American Drama
The American Literature course may be offered as a year-long class or divided into the following electives.
This course focuses on the major works of American playwrights. Students read, view, interpret, and write about dramatic literature and performance. Although analysis of dramatic texts is the main focus, some attention is paid to theatrical, cultural, and historical contexts. Works studied may include: A Raisin in the Sun, Inherit the Wind, and The Crucible.
Banned Books
Some of our greatest literature, much of it American, has been placed on Banned Book lists. Students in this course will read books written by American authors that communities have banned and continue to ban. Books are read as literature, but the issue of censorship in America is also researched and explored. Works read may include I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, The Scarlet Letter, A Separate Peace, Slaughterhouse Five, Grapes of Wrath, and The Color Purple.
Fiction into Film
Hollywood has produced blockbuster after blockbuster, and American classics have long served as the basis for screenplays. Readings may include James Fenimore Cooper’s The Last of the Mohicans, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby, John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men, Bernard Malamud’s The Natural, Arthur Miller’s The Crucible, and Lorraine Hansberry’s A Raisin in the Sun.
Science Fiction & Fantasy
Though now an international genre, American writers’ imaginations first spawned heroes and monsters in the rich mix of science and fiction. Students travel through time reading such early classics as Asimov’s Foundation to the latest award-winners in the current Nebula anthology.
Drama Through the Ages
The world literature course may be offered as a year-long class or divided into the following electives.
This course provides an overview of world theatre history from ancient through modern times. A diverse selection of plays will be read and discussed as specific time periods and cultures are studied. Works studies include Euripides' Medea, Everyman from Medieval times, William Congreve's The Way of the World, and selections from Kabuki theatre, Modern Realism, and Absurdist theatre.
Existential Literature
Themes of love, death, boredom, freedom of choice, responsibility, and alienation are considered as students read and discuss works of fiction by existential writers. Works studied may include: Camus’s The Stranger, Dostoevsky’s Notes from the Underground, Sarte’s No Exit, Kafka’s The Metamorphosis, and Beckett’s Waiting for Godot.
The Hero
Cultures portray their heroes and tell their stories in vastly differing ways. Students read one of the oldest extant bardic texts, The Odyssey; they independently research legend and myth. Other readings may include Seamus Heaney’s translation of Beowulf, Everyman, the Pearl Poet’s Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Chrétien de Troyes’s Perceval, and Shakespeare’s Macbeth.
Irish Theatre
Ireland enjoyed a creative outburst in the early nineteenth century; the plays of Irish playwrights enliven Broadway today. Readings may include Yeats’s Deirdre, Synge’s Riders to the Sea, Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest, Shaw’s Pygmalion, Beckett’s Waiting for Godot, and Friel’s Wonderful Tennessee.
Shakespeare
“The Golden Age”. That is how scholars describe Queen Elizabeth’s reign. During this time, language and learning blossomed, and Shakespeare invigorated literary and theatrical standards with his artistry. Comedies and tragedies are explored; works may include: Much Ado About Nothing, Twelfth Night, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and The Tempest.
Short Fiction
Through readings, discussions, writing assignments, and projects, students explore and analyze short fiction written by a diverse group of authors from several countries and historical periods. Works studied may include: A World of Short Stories: 18 Stories from Around the World, Orwell’s Animal Farm, Rand’s Anthem, and Wiesel’s Night.
Advanced Placement English: Language and Composition
(Offered in alternate years)
This course is designed to prepare students for the national Advanced Placement Language and Composition exam and offers experience in reading closely, thinking precisely, and writing logically. Students develop the language awareness-level of mature readers and refine the necessary skills for critical reading and effective writing. The class focuses on planning, writing, and revising persuasive writing. The curriculum includes an anthology of essays; other readings may include Shelley’s Frankenstein, Perkins Gilman’s “The Yellow Wallpaper,” and Chopin’s The Awakening.
Advanced Placement English: Literature and Composition
(Offered in alternate years)
Students critically analyze works of literary art and examine such elements as structure, theme, figurative language, imagery, symbolism, and tone. Readings include a poetry anthology, a short story anthology, Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Stoppard’s Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, Conrad’s novella Heart of Darkness, and Shaw’s Man and Superman.
