2010-2011

the
Hotchkiss
school
COURSE LISTING
S TAT E M E N T O F TAB LE O F CON T E N T S
GOALS A N D P U R P O SE S

The Hotchkiss School strives to develop in 01 Introduction

students a lifelong love of learning, responsible 02 Foundations of Learning
citizenship, and personal integrity. We are a
03 Diploma Requirements
community based on trust, mutual respect,
09 Classical & Modern Languages
and compassion, and we hold all members of
the community accountable for upholding 20 English
these values. 23 Humanities & Social Sciences
The school is committed to mastery of 35 Mathematics & Computer
learning skills, development of intellectual cu- 43 Science
riosity, excellence and creativity in all disci-
51 Visual & Performing Arts
plines, and enthusiastic participation in
72 Human Development
athletics and other school activities. We en-
courage our students to develop clarity of 73 Interdisciplinary Courses
thought, confidence and facility in expressing
ideas, and artistic and aesthetic sensitivity. We
expect all members of the community, in and
out of the classroom, to subject their views
and actions to critical examination and to ac-
cept responsibility for them. We hope that
our graduates will leave Hotchkiss with a
commitment to service to others and to envi-
ronmental stewardship, and with greater un-
derstanding of themselves and of their
responsibilities in a global society.

Cert no. BV-COC-013529

The cover has 10% PC recycled content, and the text page paper comes from responsibly managed forests.
 INTRODUCTION 01

I N T RO D U C T I O N

ACADEMICS COME FIRST AT HOTCHKISS.

Through the breadth and depth of the curriculum and the flexibility of the
diploma requirements, Hotchkiss provides students with the opportunity to craft a
rigorous course of study around their academic interests. This booklet contains
current information on the diploma requirements and course offerings, as well as
guidelines for making course choices.

As is true of many New England boarding schools, Hotchkiss retains its own
traditional nomenclature for different grade levels. In this book, all 9th graders will
be referred to as Preps, all 10th graders will be referred to as Lower Mids, all 11th
graders will be referred to as Upper Mids, and all 12th graders and postgraduates
will be referred to as Seniors.
2 FOUNDATIONS OF LEARNING
FOUNDATIONS
OF LEARNING
The Foundations of Learning are interdisciplinary statements about what students should
know, understand and be able to do by graduation. The Hotchkiss School’s Foundations
of Learning guides students as they strive to become:
Responsible Individuals, who
• Live ethically, maintaining their own integrity
and extending moral respect to all people;
• Care for their own and others’ physical,
emotional, and spiritual health;
• Take the initiative to achieve their goals and
hold themselves accountable for their choices;
• Take risks as learners, accepting failure as well
as success;
Contributing Community Members, who
• Work well in teams;
• Recognize, through service, the obligations
and privileges of citizenship within school,
local, national, and global communities;
• Demonstrate understanding of the diversity
and interdependence of cultures;
• Act as stewards of the environment;
Confident Researchers, who
• Find and document information, using
traditional and contemporary methods and a
variety of resources;
• Evaluate the credibility and importance of
information and opinions;
Critical Thinkers, who
• Read, listen to, analyze, and assess complex
ideas and arguments;
• Apply and build upon complex ideas and
arguments with their own hypotheses,
inferences and conclusions;
• Draw connections among disparate ideas and
sources of information;
• Assess the ongoing effects of mathematics,
the sciences, arts, and humanities on society
and culture;
• Demonstrate imagination in defining and
solving problems in real-world settings;
Expressive Creators, who
• Demonstrate essential aural, kinesthetic, and
visual skills when creating or performing
works;
• Conceive an original work or interpret and
existing work;
• Express respectfully and confidently ideas
and feelings when creating or performing;
Effective Communicators, who
• Present information and ideas orally in a
clear, correct, and convincing manner;
• Write clearly, with accurate grammar and
mechanics;
• Communicate in a language other than their
own, well enough to exchange information
and gain direct entrée to another culture;
• Demonstrate critical receptivity as audience
for verbal and non-verbal presentations and
performances; and,
• Express themselves effectively by using a
variety of skills, tools, media, and
technologies.
 DIPLOMA REQUIREMENTS 3

DIPLOMA REQUIREMENTS
In order to qualify for a diploma, students must be currently enrolled and in good standing in
the School, must satisfy the various departmental requirements regarding level of study and
proficiency, and must complete successfully the requirements listed below. These requirements
do not constitute a complete course of study, but the framework of a student’s educational
experience at Hotchkiss. The School wants students to take responsibility for their own
education; therefore, it provides them with the freedom and flexibility to design an academic
program around their intellectual interests.

C O U R S E L OA D R E Q U I R E M E N T S the case of some yearlong music ensembles, one-

Students normally carry five courses each semester.
On occasion, some students may wish to take a
different number of courses. In order to do so, they
must receive permission from their advisor, class
dean, and the Dean of Studies. All Lower Mids are
required to complete Human Development, a
twice-weekly, not-for-credit course, in addition to
the normal five-course load.
In order to be eligible for a diploma, students
must earn a certain number of credits, depending
on the year in which they enter Hotchkiss. Nine
of the total credits must be earned in the Upper
Mid and Senior years, unless the student enters
Hotchkiss in the Senior class. For each yearlong
course passed a student receives one credit (or in
half credit); for each semester course passed, a
student receives one-half credit. Seniors must pass
all of their courses.
■ A student entering in the Prep class must
receive a minimum of 17 credits.
■ A student entering in the Lower Mid class
must receive a minimum of 13 credits.
■ A student entering in the Upper Mid class
must receive a minimum of 9 credits.
■ A student entering in the Senior class must
receive a minimum of 4 credits.

SUBJECT REQUIREMENTS
In order to be eligible for a diploma, students must earn credits in certain subjects depending on the
year in which they enter Hotchkiss.

ENTERING PREPS
English Four credits
Mathematics & Computer Mathematics through the third level, including geometry or the
equivalent, by placement or completing a 300-level course
Science Two credits in laboratory science
Humanities & Social Sciences One credit in U.S. History (HI350, HI360, or HI390)
Classical & Modern Languages Through the third-year level of a language offered at Hotchkiss by
placement or study
Visual & Performing Arts One credit
Human Development Taken in the lower mid year
4 D I P L OMA R E Q U I R E M E N TS

ENTERING LOWER MIDS

English Three credits

Mathematics & Computer
Science
Humanities & Social Sciences
Classical & Modern Languages
Visual & Performing Arts
Human Development
Mathematics through the third level, including geometry or the
equivalent, by placement or completing a 300-level course
One credit in a laboratory science
One credit in U.S. History (HI350, HI360, or HI390)
Through the third-year level of a language offered at Hotchkiss by
placement or study
One credit
Taken in the lower mid year

ENTERING UPPER MIDS

English Two credits

Mathematics & Computer
Science
Humanities & Social Sciences
Classical & Modern Languages
Mathematics through the third level, including geometry or the
equivalent, by placement or completing a 300-level course
One credit in a laboratory science or high school credit for the
equivalent of one year of biology, chemistry or physics
One credit in U.S. History (HI350, HI360, or HI390)
Through the third-year level of a language offered at Hotchkiss by
placement or study, or through the second-year level of one
language offered at Hotchkiss by study

ENTERING SENIORS AND POSTGRADUATES

English One credit

Mathematics & Computer
Classical & Modern Languages
Postgraduates may petition the Department to have this
requirement waived.
Mathematics through the third level, including geometry or the
equivalent, by placement or completing a 300-level course
Postgraduates are not required to take math.
Through the third-year level of a language offered at Hotchkiss by
placement, or by earning one credit
Postgraduates are not required to take a language.

Notes: The Mathematics & Computer Department requires all students to own a Texas Instruments TI-Nspire
CAS calculator. This version is available at the Hotchkiss bookstore.
The Classical & Modern Languages Department requires that the language requirement be completed in
successive years, unless the Department has granted special permission.
Entering students who have taken a year of U.S. History can apply to the Humanities & Social Sciences
Department for a waiver of this requirement. If this waiver is granted, then the students are required to take
another year of history or art history in place of U.S. History and to write a research paper to Hotchkiss
standards within that year.
Students taking Prep or LM Humanities earn three credits. Prep and LM Humanities satisfy the Prep and LM
English requirement, respectively. Students who complete Prep or LM Humanities satisfy the visual and performing
arts requirement. Students who complete Prep and LM Humanities satisfy the U.S. history requirement.
The School is phasing in a new science diploma requirement. Entering Preps are required to earn two credits in
laboratory science. Returning students and new students entering at other grade levels are required to earn one credit.
 DIPLOMA REQUIREMENTS 5

CLASSICS DIPLOMA wide array of disciplines and to have advanced to

A student may qualify for a Classics Diploma with
extensive work in Latin and Greek. Typically the
student completes four levels of Latin and three of
Greek, or five levels of Latin and two of Greek, or
four levels of Latin and two of Greek in addition
to a classics independent study. Students qualifying
for this diploma are released from their U.S. History
requirement.
C O U R S E O F S T U DY
Students should take great care in planning their
entire curriculum, making sure that they will be
able to meet the Hotchkiss diploma requirements
and complete a course of study that is challenging
and comprehensive and that complements their
interests and talents. Most competitive colleges
expect students to have a solid foundation in a
as high a level as possible in those disciplines.
As stated above, the Hotchkiss diploma
requirements are a framework within which
students have the flexibility to design a course of
study that best develops their talents, interests, and
skills. The School recommends that most students
devise a course of study that at least includes:
■ 4 years of English
■ 3 years of mathematics
■ 3 years of language
■ 2 years of science (one life, one physical)
■ 2 years of history (one U.S., one non-U.S.)
■ 1 year of arts (visual or performing) and
■ 1 semester of philosophy or religion.

NCAA INITIAL ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Students should also be aware of certain practical considerations. For example, student-athletes interested in
playing interscholastic sports at any Division I or Division II college or university must meet the NCAA
initial eligibility requirements. Student-athletes should visit the NCAA Clearinghouse website
(http://eligibilitycenter.org) for details. In order to be eligible to play interscholastic sports at Division I or
II schools, student-athletes must have earned credits in certain core course areas.

Division I
16 Core Courses:
■ 4 years of English.
■ 3 years of mathematics (algebra I or higher).
■ 2 years of natural/physical science (1 year of
lab if offered by high school).
■ 1 extra year of English, mathematics or
natural/ physical science.
■ 2 years of social science.
■ 4 years of extra courses (from any area above,
foreign language or nondoctrinal religion/
philosophy)
Division II
14 Core Courses:
■ 3 years of English.
■ 2 years of mathematics (Algebra I or higher).
■ 2 years of natural/physical science (1 year of
lab if offered by high school).
■ 2 additional years of English, mathematics or
natural/physical science.
■ 2 years of social science.
■ 3 years of extra courses (from any area above,
foreign language or nondoctrinal religion/
philosophy)

Please note: Beginning August 1, 2013, students planning to attend an NCAA Division II institution will be required to
complete 16 core courses.
6 D I P L OMA R E Q U I R E M E N TS
COURSE LEVELS
In addition to the title, Hotchkiss uses a two-letter
and three-number system to indicate the discipline
and level of each course. The logic of the
numbering system, with each digit providing
information about sequence, level or scheduling, is
as follows:
1## = First level of a multi-year sequence
Courses targeted at Preps
2## = Second level of a multi-year sequence
Courses targeted at Lower Mids
Elective courses designed primarily for
Preps and Lower Mids
3## = Third level of a multi-year sequence
Courses targeted at Upper Mids
Most courses that prepare for the SAT
Subject Tests
Elective courses designed for students
from any grade level
4## = Fourth level of a multi-year sequence
Courses targeted at Seniors
Elective courses designed primarily for
Upper Mids and Seniors
Courses with a 300-level prerequisite
5## = Fifth level of a multi-year sequence
Courses approximating introductory
college level
Courses with a 400-level prerequisite
Teaching assistant courses
6## = Courses beyond introductory college level
9## = Independent Study Courses (ISC)
Second digit
#1# = Foundation level courses
#2#, #3#, #4#, #5#, #6# =
Standard level courses
#7# or #8# =
Honors or advanced level courses
#9# = AP courses in a fixed sequence or
typically taken at a certain grade level
Third digit
##0 = Full-year course
##1 = First semester course
##2 = Second semester course
##3 = First semester course which completes a
three-semester sequence begun the
previous year
##5 = Semester course offered both semesters
##9 = Full-year course worth one-half credit
Most departments discourage students from
taking courses out of grade level sequence. The
Humanities & Social Science Department, for
example, discourages students from taking 400-level
history courses before they complete either HI350,
360 or 390 or Prep and LM Humanities. Some
advanced courses may be taken only with
departmental approval.
Adding or Dropping Courses
Students who wish to add or drop a course after the
first two weeks of a semester should discuss the
matter with their advisor, class dean, or the Dean of
Studies. No course can be entered after the first
two weeks of a semester without permission of the
instructor. Semester or yearlong courses dropped
after the first marking period in the first semester
and semester courses dropped after three weeks in
the second semester will remain on a student’s
transcript with the cumulative grade at the time the
course was dropped, but no credit will be earned.
Independent Study Courses
An Independent Study Course (ISC) can be of
great value for the students who have exhausted the
published curriculum within an academic
department. ISCs are optional courses of study for
Seniors and Upper Mids with permission. Faculty
members work with individual students (or small
groups of students) on an advanced, independent
course proposed by the student. Further
information about the ISC option can be obtained
from the registrar or the Dean of Studies.
If you have any questions about our course offerings
or procedures, then please call 860-435-3186 or e-
mail either Tom Woelper, the Dean of Studies
(TWoelper@Hotchkiss.org), or Heather Mechare, the
Registrar (HMechare@Hotchkiss.org).

