current course catalog

Current Course Catalog

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Computer Science

Comparative Programming Languages

Department Computer Science

Instructor: David Brown

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Course Description: Comparative Programming Languages allows students to sample a variety of programming languages (syntax and grammar) as well as their potential usage. Simultaneously, students will be learning the history and theory of specific languages groups and where they may best be utilized. Students are not expected to become proficient in studied languages as significant time will not be allotted to each language. Languages may include, but not be limited to: Prolog, Lisp, Scheme, Fortran, Cobol, Assembler, C++, JavaScript, Python, Ruby, and others that may be available.

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Computer Science Seminar

Department Computer Science

Instructor: David Brown

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Course Description: Computer Science Seminar introduces students to the efforts and requirements of producing conference and/or journal level publications. The graduate school paradigm is put to use in that students are enveloped in an ongoing research agenda (Computers and Human Interaction, CHI) from which they acquire skills in introductory statistics, posing researchable questions, questionnaire construction and delivery, and submitting to a professional body for publication.

Prerequisites: Data Structures and/or Instructor Permission

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Data Structures

Department Computer Science

Instructor: David Brown

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Course Description: Data Structures is the complementary course to Introduction to Programming and Algorithms. Students will study algorithms with associated data structures and will learn how to construct and use data structures from the ground up. Examples of dynamic data structures being utilized will be, but not limited to: queues, stacks, single and double linked lists, priority queues, heaps, and binary search trees. Students will build the needed data structures using Object Oriented Programming techniques rather than making Java library calls.

Prerequisites: Introduction to Programming and Algorithms

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Introduction to Programming and Algorithms

Department Computer Science

Instructor: David Brown

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Course Description: Introduction to Programming and Algorithms will cover fundamental coding and algorithms using Java as a vehicle. Programming techniques, algorithm selection and analysis, and appropriate elementary data structures will be discussed and implemented. Introductory Digital Logic and Boolean algebra will be studied to prepare students for the thinking processes involved in programming. Students will participate in both theory and hands-on programming involving logical analysis, problem decomposition, elementary software engineering, and facets of computer science outside the bounds of programming.

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Humanities

AP US History

Department Humanities

Instructor: Joseph "Don" Cyr

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Course Description: This is a college-level introduction to U.S. history from the pre-Columbian era to the aftermath of the Cold War, the Age of Discovery to the present. Students will develop tactical and strategic skills contributing to critical thinking about the development and politics of the United States. The course follows the College Board guidelines and prepares students for the AP exam.

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US History

Department Humanities

Instructor: Joseph "Don" Cyr

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Course Description: A survey of the history of the United States from the earliest explorers to the assassination of Lincoln at the end of the Civil War, first semester covers the geographical influences, philosophy, and cultural developments that better explain the political events of each era. Special attention is paid to primary source documents, especially with respect to the American Revolution and the formative documents of the nation. The second half of the year begins with Reconstruction after the Civil War, and concludes with the Cold War in the twentieth century. Emphasis is given to the economic, social, and philosophical changes that mark the political events in the chronology.

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Novel to Film

Department Humanities

Instructor: Catherine Bowker

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Course Description: In this course students will study traditional literary techniques and analysis as well as the art of adapting a novel for film. In addition to analyzing the novels, students will study the film adaptations of those novels and explore the effects of these adaptations on the novel. How does the plot line, character development, theme, etc change in the translation? While the major focus will be literary analysis, students will discover that in order to fairly critique the film, one must thoroughly understand the novel. (Semester)

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Introduction to Composition

Department Humanities

Instructor: Davis Rogers

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Course Description: This course is designed for students who have a basic foundation in the fundamentals of composition. Students will study and practice grammar and basic rhetoric. Emphasis will be placed on exposition in its various forms.

