in another course.
Level 2. Reading a book in a language other than the one in which it is assigned; copying another's homework;
unacknowledged collaboration or assistance; discussing an exercise, test or quiz with those who have already
taken it; and/or using another's data on math or science assignments or someone else's research for an essay
or worksheet.
These examples are not meant to be an exhaustive or complete list. They are guidelines to help students recognize a
wide spectrum of dishonest behavior. At any level, cheating and plagiarism, or helping others to cheat or plagiarize,
are wrong and will not be tolerated.
Consequences of Academic Dishonesty
Incidents of academic dishonesty should be reported to the academic dean. Major violations (Level 1) or multiple
incidents of a serious nature (Level 2) will be referred to the Discipline Committee. A first offense of a Level 2 violation
is likely to be handled by the academic dean, in consultation with the teacher, advisor and dean of students. In general,
the issue will be addressed with the student, and the parents will be informed as to the nature of the offense and the
subsequent consequences. The school may, in its sole discretion, decide upon discipline, including, but not limited to,
dismissal, suspension, deans’ warning, reduction or loss of credit for an assignment or course based on the underlying
conduct, regardless of whether the Discipline Committee is convened.
To honor our school mission, Brooks promotes an academic policy of restorative justice. If a student plagiarizes or
cheats, as part of the disciplinary action required of that individual, that student must rewrite the assignment or retake
Academic Policies & Course Catalog 2023-2024 13
the assessment in question to satisfy the original learning objective. The student may earn up to a failing grade of 59
percent for that assignment or assessment. Therefore, a teacher will not calculate a grade of zero for a total loss of
credit into a semester average.
In the case a student is suspended, that student may be asked to serve the suspension in-house. The student will then
report to the academic dean at the conclusion of classes for a minimum of two afternoons. This practice will continue
until expectations related to the disciplinary decision and restorative justice have been fulfilled.
Class Attendance
Attendance & Absences
Attendance at classes and other Brooks commitments during the school year is of paramount importance. While
acknowledging the occasional need for students to be absent from class for appointments, family obligations, personal
reasons, and other planned or unforeseen reasons, the school does expect those absences to be undertaken only with
careful consideration and, where possible, with some thought for maintaining the integrity of the school schedule.
Please review carefully the following policies regarding attendance.
Class time is an extremely important and valuable component of the education at Brooks, and it should not be missed
casually. Given increased pressure by families to have students out of school for extended periods of time or for
personal reasons (medical/short leaves, athletic tournaments, family trips, etc.), the faculty has established a general
academic attendance requirement. The faculty believes there is a point at which absences from school—excused or
unexcused, for reasons of health, convenience or pleasure—so significantly curtail the learning necessary to meet
course requirements that a student must forfeit credit in that course. As this policy relates to all absences from class
time, it is intended to be clear, fair and liberal enough to allow for a reasonable/expected number of absences, some of
which might actually be caused by the school itself (e.g., field trips).
This policy on academic attendance requires that students missing an inordinate amount of school consider carefully
the consequences of the choices they are making. The school hopes that this policy will affect very few students, and
that the typical student, faced with the typical life circumstances of illness, field trips, long weekends, etc., would not
find themselves in any sort of credit jeopardy.
A student absent from approximately 18 percent of the meetings of a course per semester may forfeit credit in that
course by being withdrawn from it. For reference, 18 percent corresponds roughly to 11 absences from a class meeting
four times weekly, and six absences from a class meeting twice weekly. “Absent from” means “not physically present
in,” regardless of the reason.
Unexcused Academic Absences
In addition to the general policy on absences from required activities, the academic dean keeps same-class records of
class absences on a semester basis. Students with three or more unexcused absences from the same class in a semester
may be required to attend a special discipline hearing that includes the advisor, the dean of students and the academic
dean. If thereafter a student accumulates additional unexcused absences in that same course, that student may forfeit
credit in the course by being withdrawn from it.
Academic Policies & Course Catalog 2023-2024 14
The Learning Center
Introduction
In order for Brooks to achieve its mission of providing “the most meaningful educational experience” for our students,
we must do our best to help each student reach their full academic potential. A key part of a student’s success is the
knowledge that they have the necessary skills to meet the expectations of their courses. Beyond curriculum content,
students need to be empowered with the tools to reach this potential. Many students may need academic help at some
point during their time at Brooks. The services available through the Learning Center provide this important
complement to their classroom experience.
Services Offered
The Learning Center provides general academic counseling, study and organizational skills development, time
management help, writing support and learning styles education. Although classroom teachers are the best source for
content area help, some tutorial support is available in the Learning Center as well. The Learning Center is located
within the main academic building and is open throughout the school day, Monday through Saturday. While some
students seek support on a regularly scheduled basis, others prefer to drop in only when specific help is needed.
Advisors and classroom teachers may refer a student for Learning Center services. Additionally, the Learning Center
offers an evening study option, staffed by faculty and peer tutors, four evenings per week.
Resources for Students with Disabilities
The Learning Center coordinates services and accommodations for students admitted to Brooks with learning
disabilities. Students who have documented disabilities are guaranteed certain protections and rights to equal access to
programs and services under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In order to be eligible for accommodations,
students must present current (within the last three years) testing/documentation to the Learning Center prior to the
school year in order to ensure these are in place when classes begin. In cases where students are tested during the
school year, documentation should be submitted to the Learning Center as soon as it is available.
Learning profiles are written at the start of each semester. Based on the documentation, the Learning Center faculty
will create a learning profile for the student, which includes a summary of a student’s disability/learning style,
academic strengths and weaknesses, accommodations, recommendations and student responsibilities. This profile is
confidential and is shared only with the student’s advisor and relevant faculty members. Brooks currently offers four
academic accommodations: 50% extended time; small group setting; use of a computer for essay writing; and use of a
four-function calculator.
Academic Policies & Course Catalog 2023-2024 15
COURSE CATALOG
The Arts
"Creativity is not a rare ability. It is not difficult to access. Creativity is a fundamental aspect of being human. It
is our birthright. And it's for all of us."
Rick Rubin, The Creative Act
Whether in the studio or on the stage, the arts are at the center of Brooks School students’ experience. Our expansive
programs in performing and visual arts are designed to promote and develop the critical skills of confidence,
creativity, and curiosity. In the classroom, students choose from a wide range of courses from Arts Exploratory to AP
Studio Art. Students are required to take five semesters of courses in the arts, and many Brooks students go beyond the
requirement to include joyful creative expression in their day.
Required Third-Form Arts
All third-form students are enrolled in a first year of arts. Third-form students enroll in either Arts Exploratory or one
of our year-long ensembles: Chamber Music, Concert Chorale, Festival Chorus, Jazz Band, or Rock Band, or Advanced
Jazz or Rock Band by permission of the instructor.
Arts Exploratory. This year-long exploratory arts course, taught by a team of Arts faculty, provides access to our
breadth of artistic disciplines within our Center for the Arts for all third-form students. Each student will spend
several weeks in teams of students engaging, collaborating, communicating and creating in different disciplines within
the arts. Topics include 2D and 3D visual art, digital media, theatre performance, technical theatre, instrumental music,
and singing.
Major (2 credits per semester) – Third Form – Full year.
No prerequisites.
Music
The study and performance of music is a unique vehicle for creativity, emotional expression, and the development of
self-discipline. Brooks encourages students to nurture their musical interests and abilities through group and solo
performance, private study, and classes in music history and music theory. Through these activities, students can begin
to understand music in its greater historical and social contexts and discover connections between music and other
academic disciplines.
First-level music
Instrumental Ensemble. (NOT OFFERED IN 2023-2024.) This course is open to all interested students regardless of
prior experience. Each term focuses on a single instrument, and that instrument of choice may change from ensemble
to ensemble. The students study the history of the instrument and perform at a recital at the end of each term, as well
as in occasional informal performances. Emphasis is placed on reading, aural, rehearsal, performance, and blending
skills, which apply to all music. Selected members of the ensemble are occasionally asked to rehearse and perform in
collaboration with other ensembles.
Major (2 credits) – Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Forms – Semester 1 or Semester 2.
No prerequisites.
Academic Policies & Course Catalog 2023-2024 16
Music Theory I (Reading and Keyboarding). This course is designed to help students develop basic analytical skills in
reading and notating music. Attention is given to note recognition in all clefs, aural and rhythmic dictation, and
building scales, keys and chords. Students will also develop rudimentary keyboard skills in order to assist in
deepening their understanding of music theory.
Major (2 credits) – Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Forms – Semester 1.
No prerequisites.
Music Theory II (Composition and Creation). (NOT OFFERED IN 2023-2024.) Music Theory II is designed as the
natural progression from Music Theory I. This course functions for the intermediate to advanced student musician in
order to more thoroughly understand the elements of music theory, composition, and musicianship. Ear training and
sight-reading are critical parts of this course. In addition to incorporating analysis of more complex musical works,
students will also create music and understand the guidelines used in music written by others in order to better
understand the inner workings of composition. Students taking this course must read music and it is preferred that
students have been a member of one of our music ensembles before taking this course, but it is not required.
Major (2 credits) – Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Forms – Semester 2.
No prerequisites.
Modern Music Production. The Modern Music Production course is designed to help students understand the
techniques and concepts used in the modern, digital recording studio. Students learn how those ideas were forged and
study the development of each new technology to help them make informed decisions in the recording process. Basic
concepts of acoustics and their application in the modern studio are included. Past and current technologies are
observed and implemented in the classroom as well as in projects. By the end of the course, students will be proficient
in using recording technology, navigating digital audio workstations, and producing/mixing music on the computer.
Major (2 credits) – Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Forms – Semester 2.
No prerequisites.
Upper-level music
AP Music Theory. This course is designed to be the equivalent of a first-year college course in music theory. Students
prepare for the advanced placement examination in May. At least a basic familiarity with musical notation is
important. It is also strongly recommended that the student will have acquired at least basic performance skills in
voice or on an instrument.
Major (2 credits per semester) – Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Forms – Full year.
Prerequisite: Permission of the department.
Independent Study. This semester-long course allows students to study a project in music under the supervision of a
member of the department.
Major (2 credits) or Minor (1 credit) – Sixth Form – Semester 1 and/or Semester 2.
Prerequisite: Written permission of the department head and instructor.
Instrumental and Vocal Lessons. Private instruction is available for most instruments and voice on a weekly basis and
at an additional cost. Instruction is provided by some of the finest musicians in the greater Boston area. No academic
credit is granted. Students enroll by completing the summer online form or by speaking directly with the Director of
Music.
Academic Policies & Course Catalog 2023-2024 17
Music ensembles
Brooks School Chorus. This is a non-audition, all-gender vocal ensemble designed to introduce students to ensemble
singing at the high school level. Students learn basic vocal technique as it pertains to choral and solo singing, practice
fundamental musicianship skills including music reading, solfege, and text interpretation, and perform music in
multiple languages from various genres and musical eras. The chorus also collaborates with other Brooks instrumental
ensembles each term, culminating in a large ensemble concert each in December and May. Each semester’s major
performances are a meaningful and compulsory component of this class.
Minor (1 credit per semester) – All forms – Semester 1 and/or Semester 2.
No prerequisites.
Advanced Chorus. This is an auditioned, intermediate-level vocal ensemble for treble voices whose focus is on
developing higher musical literacy, challenging choral repertoire spanning several genres, languages and time periods,
intermediate to advanced vocal production, and public performance. Emphasis is placed on developing more
advanced musicianship and professionalism. Participation in this ensemble requires semi-regular public performances
that are a meaningful and compulsory component of this course.
Major (2 credits) – Third, Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Forms – Full year.
Prerequisite: Audition and permission of the instructor.
Jazz Band. This is an ensemble that studies and performs music written for large ensembles in a variety of styles
including swing, blues, Latin-American, and modern jazz/rock fusion. Members of the group work together to
develop their skills in such areas as precision in performance, accuracy of style, and group awareness. Opportunities
are provided for those who wish to explore the art of improvisation. This group performs at the winter and spring
concerts, Family Weekend, and a variety of other events throughout the year.
Major (2 credits per semester) – All forms – Full year.
Prerequisite: Permission of the department.
Advanced Jazz Band. This ensemble furthers the structure and intent of Jazz Band at a higher level and with a strong
emphasis on improvisation and collaboration. This group performs at the winter and spring concerts, Family
Weekend, Revisit Days, and a variety of other events throughout the year.
Major (2 credits per semester) – All forms – Full year.
Prerequisite: Audition and permission of the department.
Brooks Chamber Orchestra (BCO). This is an intermediate-level orchestral ensemble whose repertoire spans from the
Renaissance era to contemporary 21st-century music. With an emphasis on standard orchestral repertoire from the last
three centuries, students build skills in music reading, intonation, interpretation, and group dynamics. The Chamber
Orchestra regularly performs at school functions, final semester concerts, and outside venues both alone and in
collaboration with the many ensembles at Brooks School.
Major (2 credits per semester) – All forms – Full year.
Prerequisite: Permission of the department.
Rock Band. This band is designed for instrumentalists and vocalists interested in studying, composing, and
performing music in the rock style. The group performs at school functions throughout the year. An emphasis is
placed on musical fundamentals, note, rhythm, and chord reading, stage presence, and interpersonal collaboration.
Major (2 credits per semester) – All forms – Full year.
Prerequisite: Audition and permission of the department.
Advanced Rock Band. This course builds upon the work established in Rock Band. The course is a small ensemble
class that is geared towards preparing the group for a variety of live performances in the rock and pop genre. Students
Academic Policies & Course Catalog 2023-2024 18
work as a group and individually to learn the material on their various instruments or voice and to study other aspects
of live performance. The music in Advanced Rock Band uses more complex techniques, harmonies, and textures. Two
major and one or more minor performances will be scheduled for the ensemble during the school year.
Major (2 credits per semester) – All forms – Full year.
Prerequisite: Audition and permission of the instructor.
Theater
The theater program provides novice and experienced stage performers with opportunities to study the art of the
theater. Students examine a variety of theater styles, periods, and cultural traditions, enabling them to gain experience
in all aspects of theater: acting, directing, playwriting, and technical theater design. Students develop and perform
dramatic pieces based on original material and develop critical and analytical skills through script study and
performance observations. In addition to the three full-scale productions that are performed annually, formal
coursework and independent studies in acting and directing are available to all students. In addition, visits to
performances in art festivals and workshop productions enrich the total theater program at the school.
First-level theater
Acting for Stage and Screen. From character analysis to combat techniques students discover and hone their unique
performance style as they explore acting onstage and on camera. Students will collaborate on a historical range of text
and technique from diverse playwrights to inform their performance work while participating in showcase
performances and creating original short films. This is a differentiated classroom for first- and second-level acting
students.
Major (2 credits) – Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Forms – Semester 1 or Semester 2.
No prerequisites.
Acting: Character, Combat and Context. This course builds on the basics of performance through character analysis,
movement/stage combat techniques, and scene work. Students work to discover and hone their unique performance
style as they collaborate on a historical range of monologues and scenes while working on a production project for the
end of the term. Students keep a detailed journal in addition to attending and analyzing professional theater
productions. This course may be repeated if a student wishes to continue working on acting skills but does not intend
to specialize by taking one of the advanced acting classes.