COLLEGE ENTRANCE EXAMINATION
BOARD (CEEB) TESTS
Students are required to take certain standardized
tests for college admission. Hotchkiss is a testing
site for the PSATs and the SATs, but not the ACT.
The SAT Reasoning Test and the SAT Subject
Tests are required at most colleges, and most
students take at least one Advanced Placement
exam while at Hotchkiss. Many colleges accept the
ACT in place of the SAT Reasoning Test and/or
the SAT Subject Tests; individual testing plans
should be discussed with the student’s college
advisor, assigned during the upper mid year.
Remember, however, that testing is only one
factor that colleges consider when evaluating a
student for admissions. Most colleges look first at
students’ course selection, followed by their
academic achievement in those courses.
SAT Reasoning Test Preparation
The Hotchkiss School believes that the best
preparation for the SAT Reasoning Test is a broad
and deep education. Given this belief and the rigor
of the Hotchkiss curriculum, the School
recommends that students focus their energy and
time during the school year on their course work.
At the same time, the School recognizes that in
the months leading up to the SAT, students benefit
from instruction on test-taking strategies, from
diagnosing their strengths and weaknesses in
critical reading, writing and math to taking
practice exams. The School provides two services
to help students in these areas. The School
subscribes to the SAT Readiness Program, the
official SAT online course offered by the College
Board (see http://collegeboard.com/satonline
courseschool) which consists of 18 self-paced,
interactive lessons corresponding to the SAT’s
critical reading, writing, and math sections (plus
one lesson for the PSAT/NMSQT) and six full-
length, official practice SATs. Using the School’s
account number, students from any grade level
may take this course at any time and from any
place where they have access to the Internet.
For those preferring directed review, the School
DIPLOMA REQUIREMENTS 7
contracts with an outside test preparation company
to provide interested students with ten hours of
instruction and practice during the spring of their
Upper Mid year. Information about the dates and
cost of these sessions is sent to the parents of
Upper Mid students at the end of the first
semester. The School is not affiliated with any
other test preparation company or tutors and is not
in a position to recommend or discourage the
services rendered by such groups.
2010-2011 SAT Test Dates
Hotchkiss is a testing site for the October 9,
November 6, December 4, January 22, May 7, and
June 4 SATs and for the October 13 PSAT.
Students sit for these tests at different points in
their Hotchkiss career:
Prep Year: Preps typically do not take any
standardized tests.
Lower Mid Year: Lower Mids have the option
of taking the PSAT in October. Results are
returned to the students in December. Lower
Mids should take SAT Subject Tests in June if they
have performed well in appropriate courses (see
chart below). Lower Mids should discuss whether
or not they are prepared to take an SAT Subject
Test with their classroom teacher, advisor and/or a
college advisor.
Upper Mid Year: All Upper Mids are registered
by Hotchkiss for the PSAT in October. Results are
returned to the students in December. This test is
used for National Merit Scholarship consideration.
The School advises all Upper Mids to take the SAT
Reasoning Test in January and again in May. Some
colleges require a total of three SAT Subject Test
scores of the student’s choice. Hotchkiss suggests
that students take SAT Subject Tests in June, after
the completion of yearlong courses and the review
of our own exam period.
Senior Year: Seniors will be able to take SAT
Reasoning or Subject Tests in October, November
(both generally valid for early decision applicants)
and December. If need be, students can still test in
January as well.
8 D I P L OMA R E Q U I R E M E N TS

SAT Subject Test Guide

Students should consider taking an SAT Subject Test after completing certain courses, per the chart below.
Students should consult their classroom teacher, advisor, and/or a college advisor.

Discipline Course Subject Test

English EN350/EN360 or above Literature

Students should not take the Literature subject test until they have completed EN350 or 360 at a
minimum. Ideally students should take the Literature subject test after as much English study as possible,
i.e., in their Senior year

History HI390 U.S. History

Students enrolled in HI350 or HI360 who want to take the U.S. History Subject Test should ask their teachers
about supplemental test preparation materials

Languages CN350 or above Chinese with Listening

FR350 or above French or French with Listening
GM380 or above German or German with Listening
SP350 or above Spanish or Spanish with Listening

Students should progress as far through the language sequence as possible before taking a language Subject Test.
They should not take a language Subject Test unless, at a minimum, they have completed the above courses. SAT
language tests with listening are offered at the November test administration only

Mathematics MA310, 350 or above Mathematics Level 1

MA452 or above Mathematics Level 2

Science BI350 or BI550 Biology M

CH350 or CH550 Chemistry
PY350, PY540 or PY580 Physics

If you have any questions about CEEB testing or test preparation, please call Laurie Grusauski, the Testing
Coordinator, at (860-435-3614) or e-mail (lgrusauski@hotchkiss.org).
 CLASSIC AL & MODERN LANGUAGES 9

CLASSIC AL & MODERN

LANGUAGES
Language shapes the way humans perceive, think, and communicate. Studying another
language provides an opportunity to experience a different mode of thought from one’s
native language, to make forays and connections across the barriers of language, culture,
and time. Through formal study of foreign languages and cultures, students develop the
skills to help them cross those barriers, to grasp how language works, and to see how it
shapes our understanding of the world.

CLASSIC AL LANGUAGES
____________________________________________________
The Classics faculty offers a rigorous program in both Greek and Latin languages, enabling students
to study the ancient world as intimately as possible by reading texts written by the ancients
themselves. The study of Latin or Greek offers the added benefit of improving one’s knowledge of
English vocabulary and grammar. After the first three semesters, our Latin offerings are divided
into two tracks: a standard track and an accelerated track that leads more quickly to the AP course.
A student may qualify for a Classics Diploma with extensive work in Latin and Greek (see
Introduction). In addition, selected students may complete one of their Hotchkiss years, either the
Upper Mid or Senior year, in Viterbo, Italy, with the School Year Abroad program.

GREEK
GK150 – FIRST YEAR GREEK
Year course
This course provides an introduction to Attic
Greek, the dialect of classical Athens. The
majority of Greek grammar and syntax is
covered in this class.
GK250 – READINGS IN GREEK HISTORY
Year course
Prerequisite: GK150 or placement exam
This course completes the study of Greek
grammar and syntax begun in GK150. Students
then begin to apply their knowledge of Greek
toward reading texts illustrative of Greek history
and culture. Authors read are typically authors
drawn from the classical era of Athens, such as
Lysias, Plato, Herodotus, Thucydides, and
Xenophon.
GK351/GK352 – READINGS IN GREEK
L I T E R AT U R E
One-semester course - May be taken both semesters
Prerequisite: GK250 or placement exam
Students in this course will hone their reading
and translation skills by reading Greek poetry in
the original with a view toward literary
interpretation. Authors typically read include
Homer and the Greek playwrights Sophocles,
Euripides, and Aristophanes.
G K 4 5 1 / G K 4 5 2 – A DVA N C E D G R E E K
One-semester course - May be taken both semesters
Prerequisite: GK351/352 or placement exam
This is usually a small class for advanced students
of Greek. The mutual interests of students and
instructor determine the subject matter.
10 CLASSIC AL & MODERN LANGUAGES
G K 9 5 1 / G K 9 5 2 – I N D E P E N D E N T S T U DY
IN GREEK
One-semester course - May be taken both semesters
Prerequisite: GK451/GK452
Students who have exhausted the Greek
curriculum may petition the Department for an
independent study on an author or text not
covered by the standard department offerings.
LATIN
L A 1 5 0 – B E G I N N I N G L AT I N
Year course
For those with little or no background in Latin,
this is a comprehensive introduction to classical
Latin. With an emphasis on vocabulary,
grammar, and syntax, this class is an excellent
choice for those students interested in improving
their knowledge of English grammar and
enlarging their vocabulary as well as for those
interested in Latin literature and Roman culture.
L A 2 3 1 – I N T E R M E D I AT E L AT I N
One-semester course - Offered first semester
Prerequisite: Placement exam
This course is offered for incoming students
with some experience in Latin. Through a
rapid, comprehensive review of Latin grammar
and vocabulary students will gain a common
foundation for Latin study at Hotchkiss.
Students follow this course with LA252 or
LA282, depending on performance.
L A 2 5 1 – S E C O N D Y E A R L AT I N I
One-semester course - Offered first semester
Prerequisite: LA150 or placement exam
This course completes the coverage of Latin
grammar begun in LA150.
L A 2 5 2 – S E C O N D Y E A R L AT I N I I
One-semester course - Offered second semester
Prerequisite: LA231 or LA251
This course introduces students to the reading
of Latin prose, typically selections from Julius
Caesar’s De Bello Gallico. Reading and
translation skills are emphasized.
L A 2 8 2 – AC C E L E R AT E D S E C O N D
Y E A R L AT I N I I
One-semester course - Offered second semester
Prerequisite: Permission of the Department
This class is for students who have demonstrated
an outstanding facility in Latin. Students read
the prose of Julius Caesar and are introduced to
Latin verse.
L A 3 5 0 – T H I R D Y E A R L AT I N
Year course
Prerequisite: LA252, LA282, or placement exam
This year course provides students with the
opportunity to strengthen their reading and
translation skills and to learn some fundamentals
of classical rhetoric through both prose and poetry.
In the first semester students read selections from
standard prose authors such as Livy, Cicero, Sallust,
or Pliny. In the second semester students apply
their reading skills to Latin poetry, primarily
selections from the poetry of Ovid.
L A 3 8 0 – H O N O R S T H I R D Y E A R L AT I N
Year course
Prerequisites: LA282 or placement exam and
permission of the Department
In the first semester this class is devoted to the
study of Cicero’s Pro Caelio with a view toward
appreciating Latin prose style and rhetoric. In
the second semester the focus of the reading
component turns to Latin poetry, and students
explore 1st century Roman culture through the
poetry of Catullus. In addition, throughout the
year students review Latin grammar and syntax,

with a different concept emphasized each week.
Students are strongly encouraged to take the
SAT Subject Test in Latin at the end of this
course, and the course prepares students for AP
Latin the following year. For the purposes of
the Classics Diploma requirements, it counts as
a fourth-year course.
L A 4 5 1 – RO M A N C U LT U R E I N L AT I N
L I T E R AT U R E
One-semester course - Offered first semester
Prerequisite: LA350 or LA380
Students will explore the strange, extravagant,
and sometimes even lurid culture and history of
the Roman Empire and its emperors. Reading
selections will be drawn from the literature of
the early Roman Empire.
L A 4 5 2 – M Y T H A N D H I S TO RY I N
L AT I N E P I C
One-semester course - Offered second semester
Prerequisite: LA350, LA380, or LA451
Students read selections from the Aeneid that
illustrate the Roman idea of the Trojan War and
the world of the Homeric epics. Using material
from slide, computer, and video presentations,
students will also evaluate Vergil’s depiction of
the Mycenaean world against archaeological
evidence of that culture. This course helps
prepare students for AP Latin the following year.
L A 5 5 0 – A P L AT I N : V E R G I L
Year course
Prerequisites: LA380 or LA452 and permission of
the Department
This class studies in depth the Aeneid of Vergil,
the most influential Roman epic and a seminal
work in western literature. Students are expected
to have a solid grasp of Latin grammar and good
reading and translating skills. Attention is paid
to both the poetic diction of Vergil and the
larger themes of the epic, such as its place in the
epic tradition, its very Roman depiction of
CLASSIC AL & MODERN LANGUAGES 11
heroism, and its relation to Roman history and
the ideals of Augustan Rome. Students read the
work in its entirety in English and several books
in Latin, including the AP syllabus. Students are
expected to take the AP exam in the spring.
L A 6 5 1 / L A 6 5 2 – A DVA N C E D R E A D I N G S
I N L AT I N L I T E R AT U R E
One-semester course - May be taken both semesters
Prerequisite: LA550 or the equivalent
This advanced course is offered according to
student demand and faculty availability. Authors
read vary from year to year and are typically
determined by the mutual interest of the
students and instructor.
L A 9 5 1 / L A 9 5 2 – I N D E P E N D E N T S T U DY
I N L AT I N L I T E R AT U R E
One-semester course - May be taken both semesters
Prerequisite: Permission of the Department
Students who have exhausted the Latin curriculum
may petition any member of the Classics faculty
for an independent study on an author or text not
covered by the standard course offerings. This
course may be taken more than once.
C L 9 5 1 / C L 9 5 2 – I N D E P E N D E N T S T U DY
IN CLASSICS
One-semester course - May be taken both semesters
Prerequisite: Permission of the Department
Students may petition any member of the
Classics faculty for an independent study of
some aspect of the ancient world that is not
covered by the classical language courses,
including archaeology and the classical tradition.
12 CLASSIC AL & MODERN LANGUAGES

M OD E R N L AN G UAG ES
____________________________________________________
Modern language courses are designed to provide students with as much exposure as possible to the
particular language being studied. The aim is to achieve reasonable proficiency in listening, speaking,
reading, and writing. There is also discussion of cultural events, values, and differences. Language
classes are taught in the target language in order to develop listening and speaking skills to the highest
degree possible in a limited amount of time. A well-equipped digital media center is used in
conjunction with many language classes. All students interested in a foreign language are encouraged
to continue their study beyond the third-year requirement. Generally, beyond this level the emphasis
is on reading and literary analysis, but grammar and composition continue to be of key importance.
Major literary works through the ages are studied and an appreciation of cultural differences is
stressed. Selected students may complete one of their Hotchkiss years, either the Upper Middle or
Senior year, in Beijing, China; Rennes, France; Viterbo, Italy; or Zaragoza, Spain with the School Year
Abroad program. Native speakers of Chinese, French, Spanish, or German are encouraged to begin or
continue the study of another foreign language.

CHINESE C N 1 6 0 – AC C E L E R AT E D F I R S T Y E A R
CHINESE

C N 1 5 0 – E L E M E N TA RY C H I N E S E
Year course
This course is designed for students with no
previous knowledge of Chinese. The purpose of
this course is to lay the groundwork for the study
of Modern Chinese. The course begins with the
basic training in pronunciation and intonation
while introducing principles for Chinese character
formation. Instruction aims at integrating the four
language skills of aural comprehension, speaking,
reading, and writing in a balanced and mutually
supportive manner. Cultural components will be
Year course
Prerequisite: Placement exam or permission of the
Department
This course is for students who have had some
exposure to Chinese, but who have not mastered
many of the fundamentals. Using the same
textbook as in CN150, the course stresses the
same patterns as the 150 level, but covers them
at a faster pace. Students work in the digital
media center five days a week.
CN250 – SECOND YEAR CHINESE

conjoined with language learning, and computer Year course

programs will be used extensively in the four skills
training. Both conversational and compositional
presentation styles at the elementary level will be
equally emphasized, in order to help students
communicate meaningfully, constructively, and
appropriately in authentic contexts. This course is
open to all students.
Prerequisite: CN150, CN160, or placement exam
This course is a continuation of CN150 or its
equivalent. Students will build on skills of aural
comprehension, speaking, reading and writing
developed in the first year Chinese course. Both
pedagogically prepared texts and authentic materials
including articles from Chinese newspapers will be
used in this course. The cultural component will be
conjoined with language learning, and computer
programs will again be used extensively. Students
will gain an increased vocabulary and a greater