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Acting

Department Humanities

Instructor: Stefan Dreisbach-Williams

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Course Description: Students will develop an understanding of their bodies, the ways they move and the ways that movement and action serve as stimulus and response in performance and non-performative behavior. Significant attention will be given to text analysis and the process of developing a character from the text through literary, historical, sociological and physical research and analysis. Assessment will be based on performances developed through these explorations. (Semester)

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Theatre Production

Department Humanities

Instructor: Stefan Dreisbach-Williams

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Course Description: Students will become familiar with the elements of design and methods for pursuing creative process. They will learn techniques for working in cloth, wood and papier mache among other materials. They will analyze texts and devise solutions to performance problems presented in the text with an eye to the limits of their available resources. A final presentation will include the design and construction of an object or object set presented as part of a full design concept. Students will also have the opportunity to assist in design and construction associated with current productions. (Semester)

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American Literature

Department Humanities

Instructor: Jessica Baker

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AP English Language & Composition

Department Humanities

Instructor: Jessica Baker

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Course Description: AP English Language is a year long course providing training in prose analysis as well as analytical and persuasive writing, while preparing students to take the Advanced Placement Test in English Language and Composition. In addition to practicing essay test-taking techniques, organization, and time management, students study the interactions among subject, authorial purpose, audience needs, generic conventions, and the resources of the English language.

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Honors Composition and Research

Department Humanities

Instructor: Jessica Baker

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Course Description: This course is designed for students who have a solid foundation in the fundamentals of composition, including basic rhetoric and grammar. Students will study and practice strategies for effective writing, listening, speaking, and researching in college and professional life; special emphasis will be on exposition: narration, description, and process. Students learn the skills and values of interpretation, analysis and documentation of texts.

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Advanced French

Department Humanities

Instructor: Guy Gallagher

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Course Description: This course is an expansion of the grammar and vocabulary learned in Intermediate French. Emphasis is on communication and application of knowledge in functional life situations. Students are exposed to specific vocabulary and various grammatical points, and gain confidence to use the language orally and in writing. Students also learn about the culture and the history of France.

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AP French

Department Humanities

Instructor: Guy Gallagher

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Course Description: The goal of the AP French Language course is to prepare students for success on the AP French Language Exam. Students in AP French Language should have a strong background in French grammar and vocabulary and have competence in listening, reading, speaking, and writing. The course emphasizes the use of language for active communication and seeks to develop language skills. All students will take the AP French Language exam in the spring. (adapted from College Board description)

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Economics

Department Humanities

Instructor: M. Sharon Daigle-Gerrish

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Course Description: is a full year course examining the way in which economics affects the lives of individuals and how individuals, through their economic choices, shape their world. Elements of microeconomics and macroeconomics will be explored. Students will be asked to implement and develop critical thinking skills by identifying points of view, comparing and contrasting, analyzing information, sequencing, categorizing, making generalizations and predictions, and drawing inferences and conclusions. Topics to be presented include economic systems, demand, supply, prices, market structures, economic challenges, role of government, money and banking, and international trade.

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Intermediate French

Department Humanities

Instructor: M. Sharon Daigle-Gerrish

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Course Description: This course continues the development of all four language skills, including vocabulary building, increasing oral reading for comprehension and fluency, basic forms and structure, and verb and sentence constructions. Students are exposed to specific vocabulary, various grammatical points, and gain confidence to use the language both orally and in writing.

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Advanced Spanish

Department Humanities

Instructor: Gregory Scott Reed

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Course Description: This course offers an interactive approach, emphasizing the whole structure of the language and ways to use it to express meaning. The class explores the Spanish-speaking world broadly, using all Spanish textbooks to learn more about geography, history, arts, literature, and other topics that promote cultural awareness and understanding of the various societies in Latin America and Europe. Students are involved in activities that require the use of multimedia tools to learn crafts, songs, drama, and games in Spanish. Guest speakers also enhance student learning.

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Intermediate Spanish

Department Humanities

Instructor: Gregory Scott Reed

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Course Description: This course integrates, in a creative way, interactive activities, communicative strategies, written exercises, and reading comprehension, as well as, concise and accurate explanations and grammatical concepts. Portraying the conversational purposes of this course, conversation begins from the very first day of class. Computer activities are included in the program. Students are involved in activities that require the use of multimedia tools to experience regional variations and idioms. Course work includes discussions based on videos, class participation, attendance, assignments, a Spanish journal, written tests, and a final oral examination.