Major (2 credits) – Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Forms – Semester 1 or Semester 2.
No prerequisites.
Stagecraft Carpentry. This hands-on class covers stage carpentry processes, including building and covering scenery,
rigging and flying scenic pieces, and lofting and sawing techniques. Students learn the proper and safe operation of
hand and power tools commonly used in scenic carpentry as they complete personal projects and collaborate on
mainstage productions.
Major (2 credits) – Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Forms – Semester 1 or Semester 2.
No prerequisites.
Theater Design and Production Lab. In this hands-on course, students will explore all aspects of technical design and
theatrical direction including but not limited to constructing costumes, rigging scenery, programming lights/sound,
and dramaturgy. Students in this course have the opportunity to assist with the design or direction of a mainstage
production.
Major (2 credits) – Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Forms – Semester 1 or Semester 2.
No prerequisites.
Academic Policies & Course Catalog 2023-2024 19
Page to Stage Lab. (NOT OFFERED IN 2023-2024.) Students engage in all aspects of stage direction and playwriting in
this active, collaborative class. No experience? No problem! Through classroom exercises, script analysis, and staged
readings, beginning to advanced students explore and expand upon the necessary techniques to create and direct
theatrical works. This course culminates in an original play festival featuring staged readings of students’ original
work alongside historical and contemporary pieces. This course may be repeated if a student wishes to continue
developing their skills but does not intend to specialize by taking an advanced acting class.
Major (2 credits) – Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Forms – Semester 1 or Semester 2.
No prerequisites.
Upper-level theater
Advanced Performance Studio. This year-long course is designed for students who demonstrate strong performance
techniques and have been recommended by the Arts Department. In this performance-based class, students undertake
in-depth character analysis and explore sophisticated ways of expressing their character(s) as individuals and in an
ensemble. Students engage in master classes, generate original material, explore a wide range of historical techniques,
and hone their skill sets through showcase performances. There is also potential for collaboration with Advanced
Open Studio. Because the course material and ensemble members shift yearly, students are able to repeat this course to
continue advancing their skills.
Major (2 credits per semester) – Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Forms – Full year.
Prerequisite: Acting for Stage and Screen, or permission of the department.
Independent Study: Student Direction and Design. After choosing a concentration in stage direction or design,
students collaborate with the Director of Theater and Technical Director to mount a student-led production on the
mainstage.
Major (2 credits) or Minor (1 credit) – Sixth Form – Semester 1 and/or Semester 2.
Prerequisite: Written permission of the department.
Visual Arts
The visual arts curriculum is designed to provide students with the opportunity to expand their art consciousness and
to allow gifted students a chance for serious study in the medium of choice. Through a variety of courses in studio art
in which they may work on drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpture, photography and film, students strive for
control after experimentation. Courses concentrate on the study of the artists' aims and means. Ample extracurricular
opportunities enable students to continue the creative process outside the classroom.
First-level visual arts
2D Studio Art. Students work with a variety of media to explore processes, concepts and ideas to create drawings,
paintings and collages. Students come away with a basic understanding of the principles and elements of art through
the process of portraiture, still life, figure work, landscape, color theory and abstraction. Cultural art history and
perspectives are shared in the bodies of the lessons.
Major (2 credits) – Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Forms – Semester 1 or Semester 2.
No prerequisites.
3D Studio Art. This course focuses on the fundamental elements and techniques of three-dimensional form. Sculptures
will have various degrees of functional and decorative purpose as well as abstraction and realism. Students will
develop visual analysis and critical thinking skills throughout the process and will participate in critiques using
elements and principles of design. Simple forms and techniques will lead to more challenging and comprehensive
problems addressing both additive and subtractive methods. Various materials are explored: wood, paper, plaster,
Academic Policies & Course Catalog 2023-2024 20
fabric, mixed media, clay, and natural and found objects. Elements of art history and design are introduced
throughout.
Major (2 credits) – Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Forms – Semester 1 or Semester 2.
No prerequisites.
Ceramics I. This course combines pottery wheel skills and hand-building methods to build sensory awareness, creative
dexterity and self-expression. Elements and principles of design will inform the work while additive and subtractive
methods will be used to create the work. Students will explore functional and sculptural construction using stoneware
clay and a broad spectrum of surface finishes. There will be a final project of creating a complete, uniquely styled
functional or sculptural collection.
Major (2 credits) – Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Forms – Semester 1 or Semester 2.
No prerequisites.
Digital Art. The curriculum of Digital Art introduces students to a whole new world of cutting-edge digital tools,
techniques, and conceptual skills for creating fine art that is personal, inspired and beautiful. The portfolio we create
together will consist of composite paintings, digital illustrations, album covers, laser cuts, 3D renders, and animations.
Concentration will be on the building of various technical skills and the refinement of aesthetic understandings of
diverse contemporary digital art practices. A goal of this course is to prepare students for Advanced Open Studio.
Major (2 credits) – Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Forms – Semester 2.
No prerequisites.
Film. This hybrid studio and performance art course seeks to take the novice’s interest as lifelong audience members of
visual media to build a foundation in cinematic language and techniques. In this course, they become familiar with the
visual language and vocabulary while learning the basics of pre-production (developing an idea, storyboarding and
scripting), production (lighting, filming, acting, & recording) and post-production (editing). Students develop the skills
of creativity, collaboration and communication through the process of visual storytelling with video production
exercises, screenings, critiques and class discussions. A goal of this course is to prepare students for Advanced Open
Studio.
Major (2 credits) – Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Forms – Semester 1.
No prerequisites.
Film Photography. The main goals of this course are to teach students how to use a camera to express themselves
through film photography and hand printing as well as to prepare students for Advanced Open Studio. The focus of
the semester is divided at the midterm: First, we focus on skill building; then, we photograph to express our creative
voice. Foundations in the first half enable students to explore the outdoors with a keen photographic eye, intentionally
capture and develop photos on film, mix chemistry, experiment with alternative processes, and hand-print
photographs in the darkroom. At the midterm, students will identify a central theme in their work and use it as the
basis for a series of 5 poetic images that demonstrate skillful composition, dynamic light and rich contrast. At the
semester’s end, a selection of each student's handmade photographs will be hung in a prominent campus location of
their choice.
Major (2 credits) – Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Forms – Semester 1.
No prerequisites.
Digital Photography. The main goals of this course are to teach students how to use a camera to express themselves
through image-making and to prepare students for Advanced Open Studio. The focus of the semester is divided at the
midterm: First, we focus on skill building; then, we photograph to express our creative voice. During the first half of
the semester, students learn the skills required to light, capture and digitally develop a photograph while also
exploring portraiture, narrative, landscape, still life, macro, and sports. Through hands-on games, projects, and
Academic Policies & Course Catalog 2023-2024 21
collaborative challenges, students will learn the fundamentals of camera operation and how to control light in unique
and beautiful ways. After the midterm, we'll shift into open ended prompts aimed at helping students explore their
vision and voice. Finally, at the end of the semester, a selection of each student's work will be printed and displayed in
a prominent campus location.
Major (2 credits) – Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Forms – Semester 1 or Semester 2.
No prerequisites.
Woodworking. This course is designed to teach students the basics of woodworking in a step-by-step and
machine-by-machine process building a collaboratively designed project that lays the foundation for good
woodworking technique. Our emphasis will be on the achievement of a solid foundation in the skill and process of the
woodworker's craft, rather than on the size and complexity of the product. The proper use of machinery with an
emphasis on shop safety will be reviewed. Students will be expected to learn about and safely use hand tools, power
tools, and woodworking machinery. Students will expand their knowledge and experience through various projects,
lessons, exposure to diverse woodworking artists and practices and technical vocabulary. The course will culminate
with a capstone project that the student will build and exhibit.
Major (2 credits) – Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Forms – Semester 1 or Semester 2.
No prerequisites.
Sculpture. This course offers an in-depth exploration of 3-D forms of sculpture. While students will continue to use the
basic elements and principles of design to create and inform their work, they will be asked to interpret selected
subjects in multiple mediums and styles with a personal point of view. Students will explore additive and subtractive
methods in clay, wood, plaster, fabric and found objects until they discover one they will work with in-depth for the
final quarter of the semester. Students will choose to work in degrees of realism and abstraction of different subjects
such as the figure, landscape, portraiture and design while also maintaining a sketchbook of developing ideas. A final
project will be done in a series of three works based on the student’s preference of subject and medium.
Major (2 credits) – Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Forms – Semester 1.
No prerequisites.
Drawing. Students will delve deeply into line quality, tone, shade, mood, effective use of color and narrative in this
class. Students will learn and practice strong critique and presentation techniques in order to effectively communicate
their work and ideas; they will be charged with creating a series of works that address specific challenges. Students
will be required to work in a sketchbook and create and maintain a portfolio, along with their in-class project work.
Major (2 credits) – Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Forms – Semester 1.
No prerequisites.
Painting. In this course, students will explore the fundamentals of painting in watercolor, gouache, acrylic, and
possibly oil. This class will be broken into two distinct series of workshops in which we will explore various artistic
approaches and techniques utilized in these mediums. We will also learn how to look critically at paintings (both
historical and contemporary) and understand the elements of art and principles of design that various artists employ.
Critiques will be incorporated into the course as well, providing us with the opportunity to articulate the strengths and
areas for improvement within each other’s work. This course will culminate with a final portfolio project and a final
critique.
Major (2 credits) – Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Forms – Semester 2.
No prerequisites.
Academic Policies & Course Catalog 2023-2024 22
Upper-level visual arts
Ceramics II. Students will begin the semester by combining functional pottery and sculptural forms using the
hand-building and pottery wheel methods. Students will have an ongoing journal and research component, studying
ideas that interest them, and will share their learning with the class weekly. As the semester progresses, they will
choose a direction to either combine or isolate these methods to develop their personal point of view in either
functional or sculptural work. In the final quarter, they will create a cohesive body of work that will include surface
finishing methods. Throughout the course, the students will also be learning and assisting in the firing processes.
Major (2 credits) – Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Forms – Semester 2.
No prerequisites.
Advanced Open Studio: Media Arts. This course provides an opportunity for experienced New Media artists to build a
portfolio in photography, cinematography, animation or digital art. A goal of this course is to prepare students for AP
Studio. The open studio format mirrors that of AP and allows for considerable individual attention and the freedom to
narrow one’s focus. Combining advanced artists and passion-driven independent inquiry within the same space
establishes an environment that fosters experimentation, collaboration, risk-taking, and the systematic analysis of
one’s own work. Through critiques, guided inquiry, self-discipline, and collaboration, students will build portfolios
that focus on concept and exploration. Students will further develop their unique visual language and implement it
with purpose. The portfolio created in this course will highlight their voice by showcasing their depth, breadth, and
mastery. The students in this class will curate and produce a Student Art Exhibition in the Center for the Arts or the
Robert Lehman Art Gallery.
Major (2 credits per semester) – Fifth and Sixth Forms – Full year.
Prerequisites: Film Photography, Digital Photography, Digital Art, or Film.
AP Studio Art. This course provides an opportunity for experienced visual artists to build a portfolio in either
Drawing/Painting, 2D Design (photo/film) or 3D Design with a body of work that demonstrates breadth and depth.
Students will submit a portfolio to the College Board in May, in addition to helping curate two Student Art Exhibitions
in the Robert Lehman Art Gallery.
Major (2 credits per semester) – Fifth and Sixth Forms – Full year.
Prerequisites: Portfolio review and departmental and instructor permission.
Independent Study. This semester-long course allows students to study a project in art under the supervision of a
member of the department.
Major or Minor – Sixth Form – Semester 1 or Semester 2.
Prerequisite: Written permission of the department head and instructor.
Academic Policies & Course Catalog 2023-2024 23
World Languages
Language learning unites cumulative content knowledge with a multitude of skills that challenge students to make
connections and comparisons, understand linguistic patterns, and express themselves. The acquisition of vocabulary
and grammar is inextricably linked to the cultures, both ancient and modern, in which they are used. Active use of
language as well as competency in cultural literacy are the goals of the World Languages Department.
In addition, students are encouraged to study abroad to further increase their linguistic and cultural knowledge.
Through the Brooks School Exchange Program, School Year Abroad programs, or independent travel programs,
students have a variety of opportunities to immerse themselves in another language and culture.
All incoming students are asked to complete a placement evaluation in any language offered at Brooks in which the
student has prior knowledge or experience. A student whose proficiency and command of Latin, Mandarin Chinese,
French, and/or Spanish demonstrate that they place higher than our third level of instruction is strongly
recommended either to continue the study of that language in our upper-level courses or to enroll in one of the other
languages offered at Brooks.
If a student’s prior language experience is in a language other than Latin, Mandarin Chinese, French, or Spanish, that
student is required to study a World Language offered at Brooks. The modern languages, in addition to English, are
four of the six official languages of the United Nations and are among the most widely used globally. The study of
classical languages continues to be a valuable pursuit as these offer unique insight into the structure of the English
language as well as the impact of the ancient world on the modern one.
Members of the World Languages Department may teach independent studies in other aspects of language and culture
and introductory conversational classes in other tongues as their ability and interest dictate. Examples of this may be
in languages such as Ancient Greek, Arabic or German.
Classical Languages
What defines heroism? What are the limits of power? The study of Latin applies intellectual curiosity and reason to
such questions as these. Students consider these issues in their own lives as they read and interpret at a deep level.
Ultimately all students actively participate in their own education, think and write analytically, and consider carefully
the large issues of ancient and current culture.
Latin First Level. This course introduces the Latin language through the Wheelock’s Latin textbook, which emphasizes
the rapid acquisition of complex grammatical structures, and has students reading and translating right away.
Through the readings, students will explore the history, art, and literature of the Roman world, including the
tremendous merging of cultures as the Roman empire expanded. Latin First Level is for students with no previous
study of Latin or whose placement test indicates that they are not prepared to take Latin Second Level.
Major (2 credits per semester) – All forms – Full year.
No prerequisites.
Latin Second Level. Students continue the study of Latin grammar and vocabulary using Fabulae Graecae and Fabulae
Romanae while improving their reading and analytical skills.
Major (2 credits per semester) – All forms – Full year.
Prerequisite: Latin First Level and/or placement by assessment and department approval.
Academic Policies & Course Catalog 2023-2024 24
The following courses are Latin Reading courses. Latin courses at this level are offered in a three-year cycle. Each year
considers a different theme and the students read different texts. Thus, students often enroll at this level for two or
three years.
Latin Reading: Transformation and Change. (OFFERED IN 2023-2024.) This course considers transformation in several
ways: myth into history, Republic into Empire, and physical transformation. The class reads Latin selections from
Caesar’s Bellum Gallicum, Cicero’s In Catalina and Ovid’s Metamorphoses, as well as selections from Roma in English.
Students consider cultural and historical influences and transformation in ancient and modern applications and
regularly participate in discussions. Students translate both prose and poetry, learn stylistic analysis, and write
cumulative analytical essays.
Major (2 credits per semester) – Fourth, Fifth or Sixth Form – Full year.
Prerequisite: Latin Second Level and/or placement by assessment and department approval.