understanding of more complex grammatical
structures. Both conversational and compositional
presentation styles at the lower intermediate level
will be equally emphasized in order to help students
communicate meaningfully, constructively, and
appropriately in authentic contexts.
C N 2 8 0 – A DVA N C E D S E C O N D Y E A R
CHINESE
Year course
Prerequisites: CN150, CN160, or placement exam
and permission of the Department
This advanced second-year course continues the
work begun in CN150/CN160 level, but in
more depth. Aural-oral skills, reading, and
writing continue to be stressed. Media center
work is required five days per week.
CN350 – THIRD YEAR CHINESE
Year course
Prerequisite: CN250, CN280, or placement exam
This course is designed to consolidate and
expand students’ four language skills developed
from their base in the first two years of Chinese
or its equivalent. Many of the grammatical
constructions introduced in earlier courses will
be reinforced with increasing sophistication in
terms of style and usage. Both pedagogically
prepared texts and authentic materials, including
articles from Chinese newspapers, will be used
in this course. Rigorous practice of spoken and
written Chinese in a wide range of situations of
daily life will be conducted in order to help
students communicate constructively, creatively,
and appropriately at the high-intermediate level.
C N 3 8 0 – A DVA N C E D T H I R D Y E A R
CHINESE
Year course
Prerequisite: Permission of the Department or
placement exam
This course aims to enhance aural-oral skills and
train students in more advanced study of
CLASSIC AL & MODERN LANGUAGES 13
grammar, reading, and writing. Work in the
digital media center is required daily. This is a
significantly more sophisticated course than
CN350 in terms of pace, depth, and amount of
material covered.
C N 4 5 0 – F O U RT H Y E A R C H I N E S E
Year course
Prerequisite: CN350, CN380, or placement exam
This course is designed to help students develop
modern Chinese proficiency, while continuing
to develop the four basic language skills.
Students will read advanced literary and non-
literary texts on a range of topics related to
current events, social sciences, and the
humanities. Authentic materials from
multimedia, newspaper, short stories, and essays
will be employed to help students improve their
linguistic skills with a manageable degree of
challenge. Students will be trained to discuss,
debate, narrate, and describe in Chinese.
C N 4 8 0 – A DVA N C E D F O U RT H Y E A R
CHINESE
Year course
Prerequisite: CN 350, CN380, or placement exam
The course is designed to be comparable to a fourth
semester (or the equivalent) college or university
courses in Mandarin Chinese. The course aims to
provide students with intensive training in listening,
speaking, reading, and writing, with more
sophisticated aspects of language and culture. A
more formal written style of Chinese is employed.
Students will be trained to discuss, debate, narrate,
and describe in Chinese.
CN520 – FIFTH YEAR CHINESE
Year course
Prerequisite: CN450, CN480 or placement exam;
subject to enrollment and permission of the
Department
The course continues to develop students’
general modern Chinese proficiency. While
14 CLASSIC AL & MODERN LANGUAGES
continuing to develop the four language skills,
students will read rigorously both literary and
non-literary texts on a wide range of topic areas
related to current events, social sciences, and the
humanities. Authentic materials from
multimedia—video, television, Internet—will be
chiefly employed to help students understand
today’s China. Students will write intensively.
In addition, elaborate discussions on the reading
materials will be conducted regularly to develop
students’ skills of abstract reasoning, debating,
and delivering formal speeches in Chinese.
C N 5 5 0 – A P C H I N E S E L A N G UAG E
A N D C U LT U R E
Year course
Prerequisite: CN480 and/or permission of the
Department
The AP course prepares students to demonstrate
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).
Its aim is to provide students with ongoing and
varied opportunities to further develop their
proficiencies across the full range of language
skills within a cultural frame of reference
reflective of the richness of Chinese language
and culture. The AP exam or a final project
designed by the teacher will be required as part
of this course. The digital media center will be
used at the teacher’s discretion.
CN650 – TOPICS IN CHINESE CULTURE
Year course
Prerequisite: CN520, CN550 or placement exam;
subject to enrollment and permission of the
Department
This is a course of variable contents focusing on
different topics of Chinese history, literature,
philosophy, religion, etc. (topics changeable yearly).
This course is designed for higher-level students
who are interested in in-depth study of Chinese
cultural heritage or who wish to refine their
proficiency in reading and writing skills. Course
materials will be taken from the authentic sources.
CN951/CN951 – INDEPENDENT
S T U DY I N C H I N E S E
One semester course – May be taken both semesters
Prerequisite: Permission of the Department
Students who have exhausted the Chinese
curriculum may petition an instructor for an
independent study in an area not covered by the
Chinese offerings.
FRENCH
FR150 – FIRST YEAR FRENCH
Year course
This course is for students who have had little or
no exposure to French. French 150 emphasizes
learning in context, language proficiency, and
the basic patterns of the language. The course
encourages the development of aural-oral skills
as well as reading and writing skills. Students in
this course will begin to develop their
knowledge of the cultures and lifestyles of the
French speaking world. Regular use of the
digital media center is integral to the course.
Placement in this course for those having
previously studied French is by examination.
F R 1 6 0 – AC C E L E R AT E D F I R S T Y E A R
FRENCH
Year course
Prerequisites: Placement exam and/or permission of
the Department
This course is for students who have had some
exposure to French, but who have not mastered
many of the fundamentals. French 160
emphasizes the same patterns as the 150 level,
but covers them at a faster pace. Students in this
course will begin to develop their knowledge of

the cultures and lifestyles of the French speaking
world. Regular use of the digital media center is
integral to the course.
FR250 – SECOND YEAR FRENCH
Year course
Prerequisite: FR150, FR160, or placement exam
In an interactive setting, aural-oral skills,
reading, and writing continue to be emphasized.
Basic composition writing is introduced in this
course. Students in this course will continue to
develop their knowledge of the cultures and
lifestyles of the French speaking world. Use of
the digital media center and audio exercises are
integral to the course.
F R 2 8 0 – AC C E L E R AT E D S E C O N D Y E A R
FRENCH
Year course
Prerequisites: FR150, FR160, or placement exam
and permission of the Department
In an interactive setting, this accelerated second-
year course reviews the basic elements of French
grammar and syntax. Composition writing is
introduced early in the year. Audio exercises
and use of the digital media center are used to
strengthen the students’ grasp of vocabulary as
well as oral and written expression. Course
work may be enriched by supplemental readings.
FR350 – THIRD YEAR FRENCH
Year course
Prerequisite: FR250, FR280, or placement exam
This course includes a thorough review of
grammar as well as the reading of various works
of francophone literature. Students also have
the opportunity to discuss current political and
social issues in the francophone world. Writing,
both free and structured, is stressed, as is oral
participation. Films are used to enhance the
study of language and culture. This course
completes the minimum requirement of the
Hotchkiss diploma.
CLASSIC AL & MODERN LANGUAGES 15
F R 3 8 0 – A DVA N C E D T H I R D Y E A R
FRENCH
Year course
Prerequisites: FR250, FR280, or placement exam
and permission of the Department
This course aims to enhance aural-oral skills,
vocabulary development and writing skills. It
provides students with an introduction to
reading, literary analysis and writing. Students
read at least two full length works, and through
the use of a college-level anthology explore
French and francophone prose, poetry and
theater. Films, oral presentations and the digital
media center are used to enrich the cultural and
historical background of the readings.
F R 4 5 0 – F O U RT H Y E A R F R E N C H
Year course
Prerequisite: FR350, FR380, or placement exam
This course is designed for students who have
completed the diploma requirement for
language in French and wish to continue their
study of French, or who have placed into it
through placement examination. In this course,
students will explore the culture and civilization
of different countries of the French-speaking
world through the study of selected literary
works, movie productions and media resources.
Class discussions will also be based on
contemporary political and social issues
pertinent to these countries. The course aims to
enhance listening, reading, and writing skills. It
puts particular emphasis on developing oral
proficiency. This course does not prepare for
the AP exam in French.
F R 4 9 0 – A P F R E N C H L A N G UAG E
Year course
Prerequisites: FR350, FR380, or placement exam
and permission of the Department
This course prepares students for the AP French
Language examination, which all will be
expected to take. This course is designed for
16 CLASSIC AL & MODERN LANGUAGES
students who have already acquired a strong
working knowledge of the mechanics of the
French language. A thorough review of grammar
will accompany the study of several works of
literature. Supplemental materials such as videos
and contemporary news publications may be
used in order to diversify the student’s exposure
to the language. The digital media center will be
used at the teacher’s discretion.
F R 5 2 0 – A DVA N C E D F R E N C H
L I T E R AT U R E
Year course
Prerequisites: FR380 or FR490, or placement
exam and permission of the Department
The course aims to refine aural-oral skills, and
reading and writing skills. A variety of materials are
used, including but not limited to selected works of
literature, both classical and modern, contemporary
media resources, and films. Compositions, literary
analysis, and oral presentations are based on the
materials studied. The course puts particular
emphasis on advanced writing and analytical skills.
FR650 – SIXTH YEAR FRENCH
Year course
Prerequisite: FR550 or placement exam
This year course is open to students who have
successfully completed French 520 and who
wish to continue the study of French literature.
This course is usually given on an independent
study basis, and the works studied vary from
year to year according to the students’ and
instructor’s interests.
GERMAN
G M 1 6 0 – AC C E L E R AT E D F I R S T Y E A R
GERMAN
Year course
This course stresses a four-skill approach to
learning German with equal emphasis on the
ability to read, write, speak, and understand
German. Students are introduced to the main
grammatical structures of the language in
situations that are relevant to their age and
experience using the 5th edition of Deutsch: Na
klar!, a college-level textbook. Workbook and
lab book assignments are completed on-line
using material that accompanies the textbook.
This and all German courses are taught
exclusively in the target language.
G M 2 8 0 – A DVA N C E D S E C O N D Y E A R
GERMAN
Year course
Prerequisite: GM160 or placement exam
This is a continuation of GM160. In addition to
mastering more complex grammatical structures,
students begin reading material of greater length.
Many forms of short modern prose such as posters,
advertising, letters and short stories are included.
Emphasis continues to be placed on communication
in both speaking and writing. Students participate
in the national AATG (American Association of
Teachers of German) exam after the winter break.
The course will conclude with the reading of the
standard fare play Der Besuch der alten Dame. On-
line workbook and lab book work will be required
during the first half of the year.
G M 3 8 0 – A DVA N C E D T H I R D Y E A R
GERMAN
Year course
Prerequisite: GM280 or placement exam
Throughout the year students will review and
deepen their understanding of the more complex
grammar principles through a variety of challenging
and fun activities. At the same time students are
required to begin writing longer essays on relevant
topics. Students are asked to organize ideas into
thoughtful prose and also to revise and rewrite
actively. Alongside significant review, this course
emphasizes the reading of a variety of works by
Erich Kästner and Friedrich Dürrenmatt among
others. Students of GM380 participate in the level
3 national AATG exam after the winter break.

Successful completion of this course meets the
school’s language requirement.
G M 4 9 0 – A P G E R M A N L A N G UAG E
Year course
Prerequisite: GM380 or placement exam
The course continues the exploration of German
literature; the cornerstone of the class is the short
story. After using a variety of pieces for a thorough
review of German grammar, the stories are
examined carefully as literary works. Students are
asked to keep a thoughtful journal throughout the
year. Homework and class work are designed to
facilitate preparation for various standardized tests.
Students of GM490 take the level 4 national
AATG examination after the winter break. The
course will conclude with an in-depth look at
German cinema from its beginning in the early
20th century to the present. Students wishing to
take the AP exam or similar SAT Subject Test are
encouraged to do so.
GM520 – FIFTH YEAR GERMAN
L I T E R AT U R E
Year course
Prerequisite: GM490 or placement exam
This course picks up where GM490 leaves off. The
focus is German literature. Students are expected
to read excerpts of texts ranging from early pieces to
readings of the day’s headlines. The students will be
asked to prepare written reports, essays, and classes
exclusively in German. Students who did not take
standardized exams during GM490 will be
encouraged to do so during their time in GM520.
RUSSIAN
RU 1 6 0 – AC C E L E R AT E D F I R S T Y E A R
RU S S I A N
Year course
The course stresses a four-skill approach to
learning Russian with equal emphasis on the
ability to read, write, speak, and understand
CLASSIC AL & MODERN LANGUAGES 17
Russian. Students are introduced to the Cyrillic
alphabet, both written and typed, and will learn
the main grammatical structures of the language
in situations that are relevant to their age and
experience. During the double period once a
week, the course will focus (in English) on
Russian culture, history, and literature;
otherwise, the course will be taught exclusively
in Russian and is designed for students who
have completed or are in their final year of
completing the School’s language requirement.
If there is enough interest, Hotchkiss will offer
an optional chaperoned trip to Russia for those
students studying the language.
SPANISH
S P 1 5 0 – F I R S T Y E A R S PA N I S H
Year course
This course is for those students who have had
no or very little exposure to Spanish. It is
designed to develop strong speaking and
listening skills; reading and writing are also
included. The course uses Destinos, a video-
based program that emphasizes learning in
context and language proficiency. Therefore,
interactive oral exercises related to the plot of
Destinos form the basis for all class work.
S P 1 6 0 – AC C E L E R AT E D F I R S T Y E A R
S PA N I S H
Year course
Prerequisites: Placement exam and permission of
the Department
Students admitted to this course are those who
have studied Spanish before and have an
incomplete background in the language and/or
those who have a proven bent for language
learning and are beginning the study of Spanish.
The course will cover more of the same basic
material used in SP150 from Destinos.
18 CLASSIC AL & MODERN LANGUAGES
S P 2 5 0 – S E C O N D Y E A R S PA N I S H
Year course
Prerequisite: SP150, SP160, or placement exam
Students with a sufficient background in
Spanish qualify for this course, which will be a
continuation of the work begun at the SP150
and SP160 level in Destinos, a video-based
program, emphasizing listening and speaking
skills. Class discussion, held entirely in Spanish,
is designed to produce increased linguistic
sophistication through the study of the amply
provided and developed materials in Destinos.
S P 2 8 0 – A DVA N C E D S E C O N D Y E A R
S PA N I S H
Year course
Prerequisites: SP150, SP160, or placement exam
and permission of the Department
This advanced second-year course also continues
the work begun in Destinos at the SP150/160
level, but in more depth. Time permitting, the
students read short stories and a modern novel
or play in the latter part of the year. Increased
oral fluency is emphasized throughout the year.
S P 3 5 0 – T H I R D Y E A R S PA N I S H
Year course
Prerequisite: SP250, SP280 or placement exam
This course will offer a thorough review of
certain grammar points through oral work and
written exercises. In addition, students will read
and discuss the various readings. The program
“Enfoques” makes use of audio, video, and
primary source readings from literature and
journalism. Additional study of culture and
history is achieved through outside materials
including videos and Internet sites.
S P 3 8 0 – S PA N I S H F O R N AT I V E A N D
B I L I N G UA L S P E A K E R S
Year course
Subject to enrollment and permission of the
Department
This course is designed for native speakers of
Spanish and students who are sufficiently
bilingual and will take advantage of its offerings.
The emphasis will be on contemporary culture
through discussions and reading, leading to the
development and improvement of reading and
writing skills. This course satisfies the language
requirement. Students may take SP390, SP450,
or SP550 following this course, depending on
their level.
S P 3 9 0 – A P S PA N I S H L A N G UAG E
Year course
Prerequisite: Placement exam or permission of the
Department
The focus of this course is on the further
development of the various skills in language
learning. Because this is a significantly more
sophisticated course than SP350, students will be
admitted only by the recommendation of the
Department or through a placement test.
Students who do not intend to continue with
SP550 may enroll, as may certain students who
have taken the normal track SP350 course. The
materials used in the course include short literary
works, expository materials, authentic broadcasts
from Spanish-language television and radio, and
grammar review exercises. These materials are all
chosen with regard to the AP Language
examination, which tests all aspects of language
proficiency. Aural testing as well as oral
presentations are a significant part of the course,
and students do considerable work in developing
analytical reading skills and the writing of well-
organized essays. This course will enable certain
students to take the AP Language exam, but it is
not a requirement of the course. There will be a
mid-term examination, and either the AP exam or
 CLASSIC AL & MODERN LANGUAGES 19

a final project designed by the teacher will be studied are taken from the extensive required
required as part of the course. reading list compiled by College Board.
Selections are drawn from all genres and all
S P 4 5 0 – F O U RT H Y E A R S PA N I S H significant literary periods from the 16th
Year course century to the present. The AP exam or a final
Prerequisite: SP350 or placement exam project designed by the teacher will be required
The course works to improve all skills of the as a part of this course.
language with heavy emphasis on reading, aural
comprehension, and oral proficiency. The course S P 6 5 0 – S I X T H Y E A R S PA N I S H
approaches the study of the language through Year course
the study of culture. Video, music, literary Prerequisite: SP550
works, and journalism are the primary sources This year course is open to students who have
for study. Students write papers, give oral successfully completed SP550 and who wish to
presentations, and work on research projects in continue the study of Spanish literature. This
the language. The course also makes use of course is usually given on an independent study
material available in Spanish on the Internet. basis, and the works studied vary from year to
year according to the students’ and instructors’
S P 5 2 0 – F I F T H Y E A R S PA N I S H interests.
Year course
Prerequisite: SP390 or SP450
This course will be offered if there is sufficient
interest. It is a course designed as an alternative
to SP550 for those students who have
completed SP390 or SP450 and wish to
continue their study of the language. Students
will do extensive reading in Spanish and Latin
American literature, learn the rudiments of
literary analysis, and work to improve their essay
writing ability in Spanish. Multimedia materials
will augment the course to achieve an increased
understanding of Hispanic culture. The basic
difference between this course and SP550 is that
the course will not follow the AP Spanish
Literature reading list. Students may choose to
take the AP in Spanish Language in the spring if
they have not already done so. Students may
take SP550 upon completion of this course.