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Introduction to Spanish

Department Humanities

Instructor: Gregory Scott Reed

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Course Description: This course focuses on reading, translating and communicating Spanish. Students will study grammar and basic communications skills in order to read, write, and comprehend the Spanish language.

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AP Psychology

Department Humanities

Instructor: Gerard 'Jerry' O'Keefe

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Course Description: AP Psychology, a one-semester course, is designed to expose students to the science of psychology while encouraging the understanding of human cognition, emotion, and behavior. Students examine new ideas and rethink life experiences. With introspection, students may even decide to make a few changes in their lives. There will be hands-on activities while we explore sensation, but the course is chiefly an exchange of information, detective work, and a lot of analytical reading. This course uses an award-winning video series, Discovering Psychology, to complement the text. Web-based resources provide opportunities for research. Class format includes lecture, discussion, oral reports, quizzes, and two research papers. (Semester)

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British Literature: Utopias and Nightmares

Department Humanities

Instructor: Michael McCartney

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Course Description: So you say you want a revolution? Well we all want to change the world. In this course we will look at the evolution of the idea of Utopia in British Literature. We will study how and why these communities have been imagined and what exactly can happen when these dreams fall apart. We will examine exactly what it is that we want in our own ideal society. Works include Sir Thomas Moore's Utopia, James Hilton's Lost Horizon, C.S. Lewis's That Hideous Strength and more, including several important works published in just the last few years! Only students interested in changing the world need apply.

Prerequisites: Introduction to Literature and Composition and Research or AP English Language and Composition. Seniors Only

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Early British Literature

Department Humanities

Instructor: Michael McCartney

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Course Description: Early British Literature will be an exploration of the literature and culture of Anglo-Saxon, Medieval and Renaissance England. What makes a man risk everything to fight a dragon with his bare hands? What could bring a group of tremendously different characters from all over England together for a single quest? What do we really mean when we say that Shakespeare is the greatest author in the history of the English language? Over the course of this semester, we will explore the elements of literature, expand our knowledge of British linguistic, socio-cultural, political and, of course literary history. Most importantly, though, we will discover what is great about ourselves and the place the Romans called Britannia. (Semester)

Prerequisites: Introduction to Literature and Composition and Research or AP English Language and Composition. Seniors Only

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Medieval Worlds

Department Humanities

Instructor: Michael McCartney

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Course Description: This course will be a study of the world of Medieval Europe. Although it will be interdisciplinary in scope, it will be historical in focus. We will discuss the developments (both positive and negative) in European History from the birth of Christ until the beginning of the period known as the Humanist Renaissance. We will study the development of the major European states and institutions, including Universities and the Church, important ideas in Christian thought, Scholasticism and Humanism, and important social evolutions such as marriage, love, literature, aristocracy, chivalry and warfare. Medieval Studies will be run in the style of an Oxford Tutorial. What this means is that we will meet for one hour each week. At weekly meetings, the student will present a 5-7-page research essay that he or she has composed over the course of the previous week. This essay will be in proper Chicago-style formatting, will be easy to read, provide a comprehensive overview of the selected topic and will contain no fewer than five sources. During the meeting, the instructor will review the essay for errors and content, discuss the topic in-depth with the tutor for the rest of the hour period, and then select the topic for the next research essay. List of Textbooks and Resources: (all provided by the instructor) The Internet Medieval Sourcebook, Paul Halshall http://www.fordham.edu/halsall/medieval.html#a The Portable Medieval Reader, James Bruce Ross and Mary Martin McLaughlin The Romans: From Village to Empire, Mary T. Boatwright Medieval Europe: A Short History, Warren Hollister Medieval Lives, Terry Jones Life in a Medieval Family, Gies and Gies Life in a Medieval Castle, ibid. Strong of Body, Noble and Brave: Chivalry in Medieval France, Constance Britten Bouchard

Prerequisites: Approval of the Instructor and Director of Studies

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Introduction to Chinese

Department Humanities

Instructor: Zhu-Qi Lu

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Course Description: This is an introduction to modern standard Chinese (Mandarin) with emphasis on developing conversational skills by using fundamental grammatical patterns and vocabulary in functional and culturally suitable contexts. Basic reading and writing are taught. The Chinese culture, history, and arts are also introduced in this course. All students taking a Chinese course have the opportunity, but are not required to attend, the May Term China Trip.