Latin Reading: Love and Friendship. (OFFERED IN 2024-2025.) Students define and discuss Roman views on love and
friendship in a variety of genres: philosophy, myth and lyric poetry. The class reads Latin selections from authors such
as Cicero, Apuleius, Catullus, Ovid and Vergil. Some of these texts may be read entirely in English. Students consider
cultural and historical influences, success and failure, and actively participate in discussions. Students translate both
prose and poetry, learn stylistic analysis, and write cumulative analytical essays.
Major (2 credits per semester) – Fourth, Fifth or Sixth Form – Full year.
Prerequisite: Latin Second Level and/or placement by assessment and department approval.
Latin Reading: Decadence and Greed. (OFFERED IN 2025-2026.) Students define and discuss the Roman view of
decadence in a variety of genres: oratory, picaresque novel and didactic poetry. The class reads Latin selections from
Cicero's Pro Caelio, Petronius and Vergil’s Aeneid. These texts are also read entirely in English. Students consider
historical and cultural influences, compare ancient and modern views and actively participate in discussions. Students
translate both prose and poetry, learn stylistic analysis and write cumulative analytical essays.
Major (2 credits per semester) – Fourth, Fifth or Sixth Form – Full year.
Prerequisite: Latin Second Level and/or placement by assessment and department approval.
Honors Latin. Students read unadapted texts such as Catullus, Cicero, Caesar, Vergil and Ovid at an advanced level
and pace. They consider genre conventions and thematic connections between the texts. They also write analytical
essays of varying scope and increasing depth, consider historical and cultural influences, and read ancillary texts in
English. This course can be taken before or after AP Latin.
Major (2 credits per semester) – Fifth or Sixth Form – Full year.
Prerequisite: Permission of the department.
AP Latin. (NOT OFFERED IN 2023-2024.) This course prepares students for the advanced placement exam in Latin.
Major (2 credits per semester) – Fifth or Sixth Form – Full year.
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.
Independent Study. This semester-long course allows students to study a project of their own design under the
supervision of a member of the department.
Major (2 credits) or Minor (1 credit) – Fifth and Sixth Forms – Semester 1 or Semester 2.
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor and department.
Academic Policies & Course Catalog 2023-2024 25
Modern Languages
Through the study of Mandarin Chinese, French, and Spanish, students develop linguistic and cross-cultural skills in
order to prepare for engagement in a global society. Courses are taught in the target language in order to best develop
the four basic linguistic skills: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Advanced courses develop analytical skills for
understanding literature, investigating current events, and researching important issues in various cultures around the
world. Many courses use our language laboratory and incorporate technology into daily lessons. Above all, teachers
and students work together in order to examine beliefs and practices and to develop an appreciation for cultures that
differ from their own.
Mandarin Chinese
Mandarin Chinese First Level. In this introductory course, students learn the Pinyin Romanization system and use
acquired language skills in a variety of classroom activities. While the focus is primarily on oral proficiency and aural
comprehension including the mastery of tones, students are introduced to important grammar structures and learn to
read and write simplified Chinese characters and recognize them in context. At the end of this level, students will have
acquired the skills to ask and answer questions; narrate events; describe likes and dislikes; make short oral
presentations in Chinese; and engage in short reading and writing activities that show a mastery of approximately 300
characters. These skills are employed within the framework of familiar contexts such as family, leisure activities, and
school life, and are enriched through the introduction of Chinese culture.
Major (2 credits per semester) – All forms – Full year.
No prerequisites.
Mandarin Chinese Second Level. This intermediate course continues to build on the language skills of Mandarin
Chinese First Level: oral proficiency, aural comprehension, reading, and character formation. Consistent practice
develops students’ ability to express themselves using more advanced vocabulary, expressions, and grammar
structures. Primary emphasis on conversational fluency is complemented by an increasing focus on reading and
writing skills. Students will master approximately 400 additional characters and will be able to recognize significantly
more in context. Language study is enriched with China's history and culture through guest speakers and audio,
visual, and online sources. An honors section of this course may be offered.
Major (2 credits per semester) – All forms – Full year.
Prerequisite: Mandarin Chinese First Level and/or placement by assessment and department approval.
Mandarin Chinese Third Level. This upper-intermediate course continues to build the language skills of Mandarin
Chinese Second Level: oral proficiency, listening comprehension, reading, writing, and character formation. Consistent
practice develops students’ ability to express themselves using more advanced vocabulary, expressions and
grammatical structures. The primary emphasis on conversational fluency is complemented by an increasing focus on
reading and writing skills. Students will master approximately 400 additional characters and be able to recognize
significantly more in context. Some modern literature is introduced. Language study is enriched with China's history
and culture through guest speakers and audio, visual, and online sources. An honors section of this course may be
offered.
Major (2 credits per semester) – All forms – Full year.
Prerequisite: Mandarin Chinese Second Level and/or placement by assessment and department approval.
Mandarin Chinese Fourth Level. (NOT OFFERED IN 2023-2024.) This course continues to build the language skills of
Mandarin Chinese Third Level: oral proficiency, aural comprehension, reading, and writing. Consistent practice
develops students’ ability to express themselves using more advanced vocabulary, expressions and grammar
structures. Students explore more sophisticated aspects of the language and culture as increased use of authentic
materials is employed. The primary emphasis shifts from conversational fluency to formal language usage such as the
Academic Policies & Course Catalog 2023-2024 26
language used in newspapers, modern literature and poetry. Longer texts covering social issues are introduced. Audio,
visual and online sources as well as films are used to enhance students’ understanding of the modern Chinese
language and culture. An honors section of this course may be offered.
Major (2 credits per semester) – All forms – Full year.
Prerequisite: Chinese Third Level and/or placement by assessment and department approval.
AP Chinese Language and Culture. (NOT OFFERED IN 2023-2024.) This course prepares students for the College
Board's Advanced Placement Chinese Language and Culture exam. Students improve their level of Chinese
proficiency across the three communicative modes (interpersonal, interpretive and presentational) and the five goal
areas (communication, cultures, connections, comparisons, and communities) as outlined in the American Council on
the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) standards. Student work focuses on language proficiency as well as
cultural knowledge.
Major (2 credits per semester) – Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Forms – Full year.
Prerequisite: Mandarin Chinese Third or Fourth Level and/or placement by assessment and department approval.
The following courses are Advanced Mandarin Chinese courses. Mandarin Chinese courses at this level are offered in
a three-year cycle. Each year considers a different theme and the students read different texts. Thus, students often
enroll at this level for two or three years.
Advanced Mandarin Chinese: Integrated Language Skills. (OFFERED IN 2023-2024.) In this course, students will be
introduced to a higher level of vocabulary, grammar, and language structures using the Huanying textbook V2 and
workbook V2/P2 as the main texts. Students will increase their vocabulary and improve their reading comprehension,
conversation skills, and writing ability. Besides learning more Chinese idioms, students will enhance their knowledge
of Chinese culture and modern society throughout the year. Students will engage in interactive and integrated
language practice through fun and meaningful activities centered on current events and contemporary topics such as
education and the environment. Their learning experience will be continuously intertwined with communication,
culture, connections, comparisons, and communities. This course will prepare students for studying abroad in China
and enable them to participate in any Chinese-speaking communities or organizations.
Major (2 credits per semester) – Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Forms – Full year.
Prerequisite: Mandarin Chinese Third or Fourth Level and/or placement by assessment and department approval.
Advanced Mandarin Chinese: Society and Social Life. (OFFERED IN 2024-2025.) This course focuses on deciphering a
changing society in contemporary China and will build reading and writing proficiency using essays on China’s
rapidly changing socio-cultural landscape. Students will explore complex issues like China’s population boom, the
challenges of finding love, financial hurdles, and more. The course emphasizes reading comprehension strategies and
language acquisition techniques, teaching students to skim texts for main ideas, scan for details, and identify different
types of prose. Students will study the nuances of formal written Chinese and be encouraged to implement newly
learned literary forms in their writing. Writing development will also benefit from mastering the usage of high-level
vocabulary and increasingly challenging sentence patterns. Speaking skills will be strengthened by group discussion
and individual presentation topics about complex social issues in contemporary China. This course will prepare
students for studying abroad in China and enable them to participate in any Chinese-speaking communities or
organizations.
Major (2 credits per semester) – Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Forms – Full year.
Prerequisite: Mandarin Chinese Third or Fourth Level and/or placement by assessment and department approval.
Advanced Mandarin Chinese: Literature. (OFFERED IN 2025-2026.) This course invites students to investigate the rich
textures of traditional and contemporary Chinese culture while sharpening their reading skills. This course will
reinforce students’ grasp of Chinese vocabulary and grammar while also strengthening their understanding of Chinese
Academic Policies & Course Catalog 2023-2024 27
culture and literature. Students will be introduced to important Chinese authors/poets and their popular works. This
course will grow students’ interest in reading and their capacity for language appreciation. By taking this course,
students’ vocabulary will increase and they will enhance their logical thinking in the target language while deepening
their understanding of the Chinese language at the linguistics level. This course will prepare students for studying
abroad in China and enable them to participate in any Chinese-speaking communities or organizations.
Major (2 credits per semester) – Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Forms – Full year.
Prerequisite: Mandarin Chinese Third or Fourth Level and/or placement by assessment and department approval.
Independent Study. This semester-long course allows students to study a project in Chinese language, literature or
culture under the supervision of a member of the department.
Major (2 credits) or Minor (1 credit) – Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Forms – Semester 1 or Semester 2.
Prerequisites: Permission of the instructor and the department.
French
French First Level. This course introduces the French language through reading, writing, speaking and listening
exercises. Fundamentals of sentence structure and other grammatical concepts are introduced. Students explore French
and Francophone cultures in Europe, Africa, America, and Asia. French First Level offers an immersion-based
curriculum using French in Action texts and videos. The class is augmented with authentic materials and conducted in
French. French First Level is for students with no previous study of French or whose placement test indicates that they
are not prepared to take French Second Level.
Major (2 credits per semester) – All forms – Full year.
No prerequisites.
French Second Level. This course builds on the foundations of grammar and vocabulary acquired in French First Level
to improve reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. Students review past grammar and learn new material
through gradual exposure to more abstract concepts. Varied literary genres are explored to increase understanding of
the French and Francophone cultures. French Second Level offers an immersion-based curriculum using French in
Action texts and videos. The class is augmented with authentic materials and conducted in French.
Major (2 credits per semester) – All forms – Full year.
Prerequisite: French First Level and/or placement by assessment and department approval.
Honors section(s) by department invitation.
French Third Level. This course increases listening, reading, and writing proficiency while building vocabulary.
Students learn more complex grammatical structures and begin an introduction to literary analysis. Students also
continue to develop oral skills through discussions of more advanced works by French and francophone authors.
French Third Level offers an immersion-based curriculum using French in Action texts and videos. The class is
augmented with authentic materials and conducted in French.
Major (2 credits per semester) – All forms – Full year.
Prerequisite: French Second Level and/or placement by assessment and department approval.
Honors section(s) by department invitation.
French Fourth Level: Francophone Cultures. (NOT OFFERED IN 2023-2024.) Students continue to grow their speaking,
writing, and conversation skills in order to deepen their understanding of the French language. Through study of the
francophone world, and with special attention paid to critique and questioning of cultural differences, students will
grow their comfort and abilities with both written and spoken French. Grammar is treated as needed, though the focus
is on improving communication fluency and fluidity.
Major (2 credits per semester) – All forms – Full year.
Prerequisite: French Third Level and/or placement by assessment and department approval.
Academic Policies & Course Catalog 2023-2024 28
Advanced French: The Changing Face of “French” Through Film. (NOT OFFERED IN 2023-2024.) This course offers an
overview of the French-speaking world and current events and issues in an immersive French environment. The
emphasis of this course is on francophone cultures and comparison with the students’ personal experiences. This
course uses Francophone filmography and authentic materials to deepen the exploration of many topics. There is an
emphasis on listening comprehension and oral production. Students should expect to challenge their opinions of what
“French” is and to increase their cultural awareness.
Major (2 credits per semester) – Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Forms – Full year.
Prerequisites: French Third Level and/or placement by assessment and department approval.
Advanced French: From Hexagon to Globe – Cultural Expansion Through French Literature. (NOT OFFERED IN
2023-2024.) This course offers an overview of French history from prehistory through the Crusades, the Renaissance,
the French Revolution and ending in modern France. Students will read an assortment of literary styles, both ancient
and modern, as well as augment this study with authentic visual and audio materials. Students read and discuss
selected articles on social, economic and political topics in the Francophone world. This course examines important
themes in Francophone literature such as negritude in Aime Cesaire and the philosophy of the absurd in Camus, as
well as other authors such as Fanon, Damas, Ben Jelloun, and Dao. They will continue to grow their understanding of
historical and global issues and learn to express and compare their opinions thoughtfully and persuasively in an
immersive French environment. There is an emphasis on improving written expression and reading comprehension as
well as deepening grammatical understanding.
Major (2 credits per semester) – Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Forms – Full year.
Prerequisites: French Third Level and/or placement by assessment and department approval.
Advanced French: Language and Culture. Students continue to grow their speaking, writing, and conversation skills
in order to deepen their understanding of the French language. The study of the literature of the 19th and 20th
centuries, grammar review, and vocabulary development complements oral presentations, discussion of literature,
French Internet news broadcasts, and written assignments develop reading, writing, listening and speaking. This
course runs in a differentiated classroom alongside the AP French Language and Culture course.
Major (2 credits per semester) – Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Forms – Full year.
Prerequisites: French Third Level and/or placement by assessment and department approval.
AP French Language and Culture. This course prepares students for the College Board’s Advanced Placement French
Language and Culture examination through the study of the literature of the 19th and 20th centuries, grammar review,
and vocabulary development. Oral presentations, discussion of literature, French Internet news broadcasts, and
written assignments develop reading, writing, listening and speaking in preparation for the examination in May.
Major (2 credits per semester) – Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Forms – Full year.
Prerequisites: French Third Level and/or placement by assessment and department approval.
Independent Study. This semester-long course allows students to study a project in French language, literature or
culture under the supervision of a member of the department.
Major – Fifth and Sixth Forms – Semester 1 or Semester 2.
Prerequisites: French Fourth Level or Advanced French, and department approval.
Academic Policies & Course Catalog 2023-2024 29
Spanish
Spanish First Level. This course introduces the Spanish language through reading, writing, speaking and listening
exercises. Fundamentals of sentence structure and other grammatical concepts are introduced. Students explore
diverse topics in the Spanish-speaking world such as art, history, and traditions. Spanish First Level is for students
with no previous study of Spanish or whose placement test indicates that they are not prepared to take Spanish Second
Level.
Major (2 credits per semester) – All forms – Full year.
No prerequisites.
Spanish Second Level. This course builds upon the foundations of grammar and vocabulary acquired in Spanish First
Level to improve reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. Students review previous grammar and learn new
material through a gradual exposure to more abstract concepts. This class explores the customs and traditions, history,
geography, music and selected pieces of literature from a variety of cultures.
Major (2 credits per semester) – All forms – Full year.
Prerequisite: Spanish First Level and/or placement by assessment and department approval.
Honors section(s) by department invitation.
Spanish Third Level. This course increases proficiency in listening and speaking in Spanish while building vocabulary.