S P 5 5 0 – A P S PA N I S H L I T E R AT U R E
Year course
Prerequisite: Permission of the Department
This course will prepare students for the AP
examination in Spanish Literature. Works to be
20 ENGLISH

ENGLISH
Experienced and dedicated teachers, able students, and small class sections provide an ideal
learning situation. The Department encourages self-expression in speaking and in writing,
and emphasizes learning to use language precisely, effectively, and persuasively. We teach
the basics of good writing, perceptive reading, and analysis of literature at every level.

EN150 – PREP ENGLISH vocabulary. In addition, we stress various kinds of

Year course
Preps
English in the first year stresses fundamental skills
in writing and reading, skills that will apply in the
upper grades and beyond. We start work on the
sentence and build skills from there. The literature
is varied — myth, drama, short story, novel, and
poetry. While regarding the readings as genre
pieces, we focus on the universality of myth and
storytelling. Using mythological tales of creation
and heroes’ journeys from various cultures, we
examine different ways of looking at truth and
how truth translates into lived lives. Students write
frequently in response to the reading, so we stress
vocabulary development with words taken from
their literary contexts. Students also study the
fundamentals of grammar and mechanics.
HU150 (ENGLISH) – PREP
HUMANITIES (1500-1815)
Year course
Preps
Please refer to the Interdisciplinary Courses
section for a description of this course.
E N 2 5 0 – L OW E R M I D E N G L I S H
Year course
Lower Mids
Perceptive reading skills and analytical thinking
skills are central to the study of literature in this
course. Students in the second year study
grammar, punctuation, spelling, usage, and
writing, with particular emphasis on narrative,
descriptive, and expository prose. A special seven-
week segment of the course is devoted to daily
writing, while weekly compositions are the rule
during the rest of the year. Thorough correcting,
frequent rewriting, and individual conferences
with the teacher help develop good writing skills.
Major authors typically studied include Hurston,
Huxley, Morrison, Twain, Shakespeare, Steinbeck,
and Conrad.
H U 2 5 0 ( E N G L I S H ) – L OW E R M I D
HUMANITIES (1815-PRESENT)
Year course
Lower Mids
Prerequisite: Prep Humanities or permission of the
instructors
Please refer to the Interdisciplinary Courses
section for a description of this course.
EN350 – UPPER MID ENGLISH:
A M E R I C A N L I T E R AT U R E (AP English
Literature and Composition)
Year course
Upper Mids
Unless enrolled in American Studies
(EN360/HI360), all Upper Mids take this course,
which studies representative voices and visions in
American literature. Thematic concentrations
from a variety of literary genres and time periods
may include responses to the land, Puritan
perspectives, experiences of women, the “Jazz

Age,” the African-American experience, and a host
of others. Representative authors include Cather,
Fitzgerald, Hemingway, Hawthorne, Emerson,
Thoreau, Whitman, Dickinson, and Mille. The
syllabus for EN350 meets the College Board
requirements to prepare students for the AP
Literature and Composition exam. In the second
semester students should discuss with their
individual teachers whether taking the AP exam
would be in their best interest.
E N 3 6 0 – A M E R I C A N S T U D I E S (AP
English Literature and Composition)
Year course
Upper Mids
Combined with HI360, this course traces the
development of American history and literature in
tandem so that each discipline can reinforce and
supplement the strengths of the other. The course
explores American society and culture as they
developed in particular stages. Central to the study
of American literature is the exploration of the role
of the artist in America and of the ongoing quest
for a uniquely American culture. The historical
narrative is structured around the tension in
American society between the dictates of the
majority rule and the preservation of minority
rights. The course draws on a variety of media,
including film, to explore American culture and on
teachers from various disciplines to help understand
the particular topics. The writing component of the
course is similar to that of EN350.
The syllabus for EN360 meets the College
Board requirements to prepare students for the AP
Literature and Composition exam. In the second
semester students should discuss with their
individual teachers whether taking the AP exam
would be in their best interest.
ENGLISH 21
EN451/EN452 – SENIOR ENGLISH:
ELECTIVES
One-semester courses – Students must take one each
semester.
Seniors
These courses are arranged by literary period,
author, genre, or theme. Each of these courses
emphasizes critical reading and writing skills;
frequent writing assignments are the norm.
Effective participation in class discussions is also a
key component of the students’ obligations. All
students in EN452 will complete a substantial
independent essay (Teagle). Courses for 2010-
2011 are likely to include the following:
Adaptation: Fiction to Film
African-American Voices: A Century of Song
Contemporary World Literature
Culture Clash: Post-Colonial Literature
Decades: Literature of the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s
Expository Writing
Fly Fishing and Literature
Irish Literature
Literature of the Land
Magical Realism
Modern Dramatic Literature
Modernism
Native American Literature
Nature
Prep School Literature
Romanticism
Shakespeare – History, Theories, Poems and Plays
Short Stories: Reading and Writing
Post-Modern and Contemporary Drama
Poetry
Victorian Novels
E N 4 6 1 / E N 4 6 2 – C R E AT I V E W R I T I N G
One-semester course - May be taken both semesters
Prerequisite: Permission of the Department
This course must be taken in addition to the
standard English course. This is an elective course
in creative writing designed primarily for Upper
22 ENGLISH
Mids and Seniors although Lower Mids may
apply. Students will read and write poetry, fiction,
and personal essays as well as study the form and
structure of each genre. Students will work on
their writing individually in journals and essays —
and in groups, in workshops and conferences.
The course requires daily written work as well as a
final portfolio.
EN540 – SHAKESPEARE AND THE
B I B L E : L I T E R A RY C R I T I C I S M
Year course
Seniors
Prerequisite: Permission of the Department
English 540 is an advanced seminar for the
accomplished student who has a serious interest in
the humanities. This course centers upon a close
reading of six or seven of the better known plays
of Shakespeare — among the histories, tragedies,
and romances — within a Biblical and
philosophical context, drawing directly upon
books of the Old and New Testaments, from
Genesis to Revelation. Such topics as the
archetype, epistemology, and the aesthetics of
Plato and Aristotle may also be included. It is a
writing-intensive course, which emphasizes literary
analysis and exposition. Required summer
readings include selections from Biblical,
theological, and historical sources.
EN550 – HONORS SENIOR ENGLISH
Year course
Seniors
Prerequisites: Permission of the Department, based
on a writing sample, teacher recommendations
(class participation, attitude, effort and ability)
grades and test scores.
This advanced course is for Seniors who are
passionate about words, reading, and writing.
Admission to this course is highly selective.
Unusual interest and ability in literature are
required. British, American, and European
literatures constitute the primary texts for this
course. The course includes an intensive study of
poetic techniques and literary analysis with weekly
themes and a substantial independent essay.
E N 9 5 1 / E N 9 5 2 – I N D E P E N D E N T S T U DY
IN ENGLISH
One-semester course - May be taken both semesters
Prerequisites: Permission of the Department
Advanced students may arrange individual
semester projects in areas of special interest with a
member of the Department. A written proposal
indicating the purpose and plan of study must be
submitted to the Department Head for approval.
 HUMA NITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCES 23

HUMANITIES &
SOCIAL SCIENCES
The courses in the Humanities and Social Sciences department are organized separately here
by discipline, but all of them examine in some way how people across time have tried to
understand and organize their worlds. All of them value critical thinking and clarity of
expression—both written and oral—and expect active engagement on the part of students.
In addition, an increasing number of these courses reflect the assumption that responsible
citizenship in the 21st century demands a broader perspective than was perhaps necessary in
the past. As a result, inter-disciplinary approaches and global themes suffuse many of our
current offerings and will play an even greater role in the next few years.

HU M A N I TI E S
____________________________________________________

HISTORY

Beyond the diploma requirement for American history, the department offers opportunities to examine
many other regions of our rapidly shrinking world. Students who intend to pursue a thorough course
of history at Hotchkiss are encouraged to include traditions other than U.S. Students planning to
pursue history at college must be able to demonstrate a solid, continuous interest in the field.
Level One courses are introductions to the study of history geared towards Preps and Lower Mids.
These courses focus on note taking, writing, research, and reading skills. The primary choice for
incoming Preps in 2010 is the history component of the integrated Humanities curriculum (HU150).
For Lower Mids the second year of the Humanities course (HU250) is an option, as are other 200-level
courses. All of these offerings provide excellent introductions to the study of history at Hotchkiss. If
students have had some historical background, they might be better placed in a 200-level course.
Level Two is devoted to U.S. History and American Studies, which most students take during the
Upper Mid year. The 350/360/390 courses are different options which all satisfy the diploma requirement
for U.S. History. The Department feels that students need to acquire basic skills before taking this
required course and therefore urges them to enroll in a history course before their Upper Mid year.
Level Three courses are generally taken by Seniors. The offerings at this level allow students to
develop further their historical skills and to pursue particular interests in the general fields of history,
comparative government, and human geography.
24 HU M A N I T I E S & S O C I A L S C IENC ES

LEVEL ONE LEVEL THREE

Preps Usually Seniors
HU150 (History) Prep Humanities 422 Latin American Studies
430 The Constitution and the
Usually Preps and Lower Mids Supreme Court
230 Russia from 988 - Present 431 Modern East Asia
240 China and Japan 441 The Anatomy of Revolutions
250 Modern Europe since 1450 461 Tudor England and the Wider World
HU250 (History) Lower Mid Humanities 471 History of the Middle East to 1917
290 AP Modern European History 472 History of the Middle East Since 1917
490 AP Geography
492 AP Comparative Government
L E V E L T WO
& Politics
Usually Upper Mids
582 European History Since 1890
Required Course
951/2 Independent Study
350 U.S. History or
360 American Studies (taken with EN360) or
390 AP U.S. History

T H E C H A RT B E L OW I S A P RO P O S E D P RO G R A M F O R S T U D E N T S W I T H A
PA RT I C U L A R I N T E R E S T I N H I S TO RY. I T I S M E A N T O N LY A S A N E X A M P L E .

U. S . WESTERN NON-WESTERN SOCIAL SCIENCE/

ECONOMICS

PREP HU150 HI230

HI240

L OW E R M I D HI250 HI230
HU250 HI240
HI290

UPPER MID HI350 EC451

HI360 EC462
HI390 EC550

SENIOR HI350 HI451 HI431 HI422

HI390 HI461 HI471 HI441
HI430 HI582 HI472 SS490
HI452 SS492
EC462
EC550

H U 1 5 0 ( H I S TO RY ) – P R E P
HUMANITIES (1500-1815)
Year course
Preps
Please refer to the Interdisciplinary Courses
section for a description of this course.
H U 2 5 0 ( H I S TO RY ) – L OW E R M I D
HUMANITIES (1815-PRESENT)
Year course
Lower Mids
Please refer to the Interdisciplinary Courses
section for a description of this course.
H I 2 3 0 – RU S S I A F RO M 9 8 8 – P R E S E N T
( N OT O F F E R E D 2 0 1 0 - 2 0 1 1 )
Year course
Preps, Lower Mids
This course provides a survey of Russian history
from the Christianization of Kievan Rus through
the 1917 Revolutions and on to contemporary
Russia. There will be an extensive study of the
Soviet Union and communism, including an
examination of appropriate Russian literature.
H I 2 4 0 – C H I N A A N D J A PA N
Year course
Preps, Lower Mids
The first semester of the course introduces the
history of traditional China and Japan up to the
19th century. Emphasis is placed on the social,
political, religious, philosophical, and literary
traditions of both countries. In addition, students
are asked to examine their own cultural values and
perspectives. Literary works supplement primary
and secondary historical readings. The second half
of the year focuses on the development of China
and Japan in the 19th and 20th centuries. Topics
include the costs and benefits of contact with the
West and subsequent “modernization,” the
emergence and evolution of communism in the
People’s Republic of China, and Japan’s ascent to
“great power” status. Videos on China, such as
HUMA NITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCES 25
The Last Emperor and the Heart of the Dragon
series, and on Japan also highlight themes during
both semesters.
H I 2 5 0 – M O D E R N E U RO P E S I N C E 1 4 5 0
Year course
Preps, Lower Mids
This year course provides an introduction to the
history of modern Europe from 1450 to the
present and builds on the introductory skills
taught at the 100 level. The course traces the
development of European civilization by
examining the relationship between material
conditions and social forces on the one hand and
between social forces and individual human beings
on the other. In addition, students are taught
principles of historical analysis: the use of primary
and secondary sources, techniques of analytical
prose, and elementary research techniques.
H I 2 9 0 – A P E U RO P E A N H I S TO RY
Year course
Lower Mids
Prerequisite: One year of high school history and
permission of the Department
This course is the Modern European curriculum
taught to the AP examination: it surveys the
history of Europe from 1450 to the present. The
course meets five times a week. On completing
this course, a student will take the AP exam.
H I 3 5 0 – U. S . H I S TO RY
Year course
Upper Mids, Seniors (Lower Mids with permission of
the Department)
This yearlong course covers selected topics in U.S.
History from colonization to the present. The aim
of the course is to acquaint students with ongoing
themes in U.S. History and to help them develop
their own analytical and interpretive abilities.
Emphasis is placed on classroom discussions and
the writing of essays and short papers.
26 HU M A N I T I E S & S O C I A L S C IENC ES
HI360 – AMERICAN STUDIES
Year course
Upper Mids
Prerequisites: One year of high school history and
permission of the Department
This yearlong course is team-taught by a member
of the English Department and a member of the
History Department. The American past, from
colonization to the present, is examined from
cultural, literary, social, environmental, and
political perspectives. Lectures and materials are
drawn from departments other than History and
English. Prospective students should be
comfortable with a sophisticated conceptual
approach to the course content. Field trips and
films supplement class readings and discussions.
H I 3 9 0 – A P U N I T E D S TAT E S H I S TO RY
Year course
Upper Mids, Seniors
Prerequisites: One year of high school history and
permission of the Department
This yearlong course is an intensive survey of U.S.
history from colonization to the present that will
prepare students for the U.S. History AP exam.
Upon completion of the course students will take
the AP exam and complete a research paper. This
requires a higher level of sophistication and
application than HI350. Classroom discussion
and analytical interpretation are significant
components of this course.
H I 4 2 2 – L AT I N A M E R I C A N S T U D I E S
Full year course
Upper Mids, Seniors
THIS COURSE IS CROSS-LISTED WITH
ECONOMICS.
This full year long course introduces students to
Latin American Studies, a multidisciplinary field.
Working with both history and economics
teachers, students will study the region’s
geography, history, economics, social structures,
politics, arts and foreign relations. The course
highlights the different methodologies that social
scientists and humanists have employed to
understand and explore Latin America. In
addition, students will examine how diverse Latin
Americans represent themselves through different
media, including films, literature, music, historical
texts, and scholarly research. In the fourth
marking period, students will pursue independent
study projects with a faculty advisor.
HI430 – THE CONSTITUTION AND
T H E S U P R E M E C O U RT I N
C O N T E M P O R A RY A M E R I C A N
POLITICS
Year course
Seniors (Upper Mids with permission of the
Department)
This course provides an examination and
analysis of the Constitution and the Supreme
Court in contemporary American politics. There
are historical elements to the course, but the
major emphasis is on present-day political
realities. The course will examine the role of the
Constitution in the lives of Americans today and
how influential the Supreme Court is in
“interpreting” the Constitution. Naturally, there
will be frequent reference to cases decided by the
Court with examination of the majority and
minority positions. There will be a required
research paper that will take the place of a final
examination. Extensive use will be made of
audiovisual, written sources, and the Internet.
Students are encouraged to read The New York
Times daily, together with a weekly news
magazine (such as The Economist).
H I 4 3 1 – M O D E R N E A S T A S I A ( N OT
OFFERED 2010-2011)
One-semester course – Offered first semester
Seniors, Upper Mids
This course will focus primarily on the history of
China and Japan, with an emphasis on the
modern period. Relations with other Far Eastern