College English
This course offers students a glimpse at the literature of cultures outside the Anglo-American tradition. This course is also meant to emphasize the mechanics of writing, the development of analytical thinking skills, and the honing of effective communication techniques that are often prerequisites to post-secondary courses; the assignments and goals of this course are similar to those expected at the college level. Writing portfolios, class discussions, and self-assessments are requirements.
Speech I
Students absorb the elements of communication, including vocal production and listening. To develop their public speaking skills, students give numerous impromptu speeches in addition to formal, prepared speeches. In anticipation of informative speaking assignments, topic selection, audience analysis, and research sources are examined.
Speech II
Building on knowledge and skills from Speech I, this course examines group communication, persuasive speaking, and debate. Students incorporate technology, specifically presentation software, into speeches as preparation for formal persuasive speaking assignments.
Writing I
(1 semester, ½ credit)
Students study the craft of writing, reviewing the basics—mechanics and grammar—and the patterns of expository writing. Each month, they read nonfiction from specific Dewey Decimal classifications. They analyze the use of language to prepare more powerful essays.
Writing II
Students examine the art of crafting an argument. They read and write essays from various rhetorical contexts, studying components to build more powerful and persuasive writing.
Creative Writing
This course offers students the opportunity to develop their language arts skills as they explore the craft of writing. Students will read a variety of short works by modern writers, examining both style and form.
Chinese I
This year-long course focuses on all four aspects of learning Mandarin: speaking, listening, writing, and reading. Students learn the unique tonal language with its character-based written form, using the PinYin Romanization system as a bridge to understanding. Emphasis is given to Chinese history, culture, art, literature, cuisine, and folk arts as well as current events. Students use computer-based programs for study and podcasts for additional learning. A selection of Chinese films reinforces listening skills, while guest presentations and excursions to local or Chicago-area festivities add real-life experiences. Students are presented with 400 to 600 characters.
Chinese II
Chinese II continues the Chinese I approach with a greater emphasis on character recognition and less reliance on PinYin. Students continue to learn about modern China from print and online sources, reading two of China’s beloved classics, Monkey, Journey to the West and Dream of the Red Chamber. Students begin to write journals in character and try their hand at translating Goodnight Moon into Chinese character form. Selected films showcase different regions and minorities in China. Students are presented with another 600 characters.
Chinese Conversation and Composition
This third year course continues work in translation, composition, character formation, and both expressive and receptive conversational skills. Students read Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World, sections of the I Ching, and Lao Tze’s Tao de Ching. Students continue to build written and spoken vocabulary, learn the rudiments of the Chinese suan pan (abacus), and continue cultural and historical learning. Film studies focus on the geography of China, the Beijing Opera, the Yangtze Dam, environmental issues, and the Beijing Olympics.
French I
This is an introductory course designed for the beginning French student. The focus of French I is vocabulary acquisition and basic present and past tense structures. Student will begin learning to read, write, speak and hear French. Literature is introduced through poetry and short stories.
French II
In this course, French is used often for instructions and daily work. Greater emphasis is put on intonation and stress patterns. Students will become familiar with many verb tenses and the command form as well as the subjunctive mood.
French Composition
Students will review grammar, tenses, and moods by using the language in everyday settings. Unabridged literature will be read along with newspaper and magazine articles. The students will converse in French and continue listening activities while enhancing and perfecting their writing skills in a variety of formats. This class, in combination with French Conversation, will prepare students for either the French Honors course or the Advanced Placement French Language course.
French Conversation
Students will continue to perfect their use of French as a communication tool with emphasis on oral skills. The course is taught completely in French and students will be expected to participate frequently in directed and free conversations, and make regular oral presentations to the class. This course, in combination with French Composition, will prepare students for either the Honors French course or the Advanced Placement French course.
Honors/Advanced Placement French Language & Civilization
This is an advanced language course, taken as a year of preparation for the national Advanced Placement language exam or by itself. Students will continue to refine their skills through written work and in-class discussions of current events themes, art, history and culture in the target language.
German I
Students are introduced to German using the communicative approach to language. Students learn about German culture through stories and projects, and work cooperatively using authentic language to discuss everyday topics. German is a unique alternative to French or Spanish, or can be added as a second, even third language.
Latin I, II, III
The Latin I course focuses on Latin grammar, vocabulary, and culture. Special attention is paid to the strong relationship between Latin and English. Latin II and III require more extensive explorations of literature, and history.