Students learn complex grammatical structures and writing skills in addition to the history, literature and culture of
the Spanish-speaking world. Selected short stories are used as an introduction to literary analysis.
Major (2 credits per semester) – All forms – Full year.
Prerequisite: Spanish Second Level and/or placement by assessment and department approval.
Honors section(s) by department invitation.
Spanish Fourth Level: Culture and Community. “Little Cuba?” Is Puerto Rico part of the U.S.? What is Hispanic
Heritage Month? These questions and more are discussed through a big-picture approach to understanding the actions
and policies of the United States in historic and current interactions with the Mexican-American, Cuban-American and
Puerto Rican communities in this country. We spend time investigating current events and themes like quality of life,
politics and government, art, and travel and transportation in the context of Spanish-speaking countries. Students will
reflect on their own cultural values and traditions as they examine these communities through the lenses of film,
music, intermediate literature, poetry and history, while building on their language-learning skills. This curriculum
allows students to practice social justice and advocacy by strengthening their cultural competence and promoting
global citizenship in the target language.
Major (2 credits per semester) – Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Forms – Full year.
Prerequisite: Spanish Third Level and/or placement by assessment and department approval.
Honors Spanish Fourth Level. In this course our students will continue to develop the four domains of language
proficiency (listening, speaking, reading and writing) in the three modes of communication: interpersonal, interpretive
and presentational. Students will strengthen their knowledge of the language through a deeper understanding of the
grammar material covered in class. They will learn more about the culture of the Spanish speaking communities,
through the study of geography, literature, history, music and film. Students will read selections from novels, modern
short stories and poetry, and discuss films that enhance their understanding of Hispanic culture. By the end of the year
the students will be aptly prepared to take AP Spanish Language and Culture Course.
Major (2 credits per semester) – Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Forms – Full year.
Prerequisite: Spanish Third Level and/or placement by assessment and department approval.
Academic Policies & Course Catalog 2023-2024 30
AP Spanish Language and Culture. This course prepares students for the College Board’s Advanced Placement
Spanish Language and Culture exam. Students develop and master proficiency in the four basic linguistic skills:
listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Students expand their vocabulary through weekly assignments and reading
selections from Hispanic and Spanish literature. In addition, students prepare presentations on relevant topics. An
intensive review of grammar, guided compositions, class discussions and oral exposés reinforces skills in preparation
for the AP examination.
Major (2 credits per semester) – Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Forms – Full year.
Prerequisites: Honors Spanish Third Level and department approval.
AP Spanish Literature and Culture. This course prepares students for the College Board’s Advanced Placement
Spanish Literature and Culture exam. Students participate in literary discussions, read literary texts in all genres, and
prepare critical analysis using appropriate terminology.
Major (2 credits per semester) – Fifth and Sixth Forms – Full year.
Prerequisites: AP Spanish Language and Culture and department approval.
Advanced Spanish. Advanced Spanish exposes students to the various avenues through which Hispanic and Latinx
identity, society and culture are studied, manifested, and experienced. This course allows students to discover the
complexity of the Spanish-speaking world through examination of history, literature, and art from the Pre-Columbian
through Post-Modern eras. It also emphasizes the importance of language skill acquisition, retention and application
through a number of creative projects––including (but not limited to) art and film analyses, poetry writing, and
research projects. The course provides opportunities to develop and demonstrate language proficiency and cultural
competency.
Major (2 credits per semester) – Fifth and Sixth Forms – Full year.
Prerequisite: Honors Spanish Third Level and department approval.
Independent Study. This semester-long course allows students to study a project in Hispanic language, literature or
civilization under the supervision of a member of the department.
Major or Minor – Fifth and Sixth Forms – Semester 1 or Semester 2.
Prerequisite: AP Spanish Language and Culture, AP Spanish Literature and Literature and Culture, or
Advanced Spanish, and department approval.
School Year Abroad (SYA)
Brooks School is a member of the School Year Abroad (SYA) program. Students may apply to spend their fifth form
year in China, France, Italy or Spain. Participants study in SYA schools and live with local families. All credits earned
abroad count toward the Brooks School diploma. For further information, see the SYA coordinator at Brooks and visit
the SYA website at http://www.sya.org.
Academic Policies & Course Catalog 2023-2024 31
English
The principal goals of the English Department are to teach reading and writing in the various forms in which they
appear, and to foster interest in and appreciation for the written word. We encourage students to participate in class
discussion and to arrive at ideas independently, evaluate them thoughtfully, and share them with their peers with
confidence. Classes favor a student-centered approach in which speaking and listening skills can be developed. In
teaching reading, we supply the tools and require their use, but believe that students should approach a text on their
own terms, for comprehension, analysis, and synthesis. Mostly we want to cultivate an appetite for reading, and to
make the discovery—of genres, writers, themes, and characters—a source of inspiration and excitement. In choosing
texts we recognize our pluralistic society and increasingly international environment.
In teaching writing, we encourage students to write for real audiences, about real subjects, and to develop, recognize,
and nurture their own voices. Students learn to write through practice—drafting, revising, and proofreading—and by
talking about their work with teachers and sharing it with peers. Grammar and usage as well as vocabulary are taught
functionally, in context, with occasional formal instruction. Students have an opportunity for additional challenges in
Advanced Placement English or in independent projects.
Required English Sequence
English I. The goal of English I is to develop the fundamental skills necessary to read accurately and write clearly.
Drawing on the foundational works of western literature, students study the human journey as depicted in canonical
and contemporary texts. Students learn the techniques of reading and analyzing texts, focusing on conflict, character
development and theme, while introducing grammar as necessary. As readers they analyze the questions raised by the
texts; as writers, they express how those ideas may influence their sense of self. Throughout the year students collect
their best essays into a portfolio, which they take with them into the fourth form. Texts are chosen from the following:
The Kite Runner, The Odyssey, Beowulf, Grendel, Macbeth, Frankenstein, and The Color Purple.
Major (2 credits per semester) – Third Form – Full year.
No prerequisites.
English II. “We read to live other lives, to experience that which we can't experience at Brooks, so that we can better
understand cultural differences, how we can become part of another community and yet remain ourselves.” This
course exposes students to canonical and contemporary writers of non-Western cultures, emphasizing the universality
of the human experience. Organized thematically, the course utilizes novels, short stories, poetry and drama; students
develop critical skills that allow them to explore new cultures with sensitivity. By encountering the unfamiliar through
literature, students not only become better readers and writers but also begin to develop the skills required of a global
citizen.
Major (2 credits per semester) – Fourth Form – Full year.
Prerequisite: English I or placement by the department.
Global Humanities: English. At the core of this class, students will explore the question, “what does it mean to be
human?” This course, taught jointly by the History and English departments, is intended for new fourth-form and new
repeat third-form NCAA students to help them meet the standards expected of the comparable English and History
courses. The history sequence is a comparative study of political, economic, social and cultural history. Students learn
to analyze source materials and construct historical arguments based on those sources. Concurrently, the English
sequence of the course empoys novels, short stories, poetry and drama; students develop critical skills that allow them
to explore new cultures with sensitivity. This course exposes students to canonical and contemporary figures, both real
and fictional, of non-western cultures to emphasize the universality of the human experience. This course will meet
during two course blocks and students will receive credit in both History and English. In the first semester, we will
work to understand how cultural diffusion shaped the world through the spread of religion, ideas, arts, and
Academic Policies & Course Catalog 2023-2024 32
technology. The second semester includes an examination of justice and reconciliation in the 20th century through a
study of revolutions, the World Wars and the Holocaust, decolonization, and the Cold War. Current events are
interwoven in each unit of study.
Major (2 credits per semester) – Third or Fourth Form – Full year.
Prerequisite for English: English I or permission of the department.
English III. This course offers an exploration through literature of three deeply rooted themes in American culture. In
the first semester, we examine all sides of the American Dream and what it means for the many diverse segments of
the American population, from the Dream’s gleaming potential to its dark underbelly. In addition to F. Scott
Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, we read works from authors such as T.C. Bambara, Toni Morrison, James Baldwin, Andre
Dubus, Amy Tan, Denis Lehane, Rudolfo Anaya, Langston Hughes, Arthur Miller and Sherman Alexie. In the second
semester, we study Americans’ fascination with exploring this vast continent, starting with Mark Twain and The
Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, then diving into works from authors like William Least Heat-Moon, Jack Kerouac,
William Faulkner, Zora Neale Hurston, Annie Proulx, John Steinbeck, Gloria Naylor and John Howard Griffin. We
conclude the year by looking forward, as a culture with such a short collective history is wont to do. Works from
writers such as Thomas More, Jennifer Egan, Gary Shteyngart, Edward Bellamy, Cormac McCarthy, Margaret Atwood,
Ayn Rand, Tocqueville, Ray Bradbury, Kurt Vonnegut and others present a variety of views about America’s possible
utopian or dystopian futures. Throughout the year, students engage with multiple genres—fiction, poetry, non-fiction
and drama—as well as the different movements in American literature, and with a diverse and multicultural
panorama of authors. English III is committed to student writing in many forms, from journaling to poetry, from
memoir and fiction to current digital forms. Building on the English II emphasis on paragraph structure, English III
focuses primarily on the organization of the essay and the ability to gather multiple ideas and opinions into a coherent
piece, using textual evidence to support an argument.
Major (2 credits per semester) – Fifth Form – Full year.
Prerequisite: English II or placement by the department.
English Electives
The following elective courses are intended to follow the required sequence outlined above.
African-American Studies. This course will center on African American literature, examining it through an activist
lens. Our reading and analysis of various works will help students explore issues central to African American life and
experience, including the legacy of enslavement, reparations, racism, police murders, mass incarceration, politics,
leadership and representation. Through close reading, writing, and discussion, students will compare a variety of
authors, both non-contemporary and contemporary, who are in constant dialogue, including Ta-Nehisi Coates, James
Baldwin, Richard Wright, Toni Morrison, Claudia Rankine, and Angela Davis, among others. The incorporation of
selected films, such as Ava DuVernay's award-winning documentary 13th, and guest lectures will also enhance student
understanding of recurring themes and concepts throughout the literature. This course is intended to complement the
Semester 1 history elective of the same name.
Major (2 credits) – Sixth Form – Semester 2.
Prerequisite: English III.
The Contemporary Novel. Too often, literature courses labeled “contemporary” refer only to the post-World War II or
even post-colonial eras. Though these are legitimate and fascinating approaches to studying literature, they can stretch
the boundaries of what we consider contemporary. This course is based on the premise that the strength of great
literature is its direct commentary and reflection on issues faced by today’s society—by the readers themselves. The
novels studied in this course were all written in the twenty-first century and shed light on contemporary social,
political, and cultural topics. In addition to digging into the novels’ themes, we will explore how the contemporary
novel breaks from the traditional boundaries of genre, narrative structure, character development, point of view, and
Academic Policies & Course Catalog 2023-2024 33
more. Students will be called upon to reflect regularly in writing, through both literary analysis and personal
reflection, and they will be expected to participate in regular classroom discussions about the novels.
Major (2 credits) – Sixth Form – Semester 1.
Prerequisite: English III.
The Contemporary Short Story. (NOT OFFERED IN 2023-2024.) One of the best things about a short story is that it is,
well, short. Observers often make the mistake of assuming that short means simple, or even easy to write. Short stories
present worlds, characters, and themes that rival the best novels in their complexity and nuance. The short story writer
is every bit as talented as a writer of novels; in fact, it could be argued that the challenge of creating depth and intricate
narratives in such a small space is the greater task. Just like novels, short stories shed light on the important issues
facing our society and culture today. Students in this course will read stand-alone stories as well as complete
collections. Students will be called upon to reflect regularly in writing, through both literary analysis and personal
reflection, and they will be expected to participate in regular classroom discussions about the stories.
Major (2 credits) – Sixth Form – Semester 1.
Prerequisite: English III.
Creative Writing: Poetry and Short Fiction. (NOT OFFERED IN 2023-2024.) The focus of this course is on the students’
own creative writing, and the semester will be broken down into three phases. In the first few weeks of the course,
students will be exposed to a wide variety of voices and mentor texts such as Flash Fiction Forward (ed. James
Thomas/Robert Shapard), Jesus’ Son (Denis Johnson), First, Body (Melanie Rae Thon) and The Sorcerer’s Apprentice
(Charles Johnson), among others, as well as poets such as William Carlos Williams, Allen Ginsberg, Mary Oliver, Nikki
Giovanni, Ekiwah Adler Belendez, Saul Williams, Gary Snyder, Han-Shan, Audre Lorde, and many more. Students
will delve into the elements that make up what is considered good short fiction and poetry. During this time, students
will undertake a variety of poetry and fiction writing exercises to put these elements into practice. During the second
phase of the course, using the skills developed in phase one, students will produce their own complete pieces in both
poetry and short fiction. During the final phase of the course, students will complete a comprehensive and
well-thought-out collection of works in the genre of their choice. The course will culminate in a public reading of
student work.
Major (2 credits) – Sixth Form – Semester 2.
Prerequisite: English III.
Dystopian Literature. While not an entirely new genre, we have recently witnessed an explosion in dystopian
literature. What is it about contemporary society that has given rise to such books as The Hunger Games and Divergent?
Why is much of this popularity focused on YA literature? In this course, we will explore this fascinating phenomenon
by reading works such as Tom Perotta’s The Leftovers, Justin Cronin’s The Passage, Anthony Burgess’ A Clockwork
Orange, Margaret Atwood’s Oryx and Crake, Cormac McCarthy’s The Road and Octavia Butler’s The Parable of the Sower,
among others.
Major (2 credits) – Sixth Form – Semester 1.
Prerequisite: English III.
Fiction Writing. In this class students present and perfect their own original fiction (short stories or novel excerpts) in a
workshop setting. Students should expect an intensive writing experience as well as the preparation of a series of
portfolios for presentation throughout the semester.
Major (2 credits) – Sixth Form – Semester 2.
Prerequisite: English III.
Academic Policies & Course Catalog 2023-2024 34
Finding Meaning in Other Worlds: Science Fiction and Fantasy Literature. The science fiction and fantasy genres have
historically been overlooked by grand prizes and educational institutions in favor of more “relevant” realistic fiction,
but journeying to fantastical worlds allows us to form a better understanding of our own. In these other worlds, we
can find commonality with dragons, be inspired by aliens, and discover new ways of living in the potential futures of
our own world. Through the works of authors such as N. K. Jemisin, Ursula K. LeGuin, Jeff Vandermeer, and more,
this course will explore the ways world-building can help us examine ourselves. Students will pay particular attention
to form and genre conventions in their analytical and creative writing. This course will not stop with the written word,
but will examine how illustrations, maps, and other media contribute to these genres. By the end of the semester,
students will have built their own worlds through character sketches, poems, maps, etc., culminating in a fully-formed
short story.
Major – Sixth Form – Semester 2.
Prerequisite: English III.
The Hero in Literature. The focus of this course is literary heroes and their journeys and transformations. Though each
hero exists in a unique time and place, students discover the one archetypal hero in them all. The reading list for this
course may include, among other works, Joseph Campbell’s The Hero With A Thousand Faces, Charles Frazier’s Cold
Mountain, Cormac McCarthy’s All The Pretty Horses, Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness, and James Dickey’s Deliverance.