nations, such as Korea, Taiwan, and Vietnam, as
well as relations with the West, will also be
examined. Major questions to be considered are
how interaction with the West affected the region;
how World War II affected the region, and how its
legacy shapes current relations. Why did modern
China adopt socialism and authoritarian
government, while Japan became capitalist and
democratic? What were the causes and effects of
the Korean and Vietnam conflicts? Also to be
considered are what the Tiananmen Square
incident means for the future of democracy in the
People’s Republic of China and Hong Kong’s role
as part of the PRC. Primary and secondary
historical readings will be supplemented with
literary works and films where appropriate.
Students should expect to be aware of current
events in the region, and to pursue independent
research in areas of specific interest to them.
H I 4 4 1 – T H E A N ATO M Y O F
R E VO L U T I O N S : F R A N C E , RU S S I A ,
CHINA, AND IRAN
One-semester course - Offered first semester
Seniors (Upper Mids with permission of the
Department)
At least since 1789 we have come face to face with
political revolutions - the overturning of political,
social, cultural, and economic norms in society
through sudden, violent change. Using the French
Revolution as a model, this class will examine the
various stages through which revolution develops
and identify the salient features that distinguish it
from reform movements of other epochs. Once
that model has been clearly articulated, we will
test its validity by examining other ‘western’
revolutions such as the American and Russian
revolutions, and then focus on 20th-century
upheavals in Russia, China, and Iran.
HUMA NITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCES 27
HI461 – TUDOR ENGLAND AND THE
W I D E R WO R L D
One-semester course - Offered first semester
Seniors (Upper Mids with permission of the
Department)
This course studies the sixteenth century
transformation of England from a late medieval
kingdom in 1485 to an early modern nation by
the time of Queen Elizabeth’s death in 1603. In
particular the course analyzes the political,
religious, and economic forces – and personalities
– which shaped these often revolutionary
changes. The culminating project, combining a
research paper and an oral presentation, examines
England and its developing place in the wider
world. Students will work in groups to study the
voyages of exploration and the founding of joint
stock companies.
H I 4 7 1 – H I S TO RY O F T H E M I D D L E
E A S T TO 1 9 1 7
One-semester course – Offered first semester
Seniors (Upper Mids with permission of the
Department)
This course examines the political, social, and
cultural history of the Middle East and North
Africa from the late sixth century through World
War I. We will study the birth and expansion of
Islam, the rise and fall of the ‘Abbasid and
Umayyid Caliphates, the Crusades and the
empires that ruled in the region between the 13th
and 20th centuries. Using a wide variety of
literary, artistic, and primary sources, we will
explore the experience of women and religious
minorities, the economy, and the relations and
perceptions that existed between the Middle East
and the West from the Crusades to the present.
The course will conclude with the contraction of
the Ottoman Empire, the European Powers’
competition to gain control over the regions, and
the fall of the empire after WWI.
28 HU M A N I T I E S & S O C I A L S C IENC ES
H I 4 7 2 – H I S TO RY O F T H E M I D D L E
EAST SINCE 1917
One-semester course – Offered second semester
Seniors (Upper Mids with permission of the
Department)
This course explores the history of the modern
Middle East from 1917 to the present. The course
begins at the point when European nations,
competing for power in the regions, set up
protectorates, or mandates, to indirectly control
the Arab world. The course will examine the
Second World War as experienced by the people
in the region, and the explosive changes that
occurred at the end of the war. We will learn
about the prominent intellectual and cultural
movements of the 1930s and 1940s, including
liberalism, modernism, and zionism. As we study
the history of the region between 1947 and the
present, we will focus on the themes of Israeli-
Arab interaction, the emergence of radical Islamic
thought, and the path to Islamism
(“fundamentalism”), Al-Qaeda, and the Iraq war.
We will discuss and debate issues throughout the
course, including issues of U.S. involvement in the
region and the current “war on terror.”
H I 5 8 2 – I M P E R I A L I S M A N D WA R ;
D E C O L O N I Z AT I O N A N D P E AC E :
E U RO P E A N H I S TO RY S I N C E 1 8 9 0
One-semester course – Offered second semester
Seniors
From a continent that dominated the globe (and
at the same time that it was divided within) to a
continent that is but one among many world
powers (and peacefully unifying at a rapid rate),
Europe’s history in the 20th-century contains
some of the most hopeful, and some of the most
discouraging, chapters in human history. Starting
with the scramble for Africa and concluding with
Islamaphobia, this course will survey major
developments of 20th- century European history
with an eye toward contemporary development in
politics, economics, and society. Among the
topics studied are: Imperialism and its role as a
cause of World War I, the impact of World War I
on European society, the rise and fall of the Soviet
Union, Nazi aggression and the Holocaust, World
War II, the Cold War and decolonization, the
collapse of Communism in Eastern Europe, and
European integration.
H I 9 5 1 / H I 9 5 2 – I N D E P E N D E N T S T U DY
I N H I S TO RY
One-semester course – May be taken both semesters
Seniors
Advanced students may arrange with a member of
the Department individual semester projects in
areas of special interest. The Department head
must approve all independent study projects.
PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGION
The Philosophy and Religion program is
committed to the importance of thinking hard
about one’s own and others’ most fundamental
values and beliefs. Growth in such thinking
comes through critical conversation – with
philosophers and religious thinkers (past and
present), with forms of life very different from
one’s own, with long-established traditions and
their keenest critics, and with classmates and
teachers. Each of our courses invites students to
join actively in this conversation. All our
courses ask you, the student, to think for
yourself: questioning received opinion, learning
from outlooks that challenge your assumptions,
and trying out your own ideas.
HU150 (PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGION)
– PREP HUMANITIES (1500-1815)
Year course
Preps
Please refer to the Interdisciplinary Courses
section for a description of this course.

HU250 (PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGION)
– L OW E R M I D H U M A N I T I E S ( 1 8 1 5 -
PRESENT)
Year course
Lower Mids
Prerequisite: Prep Humanities or permission of the
instructors
Please refer to the Interdisciplinary Courses
section for a description of this course.
BI422 – BIOMEDICAL/
B I OT E C H N O L O G I C A L E T H I C S
One-semester course - Offered second semester
Upper Mids, Seniors (Lower Mids with permission)
THIS COURSE IS CROSS-LISTED WITH
THE SCIENCE DEPARTMENT.
Applied biological science and technology are
spurring controversies that grab news headlines on
a daily basis: genetic engineering, gene therapy,
cloning, fetal tissue transplants, and cross-species
organ transplantation are just some of the
emotionally charged topics that have claimed
media attention. Increasingly, the biological
sciences are providing the basis for technologies
that transform not only nature around us, but also
human beings ourselves - as individuals and
ancestors or progeny. With these new powers
come new ethical, social, and even political
problems: in reproductive decision-making, in the
treatment of diseases, in medical research, in the
workplace and insurance, in rationing of health
care resources, in food production and more. This
course uses a seminar discussion format and draws
on the best recent work at the intersections of
applied biology and ethics. The aim is to help
students acquire clear knowledge of the science
behind these complex issues, and to deepen their
critical understanding of the ethical choices that
face us as individuals and as a society.
HUMA NITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCES 29
E S 4 2 1 – E N V I RO N M E N TA L E T H I C S
One-semester course - Offered first semester
Upper Mids, Seniors
THIS COURSE IS CROSS-LISTED WITH
THE SCIENCE DEPARTMENT.
Science by itself can’t answer key ethical questions
raised by the expanded power it has given us to
affect the environment. What ought we do with
respect to various environmental problems? How
should we weigh conflicting values and interests in
determining policies for our relations with the
non-human world? With a method that sets aside
questions of moral value, science on its own is
silent before such questions. Yet if science without
ethics is silent, ethical thinking about the
environment, without the aid of the sciences, is
utterly blind. The facts matter; probabilities of
various outcomes can make an enormous
difference. This interdisciplinary course explores
the interwoven scientific and ethical issues that
arise in connection with today’s controversial
environmental topics such as endangered species,
atmospheric pollution and climate change, river
systems management, hazardous waste control and
siting, and the use of animals for various human
endeavors. As a background to examination of
specific policy topics we will also study the
historical development of moral thinking with
regard to nature in general, and contemporary
arguments over the assignment of independent
moral importance to animals and ecosystems.
P L 4 6 2 – L I B E RT Y, E Q UA L I T Y, A N D
JUSTICE
One-semester course – Offered second semester
Upper Mids, Seniors (Lower Mids with permission)
“Liberty” and “equality” are routinely saluted in
many societies. (Think of the homage Americans
pay to the Declaration of Independence, for
example.) Yet the meaning and weight of these
values are contested. Some philosophers have
argued that liberty and equality are the matching
pillars of a just society. Others argue these values
30 HU M A N I T I E S & S O C I A L S C IENC ES
are often incompatible: an increase in liberty will
lead to reduced equality, and vice versa; justice
sometimes requires unequal treatment or
restrictions on liberty. Beginning with seminal
works of Western and Non-Western philosophers,
we will closely examine how these contested
concepts play a role in disputes — in various
societies — over issues such as affirmative action
in college admission, the legal status of drug use,
the role of money in electoral politics, gay
marriage, “hate speech” and “hate crimes,” access
to health care, immigration policy, and the rights
of ethnic minorities and religious groups that
deviate from prevailing norms.
P L 4 8 1 – H U M A N N AT U R E A N D T H E
GOOD LIFE
One-semester course - Offered first semester
Upper Mids, Seniors (Lower Mids with permission)
What makes human beings tick? Do people share a
common “nature” – are there common or even
universal capacities, needs, desires, or behavioral
tendencies that are distinctively human? If so,
which are most important, and which pose the
biggest problems for us? (For example, are humans
deep down always self-interested, or is altruism a
real possibility for us? Is reason the essential human
trait, or do we often exaggerate the extent to which
we are moved by rational considerations?) Can we
meaningfully talk in general terms of a “good life”
for human beings, or is the good life whatever you
think is good? Given what you have observed
about human beings and their behavior, what limits
should a good society place on their liberty?
Drawing on resources including philosophy,
psychology, anthropology, biology, and religion
(Western and Eastern), this course will critically
examine various provocative models of human
nature – and the alternative ethical ideals and social
practices they support. Which of the models seem
most illuminating? What changes do they suggest
in our values, our social arrangements, or laws?
What emerges as your conception of the good life?
P L 4 8 2 – E V I L , G O O D, A N D O U R
H I S TO RY: T H E H O L O C AU S T
One-semester course - Offered second semester
Upper Mids, Seniors, (Lower Mids with permission)
This interdisciplinary course takes as its organizing
topic the Nazi extermination of European Jews in
the 1940s, studying the events from multiple
perspectives: the perspectives of those who killed
or supported the killing, those who were victims,
those who stood by, and those who tried to
protect the intended victims. But the course will
also examine how a regime and program such as
Hitler’s could come into being and gain public
acceptance or acquiescence in the first place.
Students will be invited to consider the ethical,
political, psychological, and spiritual implications
of the Holocaust for people today. The course will
make use of first-person accounts and documents
from the Holocaust, as well as the work of
historians, novelists, philosophers, theologians,
and social psychologists. Guest speakers will be
invited to visit the class. Students will see a
number of films that try to document or
artistically engage the Holocaust. Near the end of
the course, class members will take a field trip to a
Holocaust museum, either in Washington, D.C.,
or in New York City.
PL571 – MODERN POLITICAL
P H I L O S O P H Y (Not offered 2010-2011)
One-semester course
Upper Mids, Seniors
The political realm has been the subject of some of
the deepest questioning in the history of philosophy,
exploring issues that, in one way or another, every
society must address. What are the legitimate aims
of government? Is that government best which
governs least, or should government actively try to
secure the material well-being of its citizens? What
entitles any person or people to govern others? Are
there any natural or human rights that any
government ought to recognize? If so, what are those
rights and how far do they extend? If one turns to

the practice of politics and leadership: should ethical
considerations enter into the decision-making of
those who hold political office? Or does the practice
of political leadership call for setting morality aside,
for a willingness to get one’s own hands dirty to get
the job done? These and other questions will be
explored through a seminar-style course,
emphasizing discussion and debate. Students will
read some of the classic texts of modern political
philosophy as well as very recent work by
contemporary thinkers.
P L 5 8 1 – I N T E R N AT I O N A L A F FA I R S
AND ETHICS
One-semester course - Offered first semester
Upper Mids and Seniors
Do ethical concerns have any role to play in global
affairs? Self-styled “realists” argue that adherence to
morality in international relations leads to disaster.
Others, however, argue that ethical principles and
human rights should guide policy choices
alongside calculations of national interest. Who’s
correct? In a world made smaller by economic
globalization, technology, and the development of
international political institutions, the issues have
taken a new shape. Bringing together philosophy,
history, politics, and law, this course will examine
ethics and international affairs from an
interdisciplinary perspective. We will pursue such
questions as the following: What moral limits
should we recognize in the use of violence and war
in international affairs? To what extent, if any,
should the promotion of human rights help to
guide foreign policy decisions? What authority
should be vested in international institutions like
the UN or the International Criminal Court? Is
national patriotism a positive virtue, or an
outdated, dangerous notion, to be replaced by
loyalties as “a citizen of the world?” Do rich
countries (or their citizens) owe any assistance to
poor ones? Are current trends in globalization
unjust, as some critics argue, or necessary for
progress?
HUMA NITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCES 31
P L 5 9 1 – F U N DA M E N TA L Q U E S T I O N S
OF PHILOSOPHY
One-semester course – Offered first semester
Upper Mids, Seniors
You can, let’s suppose, think. Could a machine —
a computer — be “conscious” as you are? As you
ponder this, ask yourself, can you really know
what other people think or feel? That they think
or feel at all? In fact, can you know anything
beyond how-things-seem-to-you? Does any
particular “version” of reality have a better claim to
truth than others? Is there any rational basis for
morality or is it just a matter of non-rational
preferences? Is belief in God rationally defensible
or logically incoherent? Do even the natural
sciences rest on groundless beliefs? Are you a self,
enduring through time, or just an ever-changing
series of experience-states? In view of what science
tells us about causes of human behavior, is there
any room for what some people call “free will”?
Should we abandon the common belief that
people can be held responsible for what they do?
This course will explore challenging questions like
these, drawing on classic texts from the history of
philosophy and the work of philosophers today, as
well as literature and films.
P L 9 5 1 / 9 5 2 – I N D E P E N D E N T S T U DY I N
PHILOSOPHY
One-semester course - May be taken both semesters
Students with special interests and willingness to
take on extra academic responsibility may arrange
semester projects to pursue them in depth, either
individually or in small-group seminar fashion,
normally meeting once a week.
R E 4 7 2 – I N T RO D U C T I O N TO WO R L D
RELIGIONS
One-semester course - Offered second semester
Upper Mids, Seniors (Lower Mids with permission)
Why is the Zen Master laughing? What is the
significance of the Muslim Hajj? What am I to
make of the fantastic, multiple-armed images of
32 HU M A N I T I E S & S O C I A L S C IENC ES

Gods in the Hindu tradition? This semester R E 9 5 1 / R E 9 5 2 – I N D E P E N D E N T S T U DY

course will introduce you to five major religions of IN RELIGION
the world – Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, One-semester course - May be taken both semesters
Christianity and Islam – as well as the study of Prerequisite: Permission of the Department
religion as an academic discipline. We will look at Students with special interests may arrange
central symbols, doctrines, and practices of each semester projects to pursue them in depth, either
tradition, as well as explore areas of comparison. individually or in small-group seminar fashion,
Taking an interdisciplinary approach, we will try normally meeting once a week.
to understand sympathetically what these religions
mean “from the inside” for the individuals and
communities that practice them. Despite
apparent differences, are they all really “saying the
same thing” in different cultural accents? Or do
these world views and spiritual paths differ even at
their depths? Students will pursue such questions
through readings, films, and discussions,
supplemented by guest speakers and field trips to
several religious communities.