Spanish I
This is an introductory course designed for the beginning Spanish student. The focus of Spanish I is vocabulary acquisition and basic present and past tense structures. Student will begin learning to read, write, speak and hear Spanish. Literature is introduced through poetry and short stories.
Spanish II
In this course, Spanish is used often for instructions and daily work. Greater emphasis is put on intonation and stress patterns. Students will become familiar with many verb tenses and the command form as well as the subjunctive mood.
Spanish Composition
Students will review grammar, tenses, and moods by using the language in everyday settings. Unabridged literature will be read along with newspaper and magazine articles. The students will converse in Spanish and continue listening activities while enhancing and perfecting their writing skills in a variety of formats. This class, in combination with Spanish Conversation, will prepare students for either the Spanish Honors course or the Advanced Placement Spanish Language course.
Spanish Conversation
Students will continue to perfect their use of Spanish as a communication tool with emphasis on oral skills. The course is taught completely in Spanish and students will be expected to participate frequently in directed and free conversations, and make regular oral presentations to the class. This course, in combination with Spanish Composition, will prepare students for either the Honors Spanish course or the Advanced Placement Spanish course.
Honors/Advanced Placement Spanish Language & Civilization
This is an advanced language course, taken as a year of preparation for the national Advanced Placement language exam or by itself. Students will continue to refine their skills through written work and in-class discussions of current events themes, art, history and culture in the target language.
Algebra I
Students work on mastery of following topics: integers, solution of linear equations, word problems, exponents, factoring, simplification of radicals, simultaneous equation solutions, and solving quadratic equations. Graduates of Algebra I continue math exploration in Algebra II.
Algebra II
This course is the second half of a two-part Algebra sequence intended to deepen and broaden understanding of Algebra concepts. Topics covered will include linear equations, inequalities, systems of equations, factoring, rational functions, quadratic and polynomial equations, radicals, complex numbers, conic sections, logarithms, sequences, and trigonometry. Graphing calculators are introduced in this course.
Geometry
This course introduces formal proofs with lessons in deductive and inductive reasoning. Concepts of space geometry are integrated with plane geometry, and algebraic skills are reviewed and applied to problem solving. Students also study trigonometry, constructions, and coordinate geometry.
Precalculus
Students work with polynomial functions, systems of equations, exponential functions, vectors, polar coordinates and conic sections. Logarithms and trigonometry are covered in depth. This course makes extensive use of graphing calculators.
Advanced Placement Calculus (AB)
This course prepares the student for the national Advanced Placement Calculus (AB) exam. Topics include limits, continuity, derivatives and their applications, techniques of integration, applications of definite integrals, and conic sections.
Advanced Placement Calculus (BC)
This course prepares the student for the national Advanced Placement Calculus (BC) exam and is the second half of a two-part AP Calculus sequence. The BC exam covers all the material from the AB course and additional techniques of integration, sequences and series, and other advanced topics.
Advanced Placement Statistics
This course prepares the student for the national Advanced Placement Statistics exam. Topics include data analysis, designing samples, simulating experiments, probability, and inference hypothesis testing. AP Statistics provides a lengthy and review session directly preceding the exam. Supplementary curriculum content includes linear and logarithmic regression.
Performing Arts
Introduction to Acting
Students learn a medley of actor training techniques and acting styles. Through improvisation exercises, monologues, and scenes, students focus on using the voice and body to create and develop characters. Students keep a journal to reflect on their progress in this course.
Advanced Acting
In this performance-based class, students select their own material for monologue and scene work. A variety of actor training exercises, including improvisation, are utilized. Regular written assignments include self-evaluations, play reports, performance reviews, and the development of an acting résumé. This course may be repeated for credit.
Play Production
Students read dramatic literature and explore its interpretation on stage by completing independent design and directing projects. Through hands-on work on a Rivermont production, students examine the roles of the production staff and the coordination of production elements.
US Band
Woodwind, brass, and percussion players develop the needed skills to play their instrument of choice with appropriate tone production and quality. Students develop unity and pride working cooperatively in pursuit of excellence. The band performs a variety of literature at school concerts and community events. Students prepare either an ensemble or solo presentation for the S.E.I.B.A. solo-ensemble contest and will have an opportunity to participate in state-wide festivals. Pep Band, comprised of interested students, performs at Rivermont home athletic events.