Major (2 credits) – Sixth Form – Semester 1.
Prerequisite: English III.
Immigrant Voices. Though America’s identity and literature have evolved significantly since its founding, at some
level we remain a nation of immigrants, and their voices lend important perspectives on the American experience.
From stories of immigration (simply making it here; living day to day as someone viewed as “different”; carving out a
new identity) to new Americans’ views of their adoptive land (how can one nation honor both diversity and
assimilation?), students of immigrant literature stand to gain significantly in their understanding of our ever-evolving
nation through reading, research, class discussion and writing. Students also spend time crafting their own family’s
immigrant story, where applicable. Works studied may include How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents (Alvarez), The
Woman Warrior (Hong Kingston), The Joy Luck Club (Tan) and The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao (Diaz).
Major (2 credits) – Sixth Form – Semester 1.
Prerequisite: English III.
Journalism. Students will learn all aspects of publishing a newspaper, The Brooks Shield. The course entails news
writing, in-class writing assignments, and journalism ethics discussions. Students will learn about various forms of
journalistic styles by reading from texts that will include In Cold Blood, The Right Stuff, Consider the Lobster, and a variety
of current news stories from publications such as The New York Times, Boston Globe, and Wall Street Journal. Skills
students will master include interview techniques, news writing, and editing. There will also be an opportunity to lead
the decision-making process for what gets included in The Brooks Shield—and what doesn't.
Major (2 credits) – Sixth Form – Semester 1 or Semester 2.
Prerequisite: English III.
Medicine and Literature. In a world beset by a global pandemic and widespread inequities in health care, it is more
important than ever to consider the roles that medicine plays in our lives and the stories we tell. This course will ask
students to bring their critical and interpretive skills to bear on various aspects of medicine—from the ways that
clinicians communicate with their patients and write about their experiences, to the ways that patients experience their
health, their bodies, and their caregivers. Students will read short stories, poems, letters, and essays by Atul Gawande,
Jasmine Brown, William Carlos Williams, Katherine Anne Porter, Anton Chekhov, Mary Seacole, John Keats, Anne
Sexton, and others. These writers, many of whom were doctors, explore the difficulties of medical school and the
painful realities of medical practice. Others are patients whose feelings, values, and lived experiences are too often
Academic Policies & Course Catalog 2023-2024 35
neglected in the stories we tell about medicine. As we read, we will discuss these questions together: What does it feel
like to be a doctor or a medical student? What does it feel like to be a patient? What does ethical, empathetic care look
like? What happens to those who don’t receive that care or cannot access health care at all? What can we learn by
reading literature and medicine together, as citizens who care about the health and well-being of our families, our
communities, and ourselves?
Major – Sixth Form – Semester 2.
Prerequisite: English III.
Medieval Literature. Full of battles, family drama, quests, and mythological figures, medieval literature has inspired
the imaginations of artists and writers for centuries. From Viking sagas, through Old and Middle English poetry, to
Celtic French romances, this course will focus on classic texts of Northern Europe, while contextualizing them in a
wider, global setting and emphasizing the diversity of their cultures. Authors will include anonymous poets, Chaucer,
Chretien de Troyes, Snorri Sturluson, and others. Students will consider the complexity of texts recorded from oral and
written traditions, often at the intersection of different religions. The course will conclude with an examination of how
our culture is continually reinterpreting, and often misinterpreting, medieval culture today.
Major – Sixth Form – Semester 1.
Prerequisite: English III.
Memoir Writing. Writing about yourself—what could be easier? Doing it well enough to really benefit from the process
of telling the stories of your life, though, requires deep honesty and reflection. It can be challenging, even painful, to
write about formative moments in your life transparently, but doing so helps you derive meaning from them, and is
thus incredibly valuable. This course will use a combination of journaling, prompted autobiographical writing,
reflective free-writes and other exercises to develop the technical skill of effective memoir writing. Students will also
sharpen their ability to learn from their own (and their classmates’) experiences and delve into the emotions elicited by
and through writing, with the hope that they leave the class with a clearer understanding of themselves and their place
in the world.
Major (2 credits) – Sixth Form – Semester 2.
Prerequisite: English III.
Nature Writing. (NOT OFFERED IN 2023-2024.) This course focuses on our connection with nature as expressed
through literature. Students learn to blend observation with reflection and to build metaphors so that observations
carry meaning beyond themselves. Drafting, revising and editing are emphasized. We examine fiction, nonfiction,
memoir and poetry. Sample texts include works by Emerson, Thoreau, Whitman, MacLean, Abbey and Williams. A
component of the course is an introduction to Native American literature by writers such as Momaday, Welch and
Silko, in order to understand the strong connection Native peoples have to the land. Students write in a nature journal,
compose descriptive essays and respond in writing to the texts covered. A final project addresses each student's sense
of belonging.
Major (2 credits) – Sixth Form – Semester 2.
Prerequisite: English III.
Oratory. In this course, students read and analyze the texts of speeches throughout history through a rhetorical lens as
we examine the foundational elements of a great speech. Throughout the semester, students write both analytically
and creatively and engage in an extensive revision process that develops and sharpens their writing skills. Visual
literacy is also explored and expanded through an examination of video recordings. Our goal is to enhance the skill
and confidence our students have in written and oral communication. The class provides innovative instruction to
help students refine their speech writing and delivery styles in small groups and in a classroom setting. The capstone
project centers on writing, developing, and delivering a ten-minute-long speech to the Brooks School community.
Students engage in a thorough analysis of historical speeches while receiving meaningful personal speaking
Academic Policies & Course Catalog 2023-2024 36
instruction, which helps students to organize their thoughts, capture them on paper, and then deliver their speeches
(and themselves) with purpose and confidence.
Major (2 credits) – Sixth Form – Semester 2.
Prerequisite: English III.
Picture This: Graphic Novels, Comics, and Zines. Images, like words, have long been used for storytelling. In this
course, students will learn about the graphic novel: a genre of literature that employs both writing and visual art to
create rich narrative tapestries. Texts covered include Art Spiegelman’s MAUS, Alison Bechdel’s Fun Home, Charles
Burns’s Black Hole, and Joe Sacco’s Footnotes in Gaza, among others. Each of these graphic novels offers a different
voice, perspective, and artistic style. Visual literacy, creativity, cultural competency, and critical thinking will be key
skills honed in this class. The course will culminate in a final project for which students will create short graphic novels
of their own.
Major – Sixth Form – Semester 1.
Prerequisite: English III.
Shakespeare. (NOT OFFERED IN 2023-2024.) In this seminar-styled course, the class examines three tragedies in
depth: Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet and King Lear. The class also studies a number of Shakespeare’s sonnets using a wide
range of references on reserve in the Luce Library and the OED online. In addition, the class reads Tillyard’s
Elizabethan World Picture and Anthony Burgess’ Nothing Like the Sun.
Major (2 credits) – Sixth Form – Semester 1.
Prerequisite: English III.
Women in Literature. This course examines myriad representations of women in texts by female-identifying authors.
Students look at shifting representations of women in literature from the 18th century to the present, focusing on the
portrayal of women as daughters, sisters, friends, wives, mothers, and alone in society through a variety of genres.
Particular attention will be given to women who subvert societal norms or expectations of their time. Course texts may
include Mrs. Dalloway, Passing, The Bell Jar, Beloved, Fun Home, Little Fires Everywhere, and selected short stories from
Interpreter of Maladies. Essays and student-led discussions focus more particularly on specific writers and themes and
stress the skills of close reading, annotation, research, and uses of multimedia.
Major (2 credits) – Sixth Form – Semester 1.
Prerequisite: English III.
Poetry Seminar. Students in this course study examples, write original works and compile a final portfolio. Students
use as a text Visions and Voices, a poetry anthology by Mark J. Shovan based on James Moffet’s Theory of Discourse.
Literary terminology, elements of prosody and a variety of poetic forms are examined and employed.
Major – Sixth Form – Semester 2.
Prerequisite: English III.
AP English. This course in literary analysis prepares students for the Advanced Placement examination in English
Literature. Texts for this course vary, and usually include works by Shakespeare and Faulkner.
Major (2 credits per semester) – Sixth Form – Full year.
Prerequisite: English III and permission of the department.
Independent Study. This course is ordinarily open only to sixth formers and then by permission of the department,
after approving a formal proposal submitted by the student. Meeting times are arranged in consultation between the
student and the instructor.
Major (2 credits) – Sixth Form – Semester 1 or Semester 2.
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor and department.
Academic Policies & Course Catalog 2023-2024 37
History
In teaching history, Brooks School trains students to think for themselves. The role of a secondary school in a
democratic republic is to prepare students for citizenship. Students must know how to ask questions, seek answers,
and communicate their findings. That is, they must be their own historians. Our curriculum is built on the notion of
steadily increasing responsibility and skill so students can take charge of their own education. The history department
believes in the writing of research papers and encourages students to embark on independent study.
The sequence of required courses constitutes world history from late antiquity to the present. However, once students
have demonstrated the ability to ask, seek, and communicate on a sophisticated level, they are encouraged to step up
to the challenge of an advanced course or to explore another culture, preferably in a non-Western tradition.
All students are expected to follow the sequence of Pre-Modern World History, Global Humanities/Modern World
History, and U.S. History unless exempted by the department. To qualify for an exemption, students must present
evidence that they have mastered the skills as well as the material covered in the specific course. The history
department recommends that third-form students take one or both of the Pre-Modern World History elective courses
before taking the required sequence starting in the fourth-form year. Unless a student is taking two languages (see
General Policies), Global Humanities or Modern World History is required in the fourth form. Students entering the
fifth form who have not completed a U.S. History course must take a full year or secure department permission to be
exempt.
Required History Sequence
Pre-Modern World History I and Pre-Modern World History II
In Pre-Modern World History, students learn how to read and annotate both primary and secondary history texts for
understanding, and how to take effective notes. They learn to work collaboratively and practice presentation skills
through different mediums. Students receive instruction on information literacy and scholarly reliability in
cooperation with the school librarians. They learn how to craft thesis statements, topic sentences and body paragraphs.
They work on multi-paragraph essays and familiarize themselves with citation practices from the Chicago Manual of
Style before transitioning into a larger research paper project process. In this process, students learn to draft topic
proposals, annotated bibliographies and outlines before completing a six-to-seven-page research paper in the spring
semester. The descriptions below are of the topic areas covered; each description corresponds to one semester of
Pre-Modern World History.
Major (2 credits per semester) – Third Form – Full year.
No prerequisites.
Death and Disease in the Ancient World. Did you know cat fat and fly droppings were remedies in Ancient Egypt? Or
that Babylonian doctors thought sleeping next to a human skull for a week would end nightly teeth grinding? In this
course, students examine how people of the ancient world came to view sickness and health. Studying doctors such as
Hippocrates and Galen, students gain an understanding of the changing role of both physician and patient. This
course also examines the roots of various medical methods, including the four humors of Western medicine and the
importance of Yin and Yang in Chinese medicine. Ultimately, the course uses death and disease as a lens through
which to better understand ancient culture.
Discovering Women of the Ancient World. Empires have been ruled by them, cults have idolized them and
mythological wars have been fought over them: women in the ancient world. The veneration of fertility and the
importance of motherhood has long provided for the recognition and celebration of half the world’s population.
However, patriarchal societies have also marginalized women in the public sphere and limited their legal rights and
Academic Policies & Course Catalog 2023-2024 38
ability to wield power. This course examines the lives and legacies of women across a number of early civilizations,
both eastern and western, such as ancient China, India and Mesopotamia.
Explorers in the Ancient World. Before planes, trains and automobiles, people navigated the world by foot, horseback
and boat. This course focuses on the travels of people from centuries BCE and considers geography, trade and the
concept of globalization as students gain a window into ancient multicultural interactions. Students examine the
motives for exploration, the means of transportation, and the challenges posed by ancient travel. The legacies of
explorers, such as Pytheas of Greece and Nehsi of Egypt, are debated as their discoveries led to both prosperity and
conflict. Students connect the past and present as they understand the impact that exploration, innovation and
imperialism have had on the world.
Heroes and Villains of the Ancient Mediterranean. From Odysseus to Caesar, from Hannibal to Attila the Hun, the
period from 1500 BCE to 500 CE was filled with warriors, thinkers and leaders who would go on to represent both the
best and the worst of the worlds from which they came. In this course, students examine the civilizations that gave
birth to some of the most infamous historical figures of the Ancient Mediterranean world and debate whether they
should be remembered as heroes or villains. By examining the political, cultural and economic legacy of key
individuals, students gain a greater understanding of the interplay between individuals and their larger civilizations.
Journeying the Silk Roads. Spanning more than 5,000 miles from China to the Mediterranean world, the Silk Roads
linked pre-modern Eurasia for more than two millennia. This course focuses on the movement of trade, religions,
cultural practices, art, technology, disease and people along the Silk Roads and considers how the natural environment
shaped these exchanges. We explore Eurasia both through ancient travel narratives and the accounts of contemporary
travelers. Along the way, we virtually visit great Silk Roads cities like Chang An, the oases of the Taklamakan,
Samarkand, Baghdad, Damascus and Constantinople. So pack your bag, grab a map and put on your traveling shoes.
Making of the Muslim World. The 7th century saw the prophet Muhammad give voice to what would become a
dominant world religion: Islam. His word, and that of Allah, extended into Asia, Africa and Europe and exerted
significant social, political and cultural influence across continents. Spanning five hundred years, this course considers
the life and work of Muhammad, the Islamic caliphate and the Umayyad and Abbasid dynasties, the Sunni and Shia
schism, and the Crusades in the 11th and 12th centuries.
Uncovering Ancient Africa. The Nile River gave birth to one of the earliest, longest-lasting and most influential
civilizations on earth: Ancient Egypt. This course examines the power of the Nile, Egypt’s emergence, unification and
history under pharaonic rule, and its trade and conquest with, or at the hands of, Nubians, Hyksos and Assyrians.
Sleuthing mummy mysteries, examining ancient engineering and deciphering hieroglyphs help us to understand
Egyptians’ henotheistic worship and fixation with the afterlife. We progress beyond the New Kingdom to investigate
Greek, Roman and Arab occupation of Egypt during the early Common Era.
Unlocking Ancient Mesoamerica and South America. How important were ritual human sacrifices to the Aztecs,
Mayans, and Incas? Why did the Mayans believe the world was going to end in 2012? What was the cultural
significance of Machu Picchu for the Incas? Ancient Mesoamerican and South American civilizations were some of the
most developed and complex in the ancient world; however, much history has been lost due to European conquest.
Using current findings from archaeologists, anthropologists and historians, this course rebuilds the histories of these
complex civilizations. We examine the political, cultural, and economic developments of Mesoamerica and South
America and also uncover the latest discoveries to help understand the long-term significance of these ancient
cultures.