SOC I AL S C I E NCES
____________________________________________________
SS490 – AP HUMAN GEOGRAPHY
Year course
Senior, Upper Mids
Prerequisites: One year of high school history and
permission of the Department
This course is designed to examine elements of the
economic, social, and cultural geography of the
world. We will explore demographic trends,
migration, languages, religious and cultural
diffusion, patterns of agriculture, urbanization,
and territorial organization, and how these
concepts affect human activity. Emphasis is placed
upon examining development as it relates to
economics, culture, population control, and
resources. Students will be introduced to
Geographical Information Systems during the
year. The course is designed to prepare students
for the AP Human Geography exam. They are
expected to take that exam and complete a
research paper.
S S 4 9 2 – A P C O M PA R AT I V E
G OV E R N M E N T A N D P O L I T I C S
One-semester course - Offered second semester
Seniors (Upper Mids with permission of the
Department)
Prerequisites: One year of high school history and
permission of the Department
This semester course explores why countries vary
in their domestic political institutions, in the
political behavior of their citizens and elite, in
their public politics, and in their political
economy. The course emphasizes certain themes,
including globalization, democratization, political
change, public policy, and citizen-state relations.
The six core countries studied are Britain, China,
Iran, Mexico, Nigeria, and Russia. This course
prepares students for the AP Government and
Politics examination, and on completing this
course, students will take the AP exam.
HUMA NITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCES 33
ECONOMICS
The 550 offering is focused on quantitative
analysis and prepares students for the AP exams in
micro-and macroeconomics. Additional course
offerings locate economic processes in historical
context. They do not require previous coursework
in economics. Independent study is encouraged
for those students who have completed a year of
secondary school economics.
EC462 – GENDER AND
I N T E R N AT I O N A L D E V E L O P M E N T
One-semester course – Offered second semester
Upper Mids, Seniors
Is equality between the sexes linked to economic
growth? Economists argue about the importance of
gender in modern societies. Some contend that
gender equality promotes economic growth; others
say that it stunts it. This course will help students
understand what gender inequality is, and the
reasons why women work more but earn less and
own less than men in many parts of the world. We
will evaluate the extent to which there are social and
economic costs associated with gender inequality,
and the benefits of greater equality. We will also
consider how government policy can encourage
more equitable economic growth.
E C 5 5 0 – A P M AC RO E C O N O M I C S A N D
A P M I C RO E C O N O M I C S
Year course
Upper Mids, Seniors
This yearlong course is an introduction to micro-
and macroeconomic theory. It offers insight on a
wide range of topics, including (but not restricted
to) tax and environmental protection policies as
well as debates about immigration and free trade
agreements. During the first semester, the emphasis
is on international trade, individual and firm
decision-making, and the role of the government in
34 HU M A N I T I E S & S O C I A L S C IENC ES
regulating individual and business behavior. The
second semester is devoted to understanding
national income accounting, the problems of
unemployment and inflation, government
spending, and the role of the Federal Reserve
banking system. Reading about and discussing
current events is an integral part of the course, and
students will also learn about new developments in
economic theory. This course prepares students for
and expects them to take the AP Microeconomics
and AP Macroeconomics exams.
E C 9 5 1 / E C 9 5 2 – I N D E P E N D E N T S T U DY
I N A DVA N C E D E C O N O M I C S
One-semester course - May be taken both semesters
Upper Mids, Seniors
This is an interdisciplinary, project-oriented course
in which students pursue, in detail, a particular
field of economics that is of interest to them and
is relevant to their understanding of contemporary
economic issues. Class meetings are held in
seminar format. In addition to the required
readings, students produce a research project in
the particular area of their interest.
H I 4 2 2 – L AT I N A M E R I C A N S T U D I E S
One-semester course – Offered second semester
Seniors (Upper Mids with permission of the
Department)
THIS COURSE IS CROSS-LISTED WITH
HISTORY.
This semester long course introduces students to
Latin American Studies, a multidisciplinary field.
Working with both history and economics
teachers, students will study the region’s
geography, history, economics, social structures,
politics, arts and foreign relations. The course
highlights the different methodologies that social
scientists and humanists have employed to
understand and explore Latin America. In
addition, students will examine how diverse Latin
Americans represent themselves through different
media, including film, literature, music, historical
texts, and scholarly research. In the fourth
marking period, students will pursue independent
study projects with a faculty advisor.
 MATHEMATICS & COMPUTER 35

M AT H E M AT I C S &
COMPUTER
We view the study of mathematics and computer as an exciting, valuable experience that can be
challenging and gratifying to all students. Through its program the Department seeks to foster an
appreciation of the inherent beauty and logic of mathematics, and to equip students with a
language and a set of skills that may be applied to other areas of inquiry.
Our required sequence of mathematics courses builds a foundation of mathematical skills and
understanding that will allow students to pursue elective courses and, beyond that, to enter a
world increasingly reliant on quantitative information. We hope that our program will help
students to gain confidence in their mathematical ability, to understand the basic structure of
mathematics and its relationship to other disciplines, and to experience the satisfaction of rigorous
intellectual pursuit. A three-year sequence of algebra in the first year, geometry in the second year,
and advanced algebra and trigonometry in the third year completes the mathematics requirement.
Students are then prepared to enter a variety of elective courses.
In a world of constantly changing technology and ever-increasing amounts of
information, students must be comfortable with computer technology. Students who
graduate from Hotchkiss should be able to use computers to communicate effectively. We
provide opportunities for motivated and interested students to study more focused
applications of computers, including programming, digital media, and web design.
Placement in our mathematics program for each new student depends on mathematical
background, level of achievement in his or her previous school, and performance on our
placement examination. For each returning student, course placement is made by the
Department based on the degree of success experienced in math courses at Hotchkiss and
the student’s level of interest and commitment. Students pursuing elective and accelerated
courses should discuss choices with their current teacher and advisor.
NOTE: Students are required to own the Texas Instruments TI-Nspire CAS calculator. Although there is a non-
CAS version available, our students must own the CAS version.
36 M ATHE M AT I C S & C O M P U TER

DIPLOMA REQUIREMENT COURSES: ELECTIVE COURSES

150 Intermediate Algebra 431* 1st semester, Mathematical Modeling
220 Intermediate Algebra, for new students and Applications I
with geometry credit 432* 2nd semester, Mathematical Modeling
250 Plane Geometry: area, solid, and and Applications II
analytic geometry: satisfies diploma 441* 1st semester, Precalculus I
geometry requirement 442* 2nd semester, Precalculus II
280* Honors section of Plane Geometry; 451* 1st semester, Precalculus I AB
satisfies diploma geometry requirement 452* 2nd semester, Precalculus II AB
310* Similar to 350; see course description 462* 2nd semester, Elementary Number
350 Advanced Algebra and Trigonometry Theory
370* Advanced Algebra, Trigonometry, and 482* 2nd semester, Honors Precalculus II
Precalculus for Upper Mids wishing to 510* Calculus
take AB Calculus as Seniors 540* AP Statistics
383* 1st semester, Honors Precalculus I 550* AP Calculus (AB syllabus)
Satisfactory completion of 310, 350, 370, or 383 580* AP Calculus (BC syllabus)
fulfills the mathematics diploma requirement. 651* 1st semester, Further Math: Statistics
and Group Theory
652* 2nd semester, Further Math: Analysis
ELECTIVE COMPUTER COURSES and Discrete Mathematics
335 Digital Media and Web Design 661* 1st semester, Linear Algebra
355 Introduction to Programming 662* 2nd semester, Multivariable Algebra
451 1st semester, Programming in Java 671/672* Topics in Advanced Mathematics
552* 2nd semester, AP Computer Science AB 951/952* Independent Study in Advanced
951/952* Independent Study in Computers Mathematics

Courses denoted with (*) require Departmental permission. In an honors course, or a course that requires Departmental
permission, the Mathematics and Computer Department reserves the right to remove students who do not meet the expectations
of the course.

C OM PU T E R
____________________________________________________
The computer curriculum includes a variety of courses in the areas of programming and computer
applications, using a network of 20 dual-boot iMac workstations in the Watson Computer Center.
C O 3 3 5 – D I G I TA L M E D I A A N D W E B
DESIGN
One-semester course – Offered both semesters
Preps, Lower Mids, Upper Mids, Seniors
This course allows students to learn how to use
the computer to create polished, professional
documents and web pages. Students use the
Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, Photoshop,
Flash and Dreamweaver) to create a variety of
printed documents, interactive movies, and
websites. In addition to learning hands-on
techniques, students also learn fundamental
principles of effective graphic design and web page
design. This course has no prerequisites, but
students should be comfortable using a computer.
C O 3 5 5 – I N T RO D U C T I O N TO
P RO G R A M M I N G
One-semester course – Offered both semesters
Preps, Lower Mids, Upper Mids, Seniors
This course provides an introduction to computer
programming for students who have no prior
programming experience. Students learn the
fundamentals of object-oriented programming
using the Alice environment, which allows
students to create animated scenes and interactive
programs. Topics covered include classes, events,
conditional statements, looping, and event
handling. This course prepares students to take
CO451 the following year.
C O 4 5 1 – P RO G R A M M I N G I N J AVA
One-semester course – Offered first semester
Preps, Lower Mids, Upper Mids, Seniors
This course teaches object-oriented programming
to students who have prior programming
experience in another language. Students will learn
the fundamentals of constructing effective
MATHEMATICS & COMPUTER 37
programs through the study of the Java
programming language. Topics covered include
basic program structure, classes, objects,
conditional programming, looping, graphics, and
simple I/O. Students learn through a combination
of written work and computer-based
programming. This course prepares students to
study the material in AP Computer Science.
Students with no programming experience are
strongly urged to take CO355 first.
CO552 – AP COMPUTER SCIENCE A
One-semester course – Offered second semester
Prerequisite: CO452 or permission of the
Department
This course extends the study of computer
programming into the areas of algorithms and
data structures. Students learn how to create more
sophisticated programs, as well as how to make
effective design decisions in large-scale
programming. The course also extends and
expands the students’ knowledge of the Java
programming language. Students who complete
the course are prepared to take the AP exam.
CO951/CO952 – INDEPENDENT
S T U DY I N C O M P U T E R S
One-semester course – May be taken both semesters
Prerequisite: Permission of the Department
Advanced students may arrange individual
semester projects in areas of special interest with a
member of the Department.
38 M ATHE M AT I C S & C O M P U TER
M AT H E M AT I C S
____________________________________________________
M A 1 5 0 – I N T E R M E D I AT E A L G E B R A
Year course
This algebra course covers operations with
integers, rational numbers, radicals and
polynomials; absolute value; solution of linear
equations and inequalities; quadratic and
exponential functions; modeling, regression, basic
statistics and elementary data analysis. This course
assumes students are proficient in basic numeric
operations, including work with fractions and
decimal numbers.
M A 2 2 0 – I N T E R M E D I AT E A L G E B R A
Year course
This course parallels Math 150, although it may
cover topics in greater depth, and is appropriate
for new students with a geometry credit who are
not ready for our third-level program. This course
assumes students are proficient in basic numeric
operations, including work with fractions, decimal
numbers, and in basic algebra skills.
M A 2 5 0 – G E O M E T RY
Year course
This course emphasizes a problem-solving and
hands-on approach to the study of geometry,
using formal proofs and rigorous deductive
reasoning. Students work extensively with
Geometer’s Sketchpad. Topics studied include
polygons and polyhedra, parallel lines and planes,
coordinate geometry, similar and congruent
figures, quadrilaterals, circles, volumes and surface
areas of solids, transformations and trigonometry.
Algebra concepts are reviewed and previewed in
an integrated fashion. Successful completion of this
course satisfies the geometry diploma requirement.
M A 2 8 0 – H O N O R S G E O M E T RY
Year course
Prerequisite: Permission of the Department
This course parallels MA250, using the same text,
but topics are covered in greater depth, the pace is
quicker, and the problem sets are more
challenging. In the fourth quarter students begin
studying advanced algebra and trigonometry.
Successful completion of this course satisfies the
geometry diploma requirement.
M A 3 1 0 – A DVA N C E D A L G E B R A A N D
T R I G O N O M E T RY
Year course
Prerequisite: Permission of the Department
This course, which covers many of the same
topics as MA350, is for returning students who
need additional time for review, more examples,
and individual attention. Successful completion of
this course satisfies the mathematics diploma
requirement. Students completing this course
should not expect to take MA451.
M A 3 5 0 – A DVA N C E D A L G E B R A A N D
T R I G O N O M E T RY
Year course
This course provides a thorough examination of
functions, including polynomial, exponential,
logarithmic, rational and trigonometric functions.
In studying these topics, students will explore
complex numbers, transformations and inverse
relations. In addition, students will receive an
introduction to sequences and matrices, and they
will become familiar with various methods of
modeling, including regression. Successful
completion of this course satisfies the mathematics
diploma requirement.
M A 3 7 0 – A DVA N C E D A L G E B R A ,
T R I G O N O M E T RY, A N D P R E C A L C U L U S
Year course
Upper Mids
Prerequisite: Permission of the Department
This course is designed for able and motivated
Upper Mid students who wish to complete AB