US Choir
Students practice singing in a flexible setting where they develop their vocal range and improve their technique and style through a variety of choral literature and jazz experimentation. Students will continue to improve their understanding of the elements of music theory. The Upper School choir will expand their array of styles according to selected literature and produce a balanced and blended tone to fit each piece. Performance in school concerts and community events is a requirement. Participation in regional and state contests is encouraged.
Strings
String players develop their ensemble skills through cooperative playing and performance. They learn to produce excellent sound using good practice techniques, always striving for good intonation, rhythm and blend. They perform a wide variety of musical styles. They have played for school events, solo contest, public events and different Nursing Homes in the local area. By participating in this group, students are eligible to audition and perform with the Quad City String Ensemble and Quad City Youth Symphony if they choose.
Drawing
In this course, students experiment with mark-making using a variety of drawing tools such as graphite pencils, pen and ink, colored pencils, crayons, charcoals, pastels and markers. Diverse styles, techniques, and principles are examined and applied to several subjects. Students learn proper discourse for critiques. Students develop a portfolio of their finest works for display on campus and exhibition in the community.
Digital Photography
Digital Photography is designed to instruct students in the technical operation of modern digital photography equipment and computer software, specifically Adobe Photoshop. A significant goal of this course is that students develop an eye for composition and design. Students practice proper discourse for critiques and develop a portfolio of their finest works for display on campus and exhibition in the community.
Painting
In this course, students experiment with painting using a variety of media such as tempera, watercolor, acrylic, ink and oil paint. Conventional and unconventional surfaces such as paper, canvas, wood and glass are explored. Diverse styles, techniques, and principles are examined and applied using several subjects. Students practice proper discourse for critiques and develop a portfolio of their finest works for display on campus and exhibition in the community.
Independent Study
Seniors are eligible for enrollment in a discipline of their choosing. Expectations for quality and quantity output, as well as for critique and analytical discussion skills make this course challenging for serious art students. Expectations are communicated to the student at the beginning of the semester. The student is responsible for consistent independent work and weekly meetings with the instructor. The focus of the course is to compile an exceptional portfolio for exhibition and possible admission to post-secondary art programs.
Biology
The 10th grade biology course emphasizes integration of form and function at all levels of life. Molecular and cell biology concepts, investigations, and applications are presented during the first semester. The second semester involves two domains: microbiology with emphasis on viruses and bacteria, and an ecological, outdoors, exploratory approach in the spring term.
Physics
In this course, the physical laws of nature are investigated with emphasis on relating them mathematically. Concepts such as wave theory, the nature of light, optics, electricity, and magnetism are explored using the text and the laboratory.
Chemistry
During the course of the year, students will learn the fundamentals of chemistry with emphasis on practical applications. This includes investigating atomic theory, solution chemistry, and descriptive chemistry and nomenclature, as well as experimentation with both inorganic and organic chemistry in the lab.
Advanced Placement Biology
This college-level biology course is designed to prepare students for the national Advanced Placement exam. All topics and lab investigations will conform to the suggested AP syllabus. The major themes studied include: science as a process, organic molecules and cells, energy transfer, heredity and evolution, form and function of organisms, and populations.
Anatomy & Physiology
The structure and function of the human body are examined in this full-year course designed for grades 11 and 12. This course will give an overview of human bodily systems through lectures, activities, and computer simulation labs. Topics relative to current events such as cardiovascular disease, nutrition, exercise, gene therapy, and clinical applications will be investigated.
Global Science
This course builds upon concepts learned in previous science classes. It presents a more thorough understanding of energy, resources, benefits, and concerns of the human society in the environment. Students who enroll in Global Science can expect to be better prepared to face the challenges of being a scientifically literate adult in the twenty first century.
United States History
In this course, students study the history of the United States beginning with the Civil War and Reconstruction, and ending with World War II. Students submit major scholarly projects for National History Day in conjunction with Rivermont’s Academic Fair. The project emphasizes extensive research with annotated bibliographies, and many students advance to state and national competition levels.