Academic Policies & Course Catalog 2023-2024 39
Modern World History & Global Humanities
Global Humanities: History. At the core of this class, students will explore the question, “what does it mean to be
human?” This course, taught jointly by the History and English departments, is intended for new fourth-form and new
repeat third-form NCAA students to help them meet the standards expected of the comparable English and History
courses. The history sequence is a comparative study of political, economic, social and cultural history. Students learn
to analyze source materials and construct historical arguments based on those sources. Concurrently, the English
sequence of the course utilizes novels, short stories, poetry and drama; students develop critical skills that allow them
to explore new cultures with sensitivity. This course exposes students to canonical and contemporary figures, both real
and fictional, of non-western cultures to emphasize the universality of the human experience. This course will meet
during two course blocks and students will receive credit in both History and English. In the first semester, we will
work to understand how cultural diffusion shaped the world through the spread of religion, ideas, arts, and
technology. The second semester includes an examination of justice and reconciliation in the 20th century through a
study of revolutions, the World Wars and the Holocaust, decolonization, and the Cold War. Current events are
interwoven in each unit of study.
Major (2 credits per semester) – Fourth Form – Full year.
Prerequisite for History: Pre-Modern World History sequence or permission of the department.
Foundations of Modern World History (World History I). This course explores the foundational events and themes that
have shaped world history from 1350-1911 while simultaneously exploring the necessary historical thinking, analysis,
and writing skills needed for success in the Brooks history curriculum. We begin in 1350, a time of upheaval as the
Bubonic Plague has just swept through Eurasia. The plague left destruction throughout Asia and Europe and led to the
creation of the Ming Dynasty in 1368 and the beginnings of the Renaissance in Europe. We end around 1911, with the
colonial system through which Europe controls the world about to fall apart during World War I and the dynastic
system in China shattered with the fall of the Qing Dynasty. In between, we will look at themes of trade, revolution,
and colonization as the world grows into a unified globe.
Major (2 credits) – Fourth Form (Fifth Form by permission) – Semester 1.
Prerequisite: Pre-Modern World History sequence or permission of the department.
Making of the Modern World (World History II). In Making of the Modern World, students will explore the themes of
the modern world with a focus on a particular region. Students will work on projects relating to worldwide events as
they further develop their writing, discussion, primary source analysis, and research skills. Students will share their
regional projects with one another to gain a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of the modern world. Key
unifying events to be covered in this course include World War I, the Great Depression, World War II, the Cold War,
and post-colonialism. The course focuses primarily on 1911 to the present, though for context, individual courses may
delve further back in time to provide a foundation for events in their region. The descriptions below are of the topic
areas covered; each corresponds to a section of Making of the Modern World.
Major (2 credits) – Fourth Form (Fifth Form by permission) – Semester 2.
Prerequisite: Pre-Modern World History sequence or permission of the department.
Making of the Modern World: China and Japan
In 1911, China overthrew its centuries-old dynastic system and was embroiled in warfare between opposing
groups struggling for power. Japan was beginning its slow rise from isolated island to imperialist power. Yet,
today China is once again a global superpower and Japan is a technological giant with minimal military. What
caused these dramatic changes of fortune? This course will examine the successes and struggles of these two
East Asia powerhouses and the conflicts between them that defined much of 20th-century Asia and led to their
current standing in the world.
Academic Policies & Course Catalog 2023-2024 40
Making of the Modern World: The Middle East
The region commonly referred to as the Middle East has a beautiful and complex history. This course develops
an understanding of major political, economic, religious, and cultural events, issues and conflicts dating from
colonization and imperialism to the present. We will examine the impacts and consequences of colonization in
Saudi Arabia, Palestine/Israel, and Iran as well as the cultural and religious histories in this region. This
course concludes with a student-driven research project on a current event/topic.
Making of the Modern World: Modern India
India, one of the fastest-growing nations in the world, is rapidly changing and modernizing. Yet this
subcontinent is divided with over 19,000 languages and dialects spoken, 9 major faiths practiced, and over 1.3
billion people. How did India become an independent nation? How has India modernized so quickly? This
course will start with a consideration of the British East India Company and the British Raj. We will then study
the road to independence, partition, and present-day. We explore the history, culture, politics and economy of
this subcontinent. We will delve into the impacts of colonialism, nationalism, partition, and the modern state
as well as interactions with key religious identities and regions within India and Asia.
Making of the Modern World: Sub-Saharan Africa
Modern Africa returns to the advent of the transatlantic trade to look at how the African Diaspora has shaped
various regions differently. The course will examine the distinct differences between the regions of Africa
starting with West Africa and the slave trade, East Africa during decolonization post World War, South Africa
for development of Apartheid, returning to West Africa for the Cold War and Kwame Nkrumah. Throughout
the exploration, we will examine how the European definition of race, the African Diaspora, and Imperialism
have shaped the countries of Africa and how Africa has sought to decolonize politically, economically, and
socially in recent years. Students will leave with a greater understanding of contemporary issues in Africa and
the history behind these ideas.
Making of the Modern World: Understanding the Americas
This course will explore the developments during the twentieth century to the present in the Americas, with a
focus on events occurring in Latin America, the Caribbean, and South America. Beginning with a grounding in
the rationales for the Haitian and Latin American revolutions of the early 19th century and their long-term
effects on their neighbors, specific attention will be paid to the unique experiences of different nations in these
regions as they emerged as independent nations and maneuvered their own unique paths in their postcolonial
periods. The cultural heritage of each nation studied will be explored including pertinent issues of race,
ethnicity, class, and gender.
Honors Modern World History. An honors level of Modern World History I and Modern World History II will be
offered. The honors section will cover the same basic course content, but will focus more deeply on development of the
college level reading and in-class essay writing that students will need if they choose to take AP U.S. History. Students
will be recommended by the department, but any student who wishes to take on the added challenge will be accepted.
The course descriptions above will still apply. One or two regional areas will be selected to be the honors section(s)
each year.
Major (2 credits per semester) – Fourth Form (Fifth Form by permission) – Semester 1 and Semester 2.
Prerequisite: Pre-Modern World History sequence or permission of the department.
Academic Policies & Course Catalog 2023-2024 41
United States History
Building the American Republic. This course is a survey of U.S. history from the colonial period to Reconstruction. The
focus is on the political and economic development of the American Republic. Major topics include colonial America,
the American Revolution, the Constitution, slavery, the Civil War, and Reconstruction.
Major (2 credits) – Fifth Form (Fourth Form by permission) – Semester 1.
Prerequisite: Modern World History or permission of the department.
The American Century. This is a continuation of U.S. history from the Gilded Age to the present. Political and
economic development and the modernization of the United States are emphasized. Major topics include
industrialization, imperialism, progressivism, the Great Depression, the World Wars; the Cold War; and the Civil
Rights Movement. The required sequence of the two electives prepares students for the SAT subject test in United
States history.
Major (2 credits) – Fifth Form (Fourth Form by permission) – Semester 2.
Prerequisite: Building the American Republic or permission of the department.
AP United States History. This course is taught as an introductory-level college course. Students are challenged to read
and write intensively, with understanding and skill. They must be facile with both facts and ideas. Much self-discipline
and dedication are required to stay abreast of the daily assignments, review regularly and prepare a substantial
research paper. Students take this course to prepare for the Advanced Placement examination in United States History.
Major (2 credits per semester) – Fifth and Sixth Forms – Full year.
Prerequisite: Modern World History, Global Humanities, or equivalent, and permission of the department.
History Electives
Semester-long history electives
African-American Studies. Grounded in discussion, reading, and research, students in this course will explore the
historical roots of African-American culture. Co-taught by two Black women, this course intends to reframe how
African-American history is taught by emphasizing joy and lifting stories, instead of highlighting trauma. This course
will begin with the four great migrations that made “African” America, move into the Harlem Renaissance, and end
with the influence of Pan-Africanism. Students will deepen their understanding of the African-American experience
through social, economic, political and artistic lenses. Guests and speakers in class and the wider Brooks school
community will be part of the experience. Students will also explore literary works by Berlin, Hughes, Hurston,
Faucet, Adichie, and more. This course will be complemented by a second part in the Semester 2 for English credit that
will discuss Black voice in government, activism and resistance, and pop culture.
Major (2 credits) – Fifth and Sixth Forms – Semester 1.
Prerequisite: Completion of the history requirement.
Civics: Election and Campaigning. (NOT OFFERED IN 2023-2024.) Who runs for political office and what leads to their
success? This course will examine United States political campaigns and elections. Specific attention will be given to
the role of money, the media, interest groups, political parties, voter demographics, and how voters make decisions
through the course of a campaign cycle. Students will learn about campaign finance and the Supreme Court decisions
that have shaped our campaigns and elections. History and current events will be discussed, as students debate issues
ranging from the merits of the electoral college to the viability of a third-party candidate.
Major (2 credits) – Fifth and Sixth Forms – Semester 1.
Prerequisite: Completion of the history requirement.
Academic Policies & Course Catalog 2023-2024 42
Civics: Federalism and Local Politics. (NOT OFFERED IN 2023-2024.) In this course, students will think about the
challenges presented to the Founders of the nation as they balanced local interests with those of the nation. As the
United States has grown, this balance has shifted over time and federalism has shaped the nation’s past, present and
future. This course examines political issues and institutions at municipal, state and national levels. Students will
discuss political culture, demographics, state elections, political parties and public policies. Regional values and
corresponding governmental policies vary greatly across America. Studying Massachusetts’s legislation on marriage
equality, marijuana legalization and healthcare provide case studies to better understand how decisions made at the
state level can affect national discourse.
Major (2 credits) – Fifth and Sixth Forms – Semester 1.
Prerequisite: Completion of the history requirement.
Civics: The Supreme Court, Justice, and Society. (NOT OFFERED IN 2023-2024.) This course will explore the evolution
of the interpretation of rights by the Supreme Court. We will explore landmark court cases. This will include minority
rights, women’s rights, rights of the accused, property rights, LGBTQ+ rights and reproductive rights. We will explore
these cases through an in-depth look at the Court and its rulings including written court opinions, amicus curiae
briefs, and oral arguments.
Major (2 credits) – Fifth and Sixth Forms – Semester 2.
Prerequisite: Completion of the history requirement.
Civics: The Supreme Court and the First Amendment. (NOT OFFERED IN 2023-2024.) This course will explore the
evolution of the interpretation of first amendment rights by the Supreme Court. This will include a number of first
amendment topics. What is permissible and non-permissible speech? Is flag burning beyond first amendment
protection? How has the Court balanced a free press with national security and censorship? Why are libel, slander,
incitement to crime and violence, and obscenity outside of first amendment protection? We will explore these cases
through an in-depth look at the court and its rulings including written court opinions, amicus curiae briefs, and oral
arguments.
Major (2 credits) – Fifth and Sixth Forms – Semester 2.
Prerequisite: Completion of the history requirement.
Economic History I: Colonialism to World War II. This class is about the history of our modern economic world. What
were the technological, social and political developments that turned a society of home producers and merchants into
a world of consumers and corporations? We will examine the history of merchant trading and how it developed into
laissez-faire capitalism with the first industrial revolution. We will learn about the effects of wealth accumulation and
the changing division of labor on owning and working classes. We will study the origins of the Lowell system and its
subsequent transformations with steam power and the second industrial revolution. We will learn about how
laissez-faire economic philosophy in the gilded age led to boom-bust business cycles, accelerating attempts to organize
labor, and the culture of conspicuous consumption. Throughout this history, we will study how the class structure
influenced and was changed by these economic developments. We will draw on historical and economic scholarship,
historical documents and artifacts, in-class simulations and games, and cultural products like novels, movies and art.
Major (2 credits) – Fifth and Sixth Forms – Semester 1.
Prerequisite: Completion of the history requirement.
Economic History II: The Cold War to the Present. This is a class in the political economy of the United States since the
Great Depression. Topics include economic growth trends from the 1920s onward and the technological, societal and
geopolitical forces that accompany them. We will study the history of banking, taxation, market regulation and
infrastructure investment. We will learn about macroeconomic models of economic growth and development as well
as fiscal and monetary policy in order to explain the world as we live in it now and the trends that will take us
forward. We will learn tools for doing social and economic history and we will examine the history of economic
Academic Policies & Course Catalog 2023-2024 43
thought and policy as it shaped and was shaped by historical events. Topics of study may also include the histories of
inequality, economic development, war and peace, and international trade; the history of change in labor force
composition and participation; and historical debates about the ethics of redistribution and economic justice. We will
draw on historical and economic scholarship, historical documents and artifacts, in-class simulations and games, and
cultural products like novels, movies and art.
Major (2 credits) – Fifth and Sixth Forms – Semester 2.
Prerequisite: Completion of the history requirement.
History of Human Health and Disease. From leeches to surgical robots, from the Bubonic Plague to COVID-19, this
interdisciplinary course explores advancements in medicine and their impact on human health and society from
ancient history to the modern era from both historical and scientific perspectives. We will travel through time,
studying how human health has been impacted by various spheres of life including politics, ethics, the environment,
public health, genetics, technology, and the social implications of the healthcare system. Students will have the
opportunity to execute several hands-on activities designed to examine human nature at its core.
Major (2 credits) - Fifth and Sixth Forms – Semester 2.
Prerequisites: Completion of the history and science requirements.
History of Human Rights. This course explores the history of human rights at both the national and international
levels. This course begins by discussing what it means to be a human and considers what rights should be universal
and inalienable. Using case studies, students also explore violations of human rights where discrimination has been
based on stereotypes, race, minority groups, gender, disability, and ethnicity. Within these case studies, we discuss the
development of human rights theories and practices, early efforts at an international response, and the creation of a
modern human rights agenda. Students examine humanitarian interventions in Rwanda, South Africa (Apartheid),
Darfur, Nazi Germany (Holocaust/Nuremberg Trials), and the United States (Civil Rights). Each of these places has
undergone a violation of human rights with regard to either wars of aggression, war crimes, or crimes against
humanity. In addition, students examine globalization, terrorism, and the role of the United States and the United
Nations in the current human rights debate.
Major (2 credits) – Fifth and Sixth Forms – Semester 1.
Prerequisite: Completion of the history requirement.
Introduction to Psychology. This course will introduce students to the various branches within this social science
including social psychology, health psychology, abnormal psychology, and developmental psychology. Students will
become familiar with the most significant figures behind major findings in the field of psychology. While this
interdisciplinary course will unravel the science behind human behavior, students will also be challenged to
strengthen their research and writing skills and engage in critical discourse throughout the semester. Each unit will
include critical analysis of research which will address ethical guidelines and the role of limitations and the level of
inclusivity of the participants in overall findings. As we explore aspects of social psychology, the course will address
how innate bias and prejudice play a role in human-to-human interaction. Moreover, through topics of clinical
psychology, students will become familiar with how socioeconomic status often determines one’s access to appropriate
mental health care and education. Classes will include a mixture of lecture-based presentations, critical discussion, and
project-based learning. The course will culminate with a 10-page research paper requiring students to incorporate the
critical analysis they learn throughout the semester.
Major (2 credits) – Fifth and Sixth Forms – Semester 2
Prerequisite: Completion of the history requirement.