Calculus (MA550) by the end of the fourth year.
The course includes a thorough examination of all
MA 350 and MA 451/2 topics, with an emphasis
on graphing and applications. Successful
completion of this course satisfies the mathematics
diploma requirement.
MA383 – HONORS PRECALCULUS I
One-semester course – Offered first semester
Prerequisite: Permission of the Department
This course, followed by MA482, is an accelerated
one-year sequence that prepares motivated
students for AP Calculus BC. MA383 covers
selected topics from advanced algebra and
trigonometry (see MA350) during the first
marking period and the same precalculus topics as
MA451 in the second marking period. This is a
fast-paced course, and topics are covered in great
depth. Most students who have completed
MA280 will enroll in this course. Successful
completion of MA383 satisfies the mathematics
diploma requirement.
M A 4 3 1 – M AT H E M AT I C A L M O D E L I N G
A N D A P P L I C AT I O N S I
One-semester course – Offered first semester
Prerequisite: Permission of the Department
This course offers the opportunity to investigate
mathematics beyond our third level and to study
topics outside the traditional high school
curriculum. Topics covered in this course include a
review of linear functions with related
applications, matrices, matrix algebra and
applications, and an introduction to difference
equations and the mathematics of finance. This
course is calculator-intensive.
M A 4 3 2 – M AT H E M AT I C A L M O D E L I N G
A N D A P P L I C AT I O N S I I
One-semester course – Offered second semester
Prerequisite: Permission of the Department
This course offers the opportunity to investigate
mathematics beyond our third level and to study
MATHEMATICS & COMPUTER 39
topics outside the traditional high school
curriculum. Topics covered in this course include
some or all of the following: game theory,
optimization theory, voting theory, an
introduction to probability and statistics, and
projects in geometric probability.
MA441 – PRECALCULUS I
One-semester course – Offered first semester
Prerequisite: Permission of the Department
Students enrolled in this course will study various
topics in precalculus. The course is not designed
to prepare students to take AP Calculus. With
permission of the Department, students who are
successful in the two-semester sequence of MA441
and MA442 may enroll in MA510. This course
may be taken for credit without taking MA442.
MA442 – PRECALCULUS II
One-semester course – Offered second semester
Prerequisites: MA441 or MA383 or permission of
the Department
This course continues the work begun in Math
451. The course is not designed to prepare
students to take AP Calculus. With permission of
the Department, a student who is successful in the
two-semester sequence of MA441 and MA442
may enroll in MA510.
MA451 – PRECALCULUS I AB
One-semester course – Offered first semester
Prerequisite: Permission of the Department
This is the first of two semester courses designed
to prepare students to take AP Calculus or an
equivalent college calculus course. Much of this
course will be devoted to the completion of the
study of trigonometry begun in Advanced
Algebra and Trigonometry. Other topics may
include vectors, complex numbers in polar and
trigonometric forms, conic sections, matrices,
sequences and series, probability, and
exponential and logarithmic properties. This
40 M ATHE M AT I C S & C O M P U TER
course may be taken for credit without taking
MA452.
MA452 – PRECALCULUS II AB
One-semester course – Offered second semester
Prerequisites: MA451 or MA383 and permission of
the Department
This course continues the work begun in MA
451, preparing students to take AP Calculus or an
equivalent college calculus course. Topics may
include vectors, complex numbers in polar and
trigonometric forms, conic sections, matrices,
sequences and series, probability, and exponential
and logarithmic properties. In the spring, the
course introduces differential calculus, focusing on
limits and the derivative.
M A 4 6 2 – E L E M E N TA RY N U M B E R
T H E O RY
One-semester course – Offered second semester, subject
to enrollment
Prerequisites: MA350 and permission of the
Department
Number theory is a branch of mathematics that
examines relationship and patterns among
integers. Although number theory has its roots in
ancient mathematics, it continues to have modern
applications in fields such as computer science and
cryptography. This course will focus on developing
a thread of topics in number theory that lead up
to the RSA algorithm, and it will also give an
overview of the history of cryptography. Students
will learn the basics of programming in the Java
language and use that knowledge to implement
several of the algorithms they have learned. No
prior programming experience is required.
MA482 – HONORS PRECALCULUS II
One-semester course – Offered second semester
Prerequisite: MA383 or MA451 and permission of
the Department
This course continues the work begun in MA 383
to prepare students for AP Calculus BC. Some
very able and motivated students who completed
MA451 in the first semester may be given
permission to take this course in the second
semester. This course parallels MA452, but topics
are covered in greater depth, the pace is quicker,
and the problem sets are more challenging. The
course emphasizes proofs and problem solving at a
higher level than on the regular track, and some
time is spent on competition math.
MA510 – CALCULUS
Year course
Prerequisite: Permission of the Department
The goal of this applied calculus course is to
provide a clear understanding of the ideas and
applications of calculus. This course covers most of
the topics included in the AB calculus course, such
as limits, methods of differentiation, related rates,
maximization, advanced graphing, Riemann sums,
methods of integration, area and volume, but is not
designed to prepare students for the AP exam.
M A 5 4 0 – A P S TAT I S T I C S
Year course
Prerequisite: Permission of the Department
This non-calculus-based statistics course
introduces students to methods and tools for
collecting, analyzing, and drawing conclusions
from data. In covering the AP syllabus, the course
emphasizes topics in data exploration,
experimental design, probability, and statistical
inference. This course is calculator-intensive.
Students are expected to take the AP exam.
MA550 – AP CALCULUS AB
Year course
Prerequisite: Permission of the Department
This course covers differential and integral calculus,
satisfies the AB syllabus of the AP program, and
includes additional topics from the BC syllabus.
Students are expected to take the AP exam.

MA580 – AP CALCULUS BC
Year course
Prerequisite: Permission of the Department
This course covers differential and integral calculus
and satisfies the BC syllabus of the AP program.
Students are expected to take the AP exam.
M A 6 5 1 – F U RT H E R M AT H : S TAT I S T I C S
A N D G RO U P T H E O RY
One-semester course – Offered first semester
Prerequisite: MA550 or MA580
This one-semester, college-level course is for
students with a strong interest in mathematics who
have successfully completed AP Calculus (AB or
BC). Its content has similarities to the IB Further
Math topics. Statistics (calculus-based) and Group
Theory will be offered in the fall semester. The
Statistics portion of the course covers the concepts
of random variables, discrete and continuous
distributions, and hypothesis testing. Group Theory
is a topic in modern abstract algebra that provides
an excellent preparation for Linear Algebra
(MA661).This course may be taken for credit
without taking MA652.
M A 6 5 2 – F U RT H E R M AT H : A N A LYS I S
A N D D I S C R E T E M AT H E M AT I C S
One-semester course – Offered second semester
Prerequisite: MA550 or MA580
This one-semester, college-level course is for
students with a strong interest in mathematics who
have successfully completed AP Calculus (AB or
BC). Its content is modeled on the IB Further
Math topics. Analysis and Discrete Mathematics
will be offered in the spring semester. The Analysis
component largely covers the BC Calculus topics
that are not part of the AB Calculus curriculum,
though some of the Differential Equations material
may be new to BC Calculus students as well. The
Analysis component thus offers to AB Calculus
students the opportunity to take the AP Calculus
BC examination, but it also provides important
prerequisite material for Multivariable Calculus
MATHEMATICS & COMPUTER 41
(MA662). Discrete Mathematics exposes students
to graph theory and number theory, topics that are
fundamental to modern applications from
operations research to cryptography. This course
may be taken for credit without taking MA651.
M A 6 6 1 – L I N E A R A LG E B R A
One-semester course – Offered first semester
Prerequisite: MA580 or MA652
This one-semester, college-level course is for
students with a strong interest in mathematics
who have successfully completed AP Calculus BC
or MA652, though a mastery of group theory
(covered in MA651) is very helpful. Linear
Algebra studies the geometry of linear structures
in n-dimensional spaces. Topics covered include:
vector spaces and vector space homomorphisms,
the geometry of n-dimensional space, eigenvalues
and eigenvectors, quadratic forms, and
determinants. This course may be taken for credit
without taking MA662.
M A 6 6 2 – M U LT I VA R I A B L E C A L C U L U S
One-semester course – Offered second semester
Prerequisite: MA661
This one-semester, college level course is for
students with a strong interest in mathematics who
have successfully completed MA661. Multivariable
Differential Calculus studies local properties of
functions in n dimensions by generalizing the
concept of local linear approximation (derivative),
thus applying the linear algebra studied in MA661.
Important applications of the derivative include the
Inverse and Implicit Function theorem, as well as
the classification of critical points of functions in
higher dimensions. Multivariable Integral Calculus
studies processes of accumulation on k-dimensional
objects (manifolds) embedded in n-dimensional
space. We are thus led to concepts such as higher-
dimensional volumes, flux of a vector field through
the boundary of a region in space, and finally to the
Fundamental Theorem of Calculus (Stokes’s
Theorem) in n dimensions.
42 M ATHE M AT I C S & C O M P U TER
M A 6 7 1 / M A 6 7 2 – TO P I C S I N
A DVA N C E D M AT H E M AT I C S
One-semester course – May be taken both semesters
Prerequisite: Permission of the Department
The format of this course varies depending on
enrollment and teacher’s and students’ interests.
This is an advanced course for motivated and
disciplined students capable of independent work
on topics in higher mathematics. The choice of
topics to be studied is made by the instructor in
collaboration with the students taking the course.
MA951/MA952 – INDEPENDENT
S T U DY I N M AT H
One-semester course – May be taken both semesters
Prerequisite: Permission of the Department
Students who have exhausted the math
curriculum may petition a member of the
Department for an independent study in an area
not covered by the Department’s offerings.
 SCIENCE 43

SCIENCE
The Science Department believes that science provides a way to understand our universe and
sustain our world. Fundamental to our program is the belief that science is creative, innovative and
dynamic. The development of basic skills is the core of our program – observation and analysis,
oral and written communication, use of the scientific method, and creative problem solving are just
a few of the skill areas we emphasize. Laboratory experimentation and hands-on activities are the
basis for nearly all of the courses offered by the Department.
Most Hotchkiss students complete three or four years of science. The Department’s
elective program and offerings of advanced placement courses provide students an
opportunity to explore a variety of interests. The Department also offers independent study
and independent research opportunities for students who have a strong interest in and are
motivated to study a particular area of science on their own.
The following full-year courses, which meet the current diploma requirements, are
offered for the 2010-2011 academic year:

PREPS UPPER MIDS AND SENIORS:

SC250 – Foundations of Physical Science BI350 – Biology
BI550 – AP Biology
L OW E R M I D S : CH350 – Chemistry
SC250 – Foundations of Physical Science CH550 – AP Chemistry
SC260 – Foundations of Biology and Chemistry ES540 – AP Environmental Science
PY350 – Physics
PY540 – AP Physics B
PY581/PY582 – AP Physics C

Incoming Preps should take, sequentially, SC250 and SC260. Incoming Lower Mids
should take either SC250 or SC260, depending on their ninth-grade science study. In
order to fulfill the two-year diploma requirement, the Department recommends selecting
one physical and one life science in the course of study. Exceptional science students are
encouraged to speak directly to the co-chairs of the Science Department for a
recommendation regarding appropriate course placement.
The semester elective program offered by the Department is extensive. These electives are
available to Upper Mids and Seniors. All 300, 400, and 500-level courses have a
prerequisite of two years of lab science and/or permission of the Department.

Please note: Students who have elected a semester course of study off-campus need department permission to
join a full-year Hotchkiss course upon return to campus. Students should seek prior consultation with
Department Chairs in order to ensure appropriate course selection in approved off-campus programs.
44 SCI E N C E
TOPICS IN SCIENCE
S C 2 5 0 – F O U N DAT I O N S O F P H YS I C A L
SCIENCE
Year course
Preps, new Lower Mids (See department instructions)
Why does a seat belt grab you when the car stops
suddenly? How does an oil refinery work? Why
does a rocket follow a projectile path? What causes
current to flow? What causes the differences in the
state of matter? Why is the periodic table arranged
as it is? In this introductory course, students will
seek the answers to these questions and much,
much more. Through hands-on activities,
laboratory investigations, and the use of modern
technology, students will get the opportunity to
develop cooperative problem-solving skills, critical
thinking skills, the ability to work in teams, oral
and written presentation skills, and experience in
the use of the scientific method. This course
covers many topics in physics and chemistry and
weaves an environmental theme into specific topic
areas. The course provides a strong foundation for
further study in science.
S C 2 6 0 – F O U N DAT I O N S O F B I O L O G Y
A N D C H E M I S T RY
Year course
Lower Mids
This course continues to build upon the
development of a student’s problem-solving,
laboratory and communication skills in science
through the study of basic biological and chemical
concepts and principles. Through laboratory
investigations and detailed classroom discussion,
the course will integrate biological and chemical
concepts by way of meaningful application. The
overarching ecological themes presented in the
final term will allow for students to draw from
their knowledge and skill base in order to
successfully complete an ecologically-based,
independent laboratory investigation.
SC432 – INFECTIOUS DISEASES:
DISEASES IN A GLOBAL COMMUNITY
One-semester course – Offered second semester
One only has to look at the statistics regarding
public health issues to appreciate the idea that the
world has rapidly become very vulnerable to the
eruption and global spread of both new and old
infectious disease. Tuberculosis, nearly eradicated
from the industrial world by the 1970s, now
claims one million lives annually. Malaria leads to
more than one million deaths a year. Today 42
million people are living with HIV/AIDS. This
new and heightened vulnerability is not
mysterious. History documents the societal effects
of diseases such as smallpox, tuberculosis, leprosy,
and cholera. What is new, however, is the
increased potential that at least some of these
diseases will generate large-scale, even worldwide
epidemics. The dramatic increase in worldwide
movement of people, goods, and ideas are the
driving force behind the globalization of disease.
The course will examine, in the context of
globalization, epidemiology and its interaction
with public health.
S C 4 4 2 – I N T RO D U C T I O N TO
F O R E N S I C S C I E N C E (Not offered 2010-
2011)
One-semester course – Offered second semester
Using criminal case studies, this course will
provide an overview of the most commonly used
scientific laboratory methods, instrumentation,
and strategies used by forensic scientists in their
laboratory analysis, characterization, and
individualization of the physical evidence collected
in criminal investigation and the scientific
methods and instrumentation used in forensic
science laboratories to analyze the physical
evidence.