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Advanced Chinese

Department Humanities

Instructor: Huidi Zhang

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Course Description: This course continues instruction in spoken and written Chinese, with particular emphasis on consolidating basic conversational skills and improving reading confidence and depth.

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Intermediate Chinese

Department Humanities

Instructor: Huidi Zhang

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Course Description: This continuation of introductory Chinese focuses on communication in Chinese for everyday purposes. The emphasis of this course is on language practice. The rules of grammar and pronunciation are also carefully taught. The Chinese culture, history, art, and local customs are introduced in this course.

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AP Literature

Department Humanities

Instructor: Alice Bolstridge

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Course Description: This is a year-long course that prepares students to do well on the AP exam in Literature and Composition. Fall assignments are focused on World Literature, and spring assignments on British and American Literature

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Chorus

Department Humanities

Instructor: Marie Minet

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Course Description: Students participate in rehearsals and performances of choral music appropriate for students with limited background and training. No audition is required – chorus is open to all students.

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Jazz Band

Department Humanities

Instructor: Marie Minet

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Course Description: Students participate in rehearsals and performances of a variety of jazz music. Students with limited jazz background and training, as well as, students with years of experience are encouraged to take part. Attendance is required at rehearsals and performances.

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Art History

Department Humanities

Instructor: Thomas Cote

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Course Description: The students explore art from China, India, Korea, Japan, and Western societies beginning with the Stone Age, and continuing through to the present. About two-thirds of this one-semester class is hands-on, creating art through the ages. (Semester)

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Ceramics

Department Humanities

Instructor: Thomas Cote

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Course Description: This is a one-semester ceramics workshop. Students learn how to create various projects using hand methods. Students learn glazing, firing, and texturing of their projects. The history of ceramics is also covered. (Semester)

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Crafts

Department Humanities

Instructor: Thomas Cote

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Course Description: This one-semester course is designed for either the student without craft experience, or the crafter who is seeking new levels and outlets for his or her creativity. Students learn to reuse ordinary, everyday materials and objects in different ways. Projects are divided into five areas: wood, paper, natural materials, fibers, and clay. (Semester)

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Introduction to Printmaking

Department Humanities

Instructor: Thomas Cote

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Course Description: This one-semester course covers the fundamentals of printmaking, including monoprinting and intaglio. Emphasis is placed upon technical, conceptual, aesthetic, and expressive development. (Semester)

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Photography

Department Humanities

Instructor: Thomas Cote

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Course Description: This one-semester course covers the fundamentals of black and white photography, including film processing, printing and print control, lighting, camera basics, exposure, and photography. (Semester)

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Two and Three-Dimensional Design

Department Humanities

Instructor: Thomas Cote

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Course Description: This one-semester course covers fundamentals of design and composition, and perceptual and aesthetic aspects of color. Work is done on both 2-D and 3-D projects. (Semester)

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Woodcarving

Department Humanities

Instructor: Thomas Cote

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Course Description: Students learn the rudiments of working with wood in this one-semester course. In doing projects, students are exposed to simple and straightforward techniques in wood sculpture. Areas covered are wood, tools, sharpening, basic principles, composition, and perspective, along with finishing and finishes. (Semester)

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Mathematics

Accelerated Before Calculus BC

Department Mathematics

Instructor: Joseph Siddiqui

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Course Description: : Accelerated Before Calculus BC covers topics similar to Before Calculus BC, however, students are introduced to a study of the Calculus in the latter part of the spring term. These topics include limits, continuity, and derivatives. While topics are similar to those of Before Calculus BC, the material is covered in greater depth and at a faster pace. Also, the instructor has an extremely high expectation of student independence. Students who successfully complete this course are fully prepared to enroll in Accelerated AP Calculus BC.

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Ap Calculus BC

Department Mathematics

Instructor: Joseph Siddiqui

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Course Description: This course covers the entire AP Calculus BC curriculum, as well as, additional calculus topics. The content includes infinite series, calculus with parametric, vector, and polar functions, as well as, each of the AP Calculus AB topics. In addition to studying a broad curriculum, AP Calculus BC students are expected to master a variety of theory elements in order to gain a great depth of understanding.