Academic Policies & Course Catalog 2023-2024 44
Middle Eastern Studies. (NOT OFFERED IN 2023-2024.) This course examines the history of the Middle East and
develops an understanding of major political, economic, religious, and cultural events, issues and conflicts from the
post-colonial era to the present. We focus on five countries/case studies including women’s rights in Saudi Arabia, the
Palestine/Israel conflict, the causes and consequences of the Islamic Revolution in Iran and the rise of ISIS and recent
developments in the region. The course will culminate in independent student research.
Major (2 credits) – Fifth and Sixth Forms – Semester 2.
Prerequisite: Completion of the history requirement and permission of the department.
More Than a Game: The History of Sports and Culture. This course will examine the influence sports has had on social
and political change, highlighting individuals, countries, and organizational movements. The course will begin with
the first Olympic games and will move through world history, with a focus on athletic turning points leading to the
present day. Some topics that will be included are the history of the Olympic games, the fight for racial and gender
equality, and individual activism. Students will have the opportunity to read a wide range of primary documents,
examine videos about athletes, and read oral histories.
Major (2 credits) – Fifth and Sixth Forms – Semester 2.
Prerequisite: Completion of the history requirement.
Native American Studies. Native Americans are the focus of two major, conflicting myths in the United States. The first
myth is that they are gone, no longer here. The second myth is that they are everywhere, all over the place, in movies,
on TV, selling butter, representing sports teams. The field of Native American Studies developed in part as a response
to myths like these. Native Americans are still here—and just about everywhere else, too—but just not in forms that
many Americans encounter or recognize. Native American Studies corrects these misperceptions by focusing on the
real stories of past and present Native peoples. In this course we will look at the long and diverse histories of Native
Americans on this continent. We will explore the ongoing richness of Native life, as well as political fights for Native
rights. We will engage with popular culture, art, music, history, and memory as ways to recognize and see true
experiences of Native peoples. We will even return to some of the myths about Native Americans, using the voices,
ideas, and thinking of Native peoples to both show how and why these myths are inaccurate, and also why they have
been so pervasive and powerful. Through readings, discussions, and research, we will gain a better understanding of
Native America.
Major (2 credits) – Fifth and Sixth Forms – Semester 2.
Prerequisite: Completion of the history requirement.
Race, Gender and Class in America. In this course, students will use historical case studies to explore the gap between
American ideals and the reality of inequality and discrimination based on race, gender, and class. Topics of reading
and discussion include the O.J. Simpson case, Leonard Peltier, the death penalty, the coeducation movement, busing,
and Title IX. Students are required to write a substantial research paper and make an oral presentation of their work.
Major (2 credits) – Fifth and Sixth Forms – Semester 2.
Prerequisite: Completion of the history requirement and permission of the department.
Academic Policies & Course Catalog 2023-2024 45
21st-Century United States History. (NOT OFFERED IN 2023-2024.) This course examines important social, political,
cultural, and economic events in U.S. History since the year 2000 through the lenses of power, race, gender, and class.
In addition, students will look at issues facing historians and teachers of U.S. History today. Thus, we seek to
understand both the state of the country and the state of the profession. What role should history and historians play
in guiding citizens and leaders? What can we learn from the past to change the present? Is there hope for the United
States? Among the topics discussed: white supremacy, the 2000 election, the Supreme Court, the war on terror, poverty,
Presidents Obama & Trump, the Great Recession, climate change, the status of Native Americans, protest movements,
higher education, The 1619 Project, the Flint water crisis, immigration, American foreign policy, higher education,
gender inequality, and the COVID pandemic.
Major (2 credits) – Fifth and Sixth Forms – Semester 1.
Prerequisite: Completion of the history requirement.
Full-year history electives
Advanced History Capstone Seminar. Designed for students who wish to pursue history at a collegiate level of
excellence, this course will teach students the methods of a historian and allow them to use those techniques to pursue
advanced research in a subject of their choosing. For this year-long course, students will submit an area of interest the
spring before the class. The instructor will use student interests to shape the contents of the readings each year. In the
fall, readings will be taken from academic-level history journals such as the American Historical Review. Students will
learn to write abstracts, article and book reviews, and literature reviews to aid them in acquiring the methods of a
historian and the background research they will need to produce an advanced college-level history paper. In the winter
and spring, students will then research and write their own original primary source research paper and learn to
critique and provide feedback to their fellow students on their work. The course will culminate with a defense before
the faculty and a presentation of these papers to the school community. When appropriate students will also pursue
venues to have their papers published in an appropriate academic journal. Because the intensity and depth of this class
will go beyond the AP, this course will receive AP weighting.
Major (2 credits per semester) – Sixth Form – Full year.
Prerequisites: Prior AP history coursework or permission of the department.
AP Art History. This course is an introduction to the development of painting, sculpture and architecture from the
ancient world to the modern period. With visits to local museums, students will learn to analyze works of art within
their historical context, considering the ways that such factors as politics, religion, patronage, economics, gender, race,
and ethnicity impact artists and the work they make. As students gain a foundational knowledge about artmaking
around the globe, the conversation broadens further. Contemplating such themes as definitions of beauty, humanity’s
relationship to nature, narratives about the afterlife, and images of power, for example, the course will explore
differences and similarities across cultures and time. Students who take this course also prepare for the Advanced
Placement examination in Art History.
Major (2 credits per semester) – Sixth Form – Full year.
Prerequisite: Completion of the history requirement and permission of the department.
AP United States Government and Politics. This course introduces students to the institutions and procedures of the
American political system, the roles of the three branches of the federal government, the operation of state and local
systems and the interrelationship of government at its various levels. Students take this course to prepare for the
Advanced Placement examination in United States Government and Politics. This course will also use supplemental
material beyond the AP curriculum to address how equity, inclusion and resistance influence our governmental
systems.
Major (2 credits per semester) – Sixth Form – Full year.
Prerequisite: Completion of the history requirement and permission of the department.
Academic Policies & Course Catalog 2023-2024 46
Independent Study. Students may propose projects at or away from the school under the supervision of a member of
the department.
Major (2 credits) – Sixth Form – Semester 1 or Semester 2.
Prerequisite: Completion of the history requirement and permission of the instructor and department.
Exchange Program
Exchange Program. This course is the academic component of the Exchange Program. The purpose of the course is to
prepare students to participate as active, informed and inquisitive ambassadors, and upon their return, to
constructively reflect upon their experiences with the Brooks community. Students apply in November for six- to
nine-week stays in the spring at our sister schools in Botswana, France, Hungary, Scotland, and Spain; or in the
summer at our sister school in Peru. Selection is competitive. The course is required for those selected.
Minor (1 credit) – Fifth and Sixth Forms – Semester 2.
Prerequisite: Application and acceptance to the Brooks School Exchange Program.
Academic Policies & Course Catalog 2023-2024 47
Mathematics
Mathematics is a combination of science, language and art. The math department strongly believes that it is only
through early discipline that creativity is possible. Students learn formulas, translate words into symbols, and finally
graph the results. Introductory courses teach the fundamentals, enabling students to manipulate numbers and
formulas with confidence. Intermediate courses reiterate previously learned concepts while building upon definitions
and terminology. In the process, students develop models, turning data into equations, defining their meanings, and
depicting them on graphs. From this, a larger picture appears in which individual topics merge into a coherent whole.
At the upper level, the study of calculus provides the backdrop for the use of statistical measures, derivations, rigorous
proof, and real-world applications.
A note on calculators: The Brooks School mathematics department uses the Texas Instruments TI-83 or TI-84 graphing
calculator and overhead in all levels of mathematics. By allowing the calculator to do the tedious arithmetic, students
have a greater opportunity to more thoroughly understand the concepts involved, to find more than one solution
method, and to recognize relationships between the algebraic and graphical solutions. The mathematics department
requires that all students have a TI-83 or TI-84 graphing calculator. The TI-89 is a very different kind of calculator and
is useful in the upper-level mathematics courses. A departmental statement on calculator use is introduced to all
students at the start of the school year.
Required Mathematics Sequence
First Year Algebra. The first semester introduces the language of algebra and functions while emphasizing reading,
writing, and evaluating algebraic expressions. In addition, it deals with the fundamental operations of polynomials,
linear equations, and linear inequalities. The second semester covers linear systems, quadratic equations, factoring,
fractional equations, radicals, and radical equations.
Major (2 credits per semester) – Third or Fourth Form – Full year.
No prerequisites.
Geometry. The first semester introduces students to the terms, definitions, postulates, and theorems that form the basis
of Euclidean geometry. It also explores the notion of formal proofs. Topics covered include parallel lines, congruent
triangles, similar triangles, right triangles, and polygons. The second semester covers right triangle trigonometry,
oblique triangle trigonometry, circles, area of planar figures, surface areas and volumes of three-dimensional objects,
and an introduction to vectors and/or matrices. In both semesters, students utilize Geometer Sketchpad.
Major (2 credits per semester) – Third or Fourth Form – Full year.
Prerequisite: First Year Algebra or placement test by permission of the department.
Honors section(s) by department invitation.
Second Year Algebra. The first semester reviews, reinforces, and explores more deeply the concepts of a first-year
algebra course. The concept of functions, particularly linear and quadratic functions, is more fully developed. The
second semester explores the logarithmic, exponential, rational, irrational, and variation functions. The study of
sequences, series, and probability completes the course. There is an emphasis on modeling realistic examples from life
and using the full capabilities of the graphing calculator.
Major (2 credits per semester) – Third, Fourth or Fifth Form – Full year.
Prerequisites: First Year Algebra and Geometry, or placement test by permission of the department.
Honors section(s) by department invitation.
Academic Policies & Course Catalog 2023-2024 48
Further Mathematics Study
Pre-Calculus. This two-semester course serves as an introduction to the elements of Pre-Calculus. It is designed for
students who have not been recommended for the Advanced Pre-Calculus course. It is also designed for those who
may be interested in pursuing the non-Advanced Placement Calculus course or math electives during the following
year. Topics include the study of polynomial, exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric functions. The graphing
calculator is used extensively, and students create mathematical models to solve realistic problems. The syllabus also
includes some preparation for the SAT subject tests.
Major (2 credits per semester) – All forms – Full year.
Prerequisite: Second Year Algebra.
Advanced Pre-Calculus. The first semester of this course continues the study begun in Second Year Algebra of the
modeling of linear, quadratic, logarithmic, exponential, and variation functions. Composite and inverse functions are
also examined. The trigonometric and circular functions are also introduced in this course. The second semester
studies trigonometric equations and identities; non-right triangle trigonometry; conic sections; complex numbers;
polar numbers, equations and graphs; parametric equations and graphs; sequences and series; probability; and
vectors.
Major (2 credits per semester) – All forms – Full year.
Prerequisites: Honors grade in Second Year Algebra and permission of the department.
Honors Advanced Pre-Calculus and Differential Calculus. This full-year course is a fast-paced and rigorous
introduction to Pre-Calculus. It is designed to be the first year of a two-year program that concludes with the study of
AP Calculus (BC). This course is open only to students who have been invited by the mathematics department.
Major (2 credits per semester) – Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Forms – Full year.
Prerequisites: Honors grade in Second Year Algebra and permission of the department.
Calculus. This is a full-year course that introduces students to the elements of calculus. It is designed for students who
do not elect to study the Advanced Placement curriculum. A thorough understanding of pre-calculus is required.
Major (2 credits per semester) – Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Forms – Full year.
Prerequisites: Pre-Calculus or Advanced Pre-Calculus and permission of the department.
Probability and Statistics. Students develop the skills to collect, analyze and interpret data, as well as develop
proficiency in the use of spreadsheets. We are inundated by numbers that communicate powerful messages. As a
citizen in today's society, one must be able to interpret the real story behind the numbers. Likewise, given the
overwhelming amount of data available to us, we must be able to make sense of the data – to tell its story. This is not a
math-intensive course, but rather a class focused on building analytic skills and writing stories about data. Students
complete several projects, at least one of which is based on data of the student's own choosing.
Major (2 credits per semester) – Fifth and Sixth Forms – Full year.
Prerequisite: Second Year Algebra.
AP Statistics. This year-long course introduces students to the major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing, and
drawing conclusions from data. There are four themes in the AP Statistics course: exploring data, sampling and
experimentation, anticipating patterns, and statistical inference. Students use technology, investigations,
problem-solving, and writing as they build conceptual understanding. All students are required to take the Advanced
Placement examination.
Major (2 credits per semester) – Fifth and Sixth Forms – Full year.
Prerequisites: Pre-Calculus or Advanced Pre-Calculus and permission of the department.
Academic Policies & Course Catalog 2023-2024 49
AP Microeconomics. This year-long course offers the equivalent of a one-semester college-level introductory
microeconomics curriculum. The course will prepare students for the Advanced Placement Microeconomics
examination. Beyond the AP Microeconomics curriculum, students will be exposed to utility theories driving
consumer choice, game theory as it applies to the strategic actions of firms, and econometric methods. The goal of the
course is to present and test through experimentation the basic theories explaining consumer behavior, resource
allocation and organizational decision-making.
Major (2 credits per semester) – Fifth and Sixth Forms – Full year.
Prerequisite: Advanced Pre-Calculus and permission of the department.
AP Calculus (AB). This course follows closely the syllabus as outlined by the Advanced Placement program of The
College Board. The first semester includes the topics of limits and derivatives with attention given to the concept of
rate of change, optimization and graphing techniques. The second semester continues with work in trigonometric,
exponential and logarithmic functions. It also explores the concept of the integral and all of its applications including
the fundamental theorem of calculus. Students need to have done honors-level work in Pre- Calculus and must have
departmental permission to gain entrance to this course. All students are required to take the Advanced Placement
examination.
Major (2 credits per semester) – Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Forms – Full year.
Prerequisite: Honors grade in Advanced Pre-Calculus and permission of the department.
AP Calculus (BC). This course continues the study of calculus begun in the second semester of Honors Advanced
Pre-Calculus and Differential Calculus. After completing the course work as defined in AP Calculus (AB), students
proceed to the more advanced topics for the AP Calculus (BC) examination. These topics include infinite series, Taylor
series, differential equations, delta-epsilon proofs, vector analysis, length of curves, surface area, advanced integration
techniques, and parametric functions.
Major (2 credits per semester) – Fifth and Sixth Forms (Fourth by permission) – Full year.
Prerequisite: Honors Advanced Pre-Calculus and permission of the department.
Multivariable Calculus. The first semester of this full-year course includes vector algebra and geometry, cylindrical and
spherical coordinates, three-dimensional surfaces, vector functions, velocity and acceleration, speed, tangent and
normal vectors, arc length and curvature. The second semester covers functions of several variables, partial
differentiation, grad, div, curl, tangent plane, normal line, level curves/surfaces, extrema and Lagrange's method,
multiple integrals, change of variables, Jacobian applications, vector analysis, and more complex differential equations.
Major – Fifth and Sixth Forms – Full year.
Prerequisite: AP Calculus (BC) and permission of the department.
Engineering: Product Design. Students have a hands-on introduction to the product design process from
conceptualization to prototype construction through 3D printing and testing. Students learn many skills including
engineering graphics communications, technical sketching, and CAD (Computer-Aided Design). Students work in
groups and learn to function effectively in a team.
Major – Fifth and Sixth Forms – Semester 1.
Prerequisite: Permission of the department.
Prospective DI/II athletes, please note that this course is not NCAA-approved. Contact the academic office or the college
counseling office with questions.