World History
The World History course presents an overview of the development and changes in civilization from the earliest western communities to modern nations. Special emphasis is placed on the history of the non-western world. Students study major themes in world history and use this base knowledge to understand our world today. Adversarial relationships and modern armed conflicts are a key part of the curriculum. Students submit major scholarly projects for National History Day in conjunction with Rivermont’s Academic Fair.
Introduction to Psychology
In his introductory course, students study the brain’s elementary functions and the role they play in social behavior and dynamics. Students begin to understand the mind and brain in a real-life context. Introduction to Psychology provides students with an opportunity to explore the psychological stages of human growth and development, and human behavior.
Lessons of the Holocaust
This course presents students with a historical description of the Holocaust, including primary source readings. Students examine key participants including the Nazi party, the causes of the significant world event and its effect on the latter 20th century.
Recent U.S. History
Recent U.S. History is a survey of United States history after WWII to the present. Attention is paid to a study of the Korean War, the Civil Rights movement, and the Vietnam War and its aftermath. This course also includes political, economic, and cultural changes in the second half of the 20th century.
Understanding the Middle East
Students understand Middle East culture and politics by examining the expansion of Islam throughout the region, the rise and fall of the Ottoman Empire, the mandatory system imposed upon the Middle East, and the subsequent rise of independent nation-states. Special focus is placed on the history and current condition of the state of Israel. Periods of conflict since World War II, the role of the United States in war and peace, and the importance of oil are significant topics of discussion.
United States Government
Required for all juniors or seniors, the U.S. Government course explores the basic concepts that our government is founded upon, with special emphasis on the Constitution and on current political issues. The course is intended to give students the background they need to be informed and participatory voters and citizens.
Advanced Placement European History
This course is designed to prepare students for the national Advanced Placement European History. Curriculum content begins with the High Renaissance (1450 A.D) to the present. Students are introduced to cultural, economic, political, social, intellectual, and diplomatic developments that play a fundamental role in shaping the world in which they live. This knowledge provides students with the context for understanding the development of contemporary institutions, the role of continuity and change in present day society and politics, and the evolution of current forms of artistic expressions and intellectual discourse.
Advanced Placement Government
This course is designed to prepare students for the national Advanced Placement Government exam. AP Government provides students with an analytical and critical perspective of government and politics in the United States. The curriculum includes both the study of general concepts used to interpret United States politics and the analysis of specific case studies. It also provides students with a familiarity with the various institutions, groups, beliefs, and ideas that constitute American political reality. This course is offered in school years in which congressional and presidential elections occur.
Advanced Placement United States History
This course is designed to prepare students for the national Advanced Placement U.S. History exam. Students examine history and historiography from the pre-colonial era to the present day. Students develop analytical reading, thinking, and writing skills through the use of primary sources and document based questions. Political, social, economic, and religious themes are used to illustrate trends and connection throughout history.
Computer Graphic Design
Students learn photographic and graphic manipulation using Adobe Photoshop for Web use and print publication. Students use a variety of modern established and emergent software packages to create three-dimensional environments.
Desktop Publishing & Journalism
Through the medium of technology, Desktop Publishing requires skill in art, graphic design, photography, and writing. Students will learn the elements of exceptional design through via creation of a quarterly and monthly all-school newsletter. Outside speakers supplement the textbook curriculum by providing real-world industry experience in journalism. Students see the value in desktop publishing firsthand during several off-campus field trips to local businesses.
Introduction to Networking
Students learn the concepts and techniques integral to successful networking. This course emphasizes problem-solving, and a diverse range of networking problem scenarios are tackled, including bandwidth improvement and network security. The progressive, hands-on curriculum provides students cooperative opportunities to work with hubs, switches, bridges, and routers.
Programming in Basic
This course is intended as an introduction to the BASIC programming language. Students learn BASIC techniques, concepts and logic. Students work individually and cooperatively to put their knowledge to practical programming use.
Programming in C++
This course is intended as an introduction to the C++ programming language. Students learn basic C++ techniques, concepts and logic. Topics covered include variables and constants, program flow, functions, arrays, streams and files.
Web Development with HTML
Students learn the basics of HTML and use their knowledge of programming mechanics and design skill to create a personal website with unique content.
Advanced Web Development
This course is to focuses on non-HTML Web programming tools. Examples include Macromedia Flash, JavaScript, XML, and XHTML. This progressive technology course’s curriculum is constantly updated to include the latest technology advancements.