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Before Calculus BC

Department Mathematics

Instructor: Joseph Siddiqui

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Course Description: Before Calculus BC covers topics similar to Before Calculus AB. Other topics, including vectors, matrices, determinants, sequences, and series are also covered. While the topics are similar to that of Before Calculus AB, the material is covered in great depth, and at a fast pace. The instructor also has a high expectation of student independence. Students who successfully complete this course are fully prepared for a study of AP Calculus BC.

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Linear Algebra

Department Mathematics

Instructor: Joseph Siddiqui

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Course Description: This one-semester course is designed to give upper-level students a deep understanding of the topics of linear algebra, including matrices, linear independence, determinants, eigenvalues, general vector spaces, inner product spaces, and linear transformations. Rigor and proofs form the basis of all that is studied. (Semester)

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Accelerated AP Calculus BC

Department Mathematics

Instructor: Peter Novotny

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Course Description: In this one-semester course, students complete an in depth study of the AP Calculus BC curriculum. The approach is rigorous and students are expected to master the full scope of theory elements, as well as, computational skills.

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Advanced Mathematics

Department Mathematics

Instructor: Peter Novotny

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Course Description: In this mathematical survey course, students begin with an algebraic review, and then move to the study of functions, relations, systems of equations, inequalities, complex numbers, exponents, logarithms, and rational and irrational algebraic expressions. In the second semester, students study conic sections, higher-degree functions, complex numbers, sequences and series, probability, data analysis, and trigonometry.

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Accelerated Advanced Mathematics

Department Mathematics

Instructor: L. T. Pete Pedersen

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Course Description: This course covers topics similar to the Advanced Mathematics course. However, the material is covered in great depth, and with a high expectation of student independence.

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AP Calculus AB

Department Mathematics

Instructor: L. T. Pete Pedersen

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Course Description: Topics in this course include limits, continuity, derivatives and their applications, integrals, integration techniques, numerical methods, applications of integrals, introductory differential equations, and slope fields. In addition to the specific AP Calculus AB curriculum, students are introduced to an array of other Calculus topics.

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AP Statistics

Department Mathematics

Instructor: L. T. Pete Pedersen

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Course Description: Students develop skills in data organization, sampling, experimental design, probability, simulation, regression and inference. As time permits, analysis of variance is also examined.

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Before Calculus AB

Department Mathematics

Instructor: L. T. Pete Pedersen

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Course Description: Before Calculus AB covers the traditional pre-calculus curriculum, as well as, a variety of other topics accessible to students prior to a study of the Calculus. First semester topics include linear, quadratic, and polynomial functions, inequalities and absolute values, exponential and logarithmic functions, and conic sections. Second semester covers trigonometric functions and their applications, complex numbers, polar functions, combinatorics, probability, data analysis, and mathematical modeling. The course concludes with a brief introduction to limits. Students who successfully complete this course are fully prepared for a study of AP Calculus AB.

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Mathematics Competitions

Department Mathematics

Instructor: L. T. Pete Pedersen

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Course Description: Mathematics Competitions prepares students to compete in the Maine Association of Math Leagues, as well as, the New England Mathematics League and the American Mathematics Competitions. The goal of this course is to enhance problem-solving skills through practice and competition, while also reinforcing the concepts of pre-calculus. This course is not only for the strong math student, but also for students who wish to hone their mathematical skills.

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Science

AP Chemistry

Department Science

Instructor: David Dougan

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Course Description: AP Chemistry is a college-level chemistry course designed to meet the requirement of the advanced placement curriculum as defined by the College Board. The course seeks to meet these curriculum requirements within a laboratory framework. Emphasis is placed on laboratory safety, developing experimental techniques, applications to critical societal problems such as global warming and hazardous waste generation, and the economic importance of chemistry. This course is recommended for students intending to pursue careers in chemistry, medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, toxicology, biology, chemical engineering, and other related fields.