Academic Policies & Course Catalog 2023-2024 50
Engineering: Digital Design. Students have a hands-on introduction to the principles and practices of digital design,
one of the first core courses in the discipline of electrical and computer engineering in college. Students study topics
such as analog vs. digital, different number systems, Boolean algebra, transistor network design, combinational
circuits, sequential circuits and more. Design methodology using both discrete components (using breadboard) and
hardware description languages (using FPGA) is implemented in the laboratory portion of the course.
Major – Fifth and Sixth Forms – Semester 2.
Prerequisite: Permission of the department.
Prospective DI/II athletes, please note that this course is not NCAA-approved. Contact the academic office or the college
counseling office with questions.
Independent Study: Topics. This semester-long course allows a student to propose to study a topic in mathematics.
Ideally, the topic will be of mutual interest with a member of the department.
Major or Minor – Sixth Form – Semester 1 and/or Semester 2.
Prerequisite: Written permission of the department head and instructor.
Academic Policies & Course Catalog 2023-2024 51
Computer Science
Introduction to Computer Science. This hands-on, semester-long course gives students a foundation in the theory and
practice of computer programming and also how the Internet works. We will explore concepts that are common to
almost all programming languages including algorithms, functions, parameters, debugging, and abstraction.
Simulations are used to understand how the Internet works and scales. This course can be taken as a stand-alone
semester or as a prerequisite to AP Computer Science Principles.
Major – Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Forms– Semester 1.
No prerequisites.
AP Computer Science Principles. This year-long course introduces students to the foundational concepts of computer
science and computational thinking and explores how computing and technology impact our world. As outlined by
the Advanced Placement program of the College Board, students will focus on the “7 Big Ideas”: creativity, abstraction,
data and information, algorithms, programming, the Internet, and global impact. All students are required to take the
Advanced Placement examination, which consists of a written exam and two artifacts.
Major (2 credits per semester) – Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Forms– Full year.
No prerequisites.
Creative Coding. In this highly visual semester-long course, students explore concepts in computer programming by
creating art and real-world simulations using a JavaScript framework called p5js. Topics include generative art, arrays,
object-oriented programming, physical simulations, and more. The results are stunning visual renderings that appear
in the browser, and the possibilities are endless. This is a project-based course that combines technical proficiency with
creative freedom.
Major – Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Forms– Semester 2.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Computer Science or AP Computer Science Principles and Algebra 1.
Data Science. In this semester-long course, students use computer code to store, extract, and analyze data in order to
derive information and insight. Topics include Python language basics, exploratory data analysis, data visualization
and machine learning. In particular, machine learning (ML) is an emergent field that solves problems that were
virtually impossible a generation ago. The course uses real data from a variety of sources and uses the latest
technologies to handle these data.
Major – Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Forms– Semester 2.
Prerequisite: Second Year Algebra and two semesters of Computer Science courses, or permission of the department.
AP Computer Science A. This year-long course introduces students to computer science through programming.
Fundamental topics include the design of solutions to problems, the use of data structures to organize large sets of
data, the development and implementation of algorithms to process data and discover new information, the analysis
of potential solutions, and the ethical and social implications of computing systems. The course emphasizes
object-oriented programming and design using the Java programming language. Students should have a foundation of
mathematical reasoning including basic linear functions, composition of functions, and problem-solving strategies that
require multiple approaches and collaborative efforts. All students are required to take the Advanced Placement
examination in May.
Major – Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Forms – Full year.
Prerequisite: Second Year Algebra, Introduction to Computer Science, and/or permission of the department.
Academic Policies & Course Catalog 2023-2024 52
Science
Living in a highly technological society requires that all students have some background in the sciences. Thus the
major objectives of the Science Department are:
● To create an interest in and help students understand a body of useful scientific knowledge of the organic and
inorganic worlds.
● To train the students in the scientific approach – critical thought, inductive and deductive reasoning to solve
problems.
● To give the student sufficient background in a specific science to continue study at a higher level.
● To help the student prepare for Advanced Placement examinations in science.
● To develop skills in scientific writing.
In Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Anatomy & Physiology, there are "Honors" sections that are so designated on a
student's transcript. Students enter Honors sections by invitation of the Department.
Foundational Laboratory Science Sequence
Physics. This foundational course delves into the key subjects of physics and engineering, placing a strong emphasis
on the conceptual understanding and mathematical applications of general concepts. With an aim to improve
problem-solving abilities, students will learn the application of physics concepts using engineering principles and
hands-on projects. Computers play a significant role in this course and will be used for data collection, analysis,
simulations, research, and practice exams. Topics covered include but are not limited to mechanics, the characteristics
of matter, waves and optics, and electricity and magnetism. Upon completion of the course, students will have a solid
foundation to move on to more advanced science courses, including engineering, chemistry, and biology.
Major (2 credits per semester) – Third, Fourth and Fifth Forms – Full year.
No prerequisites.
Honors section(s) by department invitation.
Chemistry. This foundational course in the natural sciences covers the properties and behavior of matter and the
principles of chemical reactions. Topics include the periodic table, chemical formulas and equations, acid-base
reactions, thermochemistry, and chemical bonding. Students learn through a combination of lectures, laboratory
experiments, and problem-solving exercises, developing critical thinking and analytical skills that are essential for
future studies in science and engineering. The course also provides a basis for further studies in related fields,
including biology, environmental science and biochemistry.
Major – Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Forms – Full year.
Prerequisite: Physics or equivalent.
Honors section(s) by department invitation.
Biology. This biology course adopts an analytical perspective and focuses on four main areas: cell biology, molecular
biology, evolution, and ecology. Through lectures, labs and projects, students will explore important topics such as cell
structure and function, the cell cycle, genetics, DNA, biodiversity and ecosystems. The course is designed to promote
critical thinking and encourage students to form their own conclusions through the application of the scientific
method. Students will participate in hands-on investigative work, including asking questions, conducting
experiments, and documenting their findings within the scientific field.
Major – Fifth and Sixth Forms – Full year.
Prerequisites: Physics and Chemistry or permission of the department.
Honors section(s) by department invitation.
Academic Policies & Course Catalog 2023-2024 53
Further Science Study
AP Biology. This course is designed to provide an experience equivalent to a two-semester college introductory
biology sequence. Students will develop analytical skills and a conceptual and factual framework appropriate to a
beginning biology undergraduate major. Preparation for this class is rigorous as the content covers topics including
biochemistry, cellular biology, molecular biology, genetics, evolution and ecology. At the end of the course, students
will have an awareness of the integration of other sciences in the study of biology, understand how the species to
which we belong is similar to, yet different from, other species, and be knowledgeable and responsible citizens in
understanding biological issues that could potentially impact their lives. All students take the Advanced Placement
examination which may lead to credit and/or advanced placement in college.
Major – Fifth and Sixth Forms – Full year.
Prerequisites: Physics, Chemistry, Honors Biology and permission of the department.
AP Chemistry. This advanced placement course covers topics introduced in Honors Chemistry in greater depth, and is
the equivalent of a first-year college chemistry course. As such, students study college texts and laboratory
experiments and gain valuable preparation for any further science courses. All students take the Advanced Placement
Chemistry examination, which may lead to college credit and/or advanced placement. Topics covered include atomic
and molecular structure, chemical equilibria, chemical kinetics, thermodynamics and electrochemistry. Laboratory
work is a key component of this course.
Major – Fifth and Sixth Forms – Full year.
Prerequisites: Honors Chemistry, Second Year Algebra and permission of the department.
AP Environmental Science. This college-level course provides a framework for understanding the complex interactions
between the physical environment and human populations globally and locally, long-term and short-term. The
fast-paced, demanding class covers topics including ecology, population growth, chemistry of the atmosphere, water
quality, energy resources, agricultural productivity, biodiversity and environmental ethics. Self-motivated and curious
students will find opportunities for independent research and projects in addition to the laboratory work required in
the class. All students take the Advanced Placement Environmental Science examination.
Major – Fifth and Sixth Forms – Full year.
Prerequisites: Two previous laboratory science courses and permission of the department.
AP Physics. This course is designed for the student wishing to specialize in a physical science or any of the engineering
disciplines including civil, mechanical, electrical or biomedical engineering. All students take the Advanced Placement
Physics C-Mechanics examination. Students explore topics in the six following content areas: kinematics, Newton’s
laws of motion, work, power and energy systems, circular motion and rotation, oscillations, and gravitation. The
course focuses on the application of introductory differential and integral calculus to solve problems related to the
topics above. The course utilizes guided inquiry and student-centered learning to foster the development of
critical-thinking skills through problem-solving and independent lab work.
Major – Sixth Form – Full year.
Prerequisites: Calculus or higher (may be taken concurrently), or permission of the department.
Academic Policies & Course Catalog 2023-2024 54
Anatomy and Physiology. This full-year course surveys the structure and function of the major systems of the human
body including skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, immune, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, and excretory.
Laboratory work and dissections plus case studies, student presentations, and projects are an integral part of this
course. Students also have an opportunity to learn more about careers in medicine and health through partnerships
with health professionals who work in the Merrimack Valley and Boston. The final project of the course is the
completion of a rabbit dissection.
Major – Fifth and Sixth Forms – Full year.
Prerequisite: Physics, Chemistry and Biology, and permission of the department.
Honors section(s) by department invitation.
Animal Behavior and Zoology. This semester-long course explores the tremendous diversity of animal life and the
interconnectedness of different animal species with each other and with humans. The first part of the course explores
the classification and characteristics of all the animal phyla, with an emphasis on the evolution of animals and the
adaptations that have allowed such diversity to flourish. The second part of the course focuses on many different
animal behaviors (including human behavior). We will learn about different types of behaviors – from innate (genetic)
behaviors to learned behaviors. The social interactions between animals will be covered in depth as we study
courtship, aggression, altruism, and parental behaviors in animals. The course will utilize a number of interesting
articles, discussions, activities, videos, and projects to give a wider perspective of the animal kingdom and animal
behavior.
Major – Fifth and Sixth Forms – Semester 1 or Semester 2.
Prerequisites: Physics, Chemistry and Biology, and permission of the department.
Design Thinking. Design thinking is a way of thinking, acting, and interacting that utilizes an innovation-driven
scientific approach to problem-solving which, similar to scientific education, tests a hypothesis to achieve findings.
Design thinking is unique in its use of Human Centered Design to develop and test innovative and diverse solutions to
an array of problems. During this class, students will use these principles to complete a wide array of projects and
Design Challenges with themes ranging from architectural and aesthetic design, to redesigning social systems and
mechanical engineering. This course presents an introduction to the design thinking approach and mindset using
highly interactive exercises that give students a flavor for some of the techniques and methods of design thinking that
awaken the innovative and problem-solving abilities within each of us.
Major – Fifth and Sixth Forms – Semester 1 or Semester 2
Prerequisite: Completion of the laboratory science requirement.
Honors Biotechnology. There is no doubt that conceptual leaps, new ideas, and paradigm shifts have led to great
advances in scientific knowledge. Have you ever wondered if these would have had the same impact without the
technological advances that make them possible? The discovery of DNA, increasingly sophisticated microscopes, and
the development of in vitro assays that faithfully reproduce cellular functions are just a few examples of technological
advances that have spurred on many areas of cell biology. This semester-long course will provide students with a
comprehensive introduction to the scientific concepts and laboratory research techniques utilized in the field of
biotechnology. Students will explore topics of microbiology, immunology, genetics, genomics, bioinformatics, and
bioethics, and perform a series of extensive laboratory projects aimed to provide an introductory understanding of
biotechnology.
Major – Fifth and Sixth Forms – Semester 2.
Prerequisite: Physics, Honors Chemistry and Honors Biology, and permission of the department.
Academic Policies & Course Catalog 2023-2024 55
History of Human Health and Disease. From leeches to surgical robots, from the Bubonic Plague to COVID-19, this
interdisciplinary course explores advancements in medicine and their impact on human health and society from
ancient history to the modern era from both historical and scientific perspectives. We will travel through time,
studying how human health has been impacted by various spheres of life including politics, ethics, the environment,
public health, genetics, technology, and the social implications of the health care system. Students will have the
opportunity to execute several hands-on activities designed to examine human nature at its core.
Major – Fifth and Sixth Forms – Semester 2.
Prerequisite: Completion of the history and science requirements.
Human Impact on the Environment. This semester-long course will examine the many ways in which humans impact
the environment. The aim of the course is to increase scientific literacy regarding the environmental impacts of our
actions so students can make informed decisions in the future. Students will learn to assess the validity of information
and will acquire the skills needed to address and identify misinformation. Major topics covered in the course include
climate change, pollution, waste production, land use, and fossil fuel consumption.
Major – Fifth and Sixth Forms – Semester 1 or Semester 2.
Prerequisite: Physics, Chemistry and Biology, and permission of the department.
Honors Neuroscience. This semester-long course examines the function and structure of the human nervous system.
Beginning with a detailed study of the brain and neurochemistry, the focus will be on the biological basis for learning,
memory, emotion, addiction, and behavior. Additional topics will include the role of the nervous system in sensation,
hunger, movement, and various neurological and psychiatric disorders. Students will demonstrate their knowledge
through a variety of assessments including projects, case studies, papers and traditional examinations.
Major – Fifth and Sixth Forms – Semester 1.
Prerequisite: Physics, Honors Chemistry and Honors Biology, and permission of the department.
Introduction to Electromechanical Engineering. This course will cover the engineering design process and its
real-world applications. Students will study classic engineering designs and learn how to apply engineering principles
to solve problems, improve designs, and innovate. Topics covered include energy conservation, mechanical energy,
electrical energy, electromagnetism (electric motors), and the internal combustion engine and its history. A focus on
electric vehicles and their science and engineering will also be included. Throughout the semester, students will work
on a project that involves identifying a problem, improving a design, or creating something new. The engineering cycle
(research, brainstorming, prototyping, and building) will be followed and students will present their final project.
Upon completion, students will have a strong understanding of engineering and will have developed
problem-solving, mechanical, and collaboration skills.
Major – Fifth and Sixth Forms – Semester 1 or Semester 2.
Prerequisite: Physics, Chemistry and Biology, and permission of the department.
Royce Independent Research Project. Students may propose projects at or away from the school under the supervision
of a member of the department. Expenses for such projects are financed by the generous support of the Robert Royce
Fund.
Major or Minor – Fifth and Sixth Forms – Semester 1 or Semester 2
Prerequisite: Permission of the teacher and department.
Academic Policies & Course Catalog 2023-2024 56
Self in Community
Self in Community is a comprehensive four-year program designed to provide discussion-based learning
opportunities for students throughout their careers at Brooks. Students will have the opportunity to explore and
develop their understanding of self, expectations and responsibilities of a citizen within the Brooks community and
beyond, and their understanding of relationships with others. The curriculum seeks to explore developmentally
appropriate aspects of wellness such as identity development, physical, emotional, and spiritual health, diversity and
ethics, as well as leadership and transition after Brooks.
Classes in the Self in Community series will be held annually for all grades. They are automatically scheduled for
students. Third- and fourth-form Self in Community classes meet twice per week. Fifth- and sixth-form classes meet
once per week.