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Honors Chemistry

Department Science

Instructor: David Dougan

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Course Description: Honors Chemistry is similar in course content to AP Chemistry and should be considered a prerequisite for AP Chemistry. The course is less rigorous and moves at a slower pace. The laboratory sequence focuses on developing lab skills and reinforcing concepts while the AP lab equivalent assumes a level of laboratory skill and focuses on enhancing technique and precision.

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AP Physics B

Department Science

Instructor: Manju Prakash

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Course Description: AP Physics B is a college-level class in which a mathematically sophisticated development is used to aid in understanding the physical world. The first semester of this course covers the topics of mechanics, waves and sounds, fluids, and thermodynamics. The second semester concentrates on electricity, magnetism, optics, and topics in modern physics. Weekly labs enhance the understanding of concepts presented in class while also presenting a perspective of how science is performed by introducing and using error analysis.

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AP Physics C

Department Science

Instructor: Manju Prakash

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Course Description: This semester course concentrates on topics in mechanics with some thermodynamics. Calculus is the mathematical basis for the class and is used extensively. As this is a physics class, there is a great emphasis placed on concepts and conceptual understanding. Weekly labs are performed to enhance the understanding of the physical concepts presented in class while also providing perspective on how science is performed by introducing, and using, error analysis.

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Honors Physics

Department Science

Instructor: Manju Prakash

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Course Description: This course serves as an introduction to major topics of physics using algebra and elementary trigonometry as the mathematical tools. The first semester covers mechanics. The second semester covers thermodynamics, fluids, waves, sounds, electricity, magnetism, optics, and, if time permits, topics in modern physics, Weekly experiments are performed to enhance student understanding of physical concepts discussed in class and to gain an appreciation of the methods of science. This course is a good introduction for students who plan to take either AP Physics A or B at the MSSM or physics courses in college.

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Chemistry

Department Science

Instructor: Deborah McGann

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Course Description: This survey course covers measurement, electron arrangement, periodicity, chemical bonding, reaction rate, acids and bases, and organic chemistry. The approach is lab-centered and utilizes a historical perspective to emphasize the role of chemistry in society. Chemistry is appropriate for students intending to pursue careers in the health field or non-science areas.

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Anatomy and Physiology

Department Science

Instructor: Debbie Eustis-Grandy

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Course Description: This college-level course introduces the structure and function of the human body. The first semester establishes the cellular and biochemical basis for life and focuses on the integument, skeletal, muscle, and nervous systems. Grading is based upon four to five lecture exams, lab quizzes, two lab exams, lab exercises, and a disease research project. The second semester emphasizes the functions of the endocrine, reproductive, cardiovascular, respiratory, and digestive systems. Numerous integrated hands-on lab experiences will occur through this course.

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AP Biology

Department Science

Instructor: Debbie Eustis-Grandy

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Course Description: This course introduces the cellular and biochemical mechanisms behind the major biological processes: photosynthesis, respiration, transport, growth, reproduction, inheritance, etc. Areas of focus include acquiring energy, using energy to produce new tissue, and evolution. Hands-on projects will provide experience in experimental design, hypothesis testing, data analysis, and presentation.

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Introduction to Biology

Department Science

Instructor: Debbie Eustis-Grandy

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Course Description: Biology provides an introduction to biological processes. Introduction to Biology covers topics such as cell structure, genetics, metabolism, evolution, and biodiversity. Laboratory exercises provide hands-on opportunities to increase knowledge and skills both in biology and the design of controlled experiments. (Semester)

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Chemistry

Department Science

Instructor: Walter J. Warner

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Course Description: This survey course covers measurement, electron arrangement, periodicity, chemical bonding, reaction rate, acids and bases, and organic chemistry. The approach is lab-centered and utilizes a historical perspective to emphasize the role of chemistry in society. Chemistry is appropriate for students intending to pursue careers in the health field or non-science areas.

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Astronomy

Department Science

Instructor: Lawrence Berz

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Course Description: During the first semester of this survey course students become familiar with the skills and tools utilized by the modern professional astronomer in probing the mysteries of the universe. In the second semester, students study the elements of stellar and galactic astronomy. Course work includes reading, lab activities, tests, quizzes, homework assignments, final projects, and topic reports. Class participation is an important component of this class. (Semester)

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