S C 4 5 2 – E N G I N E E R I N G (Not offered
2010-2011)
One-semester course – Offered second semester
This course provides the opportunity for
students to gain firsthand exposure to the broad
field of engineering. The following engineering
disciplines are available for investigation by the
student: chemical, civil, environmental,
mechanical, and materials science. In this
interdisciplinary, project-based course, students
will be required to integrate their knowledge of
chemistry, physics, and mathematics. Through
the applied nature of engineering, the course
teaches critical thinking skills by bridging the
gap between practice and theory. Through
projects such as building an electric car and
racing in the Electrathon America competition
at Lime Rock race track, students have the
opportunity to explore alternative energy sources
and materials. In addition, through exposure to
computer software, field trips and guest
speakers, students will learn to appreciate the
intricacies of engineering and gain a greater
understanding of the fields driving the current
advancements in technology.
SC462 – INTRODUCTION TO ROBOTICS
One-semester course – Offered second semester
This first course in robotics will introduce the
students to the building, calibration and
programming of small autonomous vehicles.
Using various robotics platforms, students will
build a series of robotic vehicles, each more
complex in the way they sense the environment
and react to it. The Vex Robotics System will be
used extensively with the Arduino microcontroller
and a variety of sensors such as; ultrasonic motion
detectors, infrared distance sensors, sound sensors,
photodiodes, touch sensors, etc. The class will
culminate with participation in a robotics
competition such as the Trinity College Fire-
Fighting Robot Contest.
SCIENCE 45
SC650 – APPLIED SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH
Year Course
Upper Mids and Seniors and permission of the
Department required
Prerequisite: One year of AP Science recommended
Applied Scientific Research is a student-directed
research course and will require a great deal of
independent work, both in and out of the
laboratory. Students will design, in conjunction
with the instructor, an independent research
project in an area of science related to molecular
biology or biochemistry. Projects outside these
disciplines are possible, but will require
considerable initiative on the part of the student.
The beginning of the course will focus on
experimental design, data collection and analysis,
basic statistics, laboratory notebook preparation
and presentation skills. Reading and critiquing
primary research literature relating to the students’
areas of research and dissecting the “science”
behind student projects will also be a focus of the
course. Once the students have finalized their
projects, the majority of their efforts will be
dedicated to running their project and gathering
their data. Failure is a big part of the research
process and it is likely that students will need to
restart or alter their project at least once. The first
semester will culminate in a research poster and
presentation of the students’ work to a larger
audience of their peers and teachers for evaluation.
Revisions and extensions of the students’ research
projects will continue in the second semester, and
a second, final presentation will be made in the
fourth marking period. A final research paper and
poster are also required. Any student wishing to
enhance his or her research experience by way of
engaging in summer work with a college or
university laboratory will work with the instructor
in order to identify an appropriate venue.
46 SCI E N C E
S C 9 2 1 / S C 9 2 2 – D I R E C T E D S T U DY I N
SCIENCE
One-semester course – May be taken either semester
Seniors only and permission of the Department
Students who have exhausted the course offerings
in a particular discipline may arrange for advanced
study, either individually or in small groups.
BIOLOGY
BI350 – BIOLOGY
Year course
This survey course covers the practical applications
of biology and connections with disciplines such
as the other natural sciences, humanities and social
sciences. Open-ended investigations and enhanced
experimental design build upon a student’s prior
science experiences. This course prepares students
(with some independent revision) for the SAT
Subject Test in Biology.
BI422 – BIOMEDICAL/
B I OT E C H N O L O G I C A L E T H I C S
One-semester course – Offered second semester
THIS COURSE IS CROSS-LISTED WITH
THE HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCES
DEPARTMENT.
Increasingly, the sciences promise to shape not
only nature around us but also human beings
themselves. New uses of biotechnology loom
before us. People can — or will be able to —
exercise much broader “quality control” in
reproduction, prevent much more disease and
disability, identify those with genetic liabilities or
advantages, and (some predict) distinguish reliably
between someone lying and someone telling the
truth. We will be able to enhance the range of
human abilities — even, some urge, to transcend
the limits of “humanity” itself. Yet these new
powers bring urgent ethical, social, and political
questions: in reproductive decision-making, in the
treatment of diseases (and the redefining of
“health”), in medical research, in the workplace
and criminal justice, in the allocation of health
care resources, in food production for a hungry
world facing climate disruptions. Drawing on
recent work at the intersections of applied biology
and ethics, students will learn the science behind
these complex issues and deepen their critical
understanding of the ethical choices facing
individuals and societies.
B I 4 3 1 – H U M A N N E U ROA N ATO M Y
A N D B E H AV I O R
One-semester course – Offered first semester
Human Neuroanatomy and Behavior is focused
on the structure and corresponding function of
the human brain, and this theme will be examined
on many different levels – behavioral, systemic,
tissue-specific, cellular, and molecular.
Laboratories will include dissections to examine
anatomical structure. Case studies will be used to
develop a working knowledge of the nervous
system. Utilizing an understanding of the
components of the brain and its supporting
systems, students can then begin to examine
human behavior, and carefully and critically
investigate the rapidly expanding field of
biopsychology. Previous study of biology is
helpful, but not required.
B I 4 3 2 – H U M A N A N ATO M Y A N D
P H YS I O L O G Y
One-semester course – Offered second semester
Human Anatomy and Physiology is a course
designed to examine systems of the human body
in terms of structure and corresponding function
at many different levels – molecular, cellular,
tissue, system and organism. Much of the material
leads directly into discussions of health and
disease, fitness, behavior, and development. The
laboratory sessions are designed to explore some of
these areas in greater detail and allow the student
to apply concepts introduced during lectures. The
aim is to help students develop a deeper and more

personalized understanding of the biological and
chemical processes going on within.
B I 5 4 2 – B I OT E C H N O L O G Y A N D
G E N E T I C S (Not offered 2010-2011)
One-semester course – Offered second semester
Prerequisite: Permission of the Department
This course offers an in-depth study of molecular
genetics and the technology used to manipulate
and analyze DNA in the laboratory. The first part
of the course focuses on an understanding of
DNA structure, replication, and its organization
into chromosomes. The second part of the course
will focus on the molecular workings of gene
regulation and protein synthesis as well as the
human genome and the inheritance of genetic
material from generation to generation. Primary
literature from peer-reviewed scientific journals
will be discussed in order to expose students to
different areas of biotechnology and the scientific
method that is the basis for current research.
Students will have the opportunity to work with
the techniques of PCR, genetic transformation,
gel electrophoresis, DNA fingerprinting and
mapping, and Southern and Western blotting.
The lab work concentrates on the deductive
reasoning and problem-solving skills involved in
genetic analysis using humans, bacteria, and
drosophila as model systems.
BI550 – AP BIOLOGY
Year course
Prerequisite: Permission of the Department
Using evolutionary thinking as a unifying concept,
this first year college-level biology course covers
the following major themes: chemical basis of life,
metabolism of cells, genetic continuity,
homeostasis in animals and plants, and how
populations evolve and are part of ecosystems.
Development of laboratory, analytical, and writing
skills commensurate with college-level
expectations is emphasized. On completing this
course, a student is expected to take the AP exam;
SCIENCE 47
students will also be prepared for the SAT Subject
Test in Biology at this time.
CHEMISTRY
C H 3 5 0 – C H E M I S T RY
Year course
CH350 is a yearlong course focusing on a
quantitative approach to introduce the concepts
and principles of general chemistry. Laboratory
experimentation will include the use of probes,
micro-scale and large-scale equipment. This
course prepares students (with some independent
revision) for the SAT Subject Test in Chemistry.
C H 5 4 1 – I N T RO D U C TO RY TO
O R G A N I C C H E M I S T RY
One-semester course – Offered first semester
Prerequisite: Permission of the Department
Introductory Organic Chemistry is a course
focusing on the fundamental chemistry of
carbon and its compounds. The course will
begin with a look at the chemistry of carbon,
and then these principles will be applied to the
study of hydrocarbons. The chemistry of alkyl
halides, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, amines,
esters and carboxylic acids will complete the
study of carbon compounds. Laboratory
activities will form a major component of the
course requirement with the possibility of some
independent research topics incorporated into
the material. Where possible, emphasis will be
placed on the importance of organic molecules
to our present-day society and will address
environmental issues where appropriate.
C H 5 5 0 – A P C H E M I S T RY
Year course
Prerequisites: Completion of, or concurrent
enrollment in, MA350, and permission of the
Department
This is an AP course that introduces those
48 SCI E N C E
scientific principles that form the foundation of
chemistry. In addition, the facts of descriptive
chemistry and the observed properties of
substances will be interwoven with theoretical
principles to as great an extent as is possible. The
materials used will be ones common to a first-year
college chemistry course for science majors. It is
expected that students enrolling in this course will
take the AP exam at the end of the year. Students
are also prepared for the SAT Subject Test in
Chemistry.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
E S 4 2 1 – E N V I RO N M E N TA L E T H I C S
One-semester course – Offered first semester
THIS COURSE IS CROSS-LISTED WITH
THE HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL
SCIENCES DEPARTMENT.
How should we weigh conflicting values and
interests in determining policies that affect human
beings and the natural world? Is the very habit of
distinguishing “humans” and “nature” an ethical
mistake? Science on its own is silent before such
questions. Yet if science without ethics is silent,
ethical thinking about environmental
responsibilities, without the aid of the sciences, is
blind. The facts matter; probabilities of various
outcomes can make an enormous difference. This
interdisciplinary course draws on ethics, law,
politics, and science to examine controversial
environmental topics such as climate change
mitigation and adjustment, allocation and use of
resources, endangered species protection, and the
use of animals for human endeavors. We will pay
special attention to charges that policies and
consumption patterns in developed countries
unfairly burden poorer nations. Before examining
specific policy topics, we will study the historical
development, among diverse cultures and
philosophers, of attitudes towards nature, as well
of contemporary arguments over the ethical
significance of non-human beings and ecosystems.
ES451 – LIMNOLOGY
One-semester course – Offered first semester
This program emphasizes the use of the watershed
approach to the study of freshwater ecosystems.
Students in this course engage in intensive field
research aimed at developing their understanding
of a variety of freshwater systems (lakes,
impoundments, rivers and streams, wetlands, and
groundwater). The focus is on the importance of
water as the biosphere’s circulatory system.
Flowing water transports energy and materials,
linking distant and varied systems (biological as
well as cultural) into a coherent whole that
demands our attention and thoughtful
stewardship. The goal of the course is to give
students a solid background in the fundamentals
of aquatic ecology. Toward that end, students learn
basic principles of aquatic ecology, a variety of
sampling and measurement techniques, and the
use of computer software for data compilation,
analysis, and presentation. Those skills are applied
toward the completion of an individual research
project intended to be of practical value to the
student, the School, and the community. Students
are expected to participate in frequent early-
morning field study and sampling trips to nearby
aquatic systems (with an emphasis on Lake
Wononscopomuc) and one extended field trip
each semester.
ES452 – STREAM ECOLOGY
One-semester course – Offered second semester
“...bounded on the East by?...The Housatonic
River!” The Housatonic River is the central artery
of our home place here in the northwest corner of
Connecticut. This course uses the river, its
tributaries, its watershed, and its history to provide
students with a strong foundation in the science of
ecology and to develop a more nuanced sense of
place. During the winter term we will use George
Black’s excellent Trout Pool Paradox as a guide to

the fundamental ecology of rivers and the specific
cultural, political, and economic history of the
Housatonic. Emphasis is placed on the past
impacts of the iron industry on the watershed and
on modern cases like PCB contamination and
dam re-licensing. In the spring, the course shifts to
practicing field-based science. Weekly trips to
various sites will allow students to make
observations and collect data aimed at testing
general ecological principles and their application
to flowing water ecosystems. Emphasis is placed
on aquatic insects as indicators of ecosystem
function and health and on “reading a stream”
with an eye toward trout habitat preference.
E S 5 4 0 – A P E N V I RO N M E N TA L
SCIENCE
Year course
Prerequisite: Permission of the Department
This course, using a hands-on approach, focuses
on the science underlying environmental problems
and issues. The goal of this course is to provide
students with the scientific principles, concepts,
and methodologies required to understand the
interrelationships of the natural world and to
analyze both natural and human-made
environmental problems. The various ecosystems
in Hotchkiss’s natural areas (fields, forests,
wetlands, brooks, ponds, and the lakes) provide
the laboratory for hands-on learning. Working on
independent projects of their own design, or as
part of the School’s ongoing research of local
mammals, vegetation, and bodies of water,
students apply basic ecological principles, data
collection, and research methods to questions
concerning the impact of human intervention and
disturbance. Students learn that local
environmental issues often have global
implications and that human beings can, and
must, assume stewardship of local environments.
Students taking AP Environmental Science should
be aware that there is a major field component,
including early morning fieldwork and several all-
SCIENCE 49
day field trips. On completing this course, a
student is expected to take the AP exam.
PHYSICS
P Y 3 5 0 – P H YS I C S
Year course
This course in physics develops the student’s
observational and problem-solving skills.
Emphasis is placed equally on laboratory
experience and theoretical concept development.
A background in algebra and geometry is
assumed; trigonometric concepts are developed in
class as required. The course covers classical
mechanics including kinematics (the description
of motion in one and two dimensions), dynamics
(the causes of motion, Newton’s laws of motion),
and the conservation laws (energy and
momentum). In addition, topics selected from
electrostatics, simple electric circuits, waves, sound
and light are studied. This course prepares
students (with some independent review of prior
material) for the SAT Subject Test in Physics.
P Y 4 4 1 – A S T RO N O M Y: A U S E R ’ S
G U I D E TO T H E U N I V E R S E
One-semester course - Offered first semester
This course is an introduction to the mysteries of
the heavens. Readings in the course explore
modern theories of cosmology and the efforts of
20th-Century astronomers to explore and explain
the universe. This course begins with a brief
overview of the fundamental physics principles
that are central to an understanding of astronomy:
forces and motions, the nature of gravity, and light
and optics. We continue with an examination of
our sun and solar system and move on to a more
general study of stellar evolution and galaxy
formation. Next we explore a wide variety of
exotic astronomical phenomena that the heavens
hold - quasars, pulsars, black holes, and supernova
- as fascinating as they are bizarre. The study of
50 SCI E N C E
these objects leads into a discussion of Einstein’s
General Theory of Relativity. Finally, we consider
the possibility of extraterrestrial life and ponder
the question: “Are we alone?” The laboratory
component of this course consists of both
experimental work during class and observations
of the night sky. The observation program requires
regular evening sessions. Although helpful, no
previous study of physics, astronomy, chemistry,
or earth science is required.
P Y 5 4 0 – A P P H YS I C S B
Year course
Prerequisites: Completion of MA350 and permission
of the Department
This course is comparable to an introductory,
non-calculus, college-level physics course, and the
topics include: Newtonian mechanics,
thermodynamics, waves and optics, electricity and
magnetism, and atomic and nuclear physics.
Students will delve deeply into everyday problems
that confront scientists and engineers. They’ll
learn how to measure the mass of a planet without
weighing it, find out how electricity makes a
motor turn, and learn how opticians know how to
shape the lenses for glasses. The laboratory
experiments and hands-on activities will help the
student understand the concepts covered in the
course and enhance the student’s skills of
experimentation, observation, analysis, and the use
of laboratory equipment. It is expected that
students enrolling in this course will take the AP
exam at the end of the year. Students are also
prepared for the SAT Subject Test in Physics.
P Y 5 8 1 – A P P H YS I C S C : M E C H A N I C S
One-semester course – Offered first semester
Prerequisites: Concurrent enrollment in, or
completion of, calculus and permission of the
Departmen; prior study of physics is strongly
recommended.
This rigorous second-year physics course is
designed for students who have already acquired a
strong foundation in physics and pre-calculus.
The course provides students with an opportunity
to study at a level commensurate with that of a
college engineering physics course. The semester
is devoted to the study of vectors, kinematics,
particle dynamics, work and energy, impulse and
momentum, rotation, gravitation, planetary
motion, and oscillations. The material covered
qualifies students for the AP Physics C
examination in mechanics, and students are
expected to take the AP exam. This course
includes a sophisticated laboratory program, with
an emphasis on rotational systems. The emphasis
throughout the course is on theory development
and mathematical problem solving. Throughout
the course, calculus is used freely in formulating
principles and in solving problems.
P Y 5 8 2 – A P P H YS I C S C : E L E C T R I C I T Y
A N D M AG N E T I S M
One-semester course – Offered second semester
Prerequisites: Concurrent enrollment in, or
completion of, calculus and permission of the
Department; prior study of physics is strongly
recommended
This course is a continuation of PY581, although
PY581 is not a prerequisite. The course focuses
on the study of electric charge, Gauss’ Law,
electric potential, capacitors and dielectrics,
electric current, magnetic fields, Ampere’s Law,
electromagnetic induction, and electrical
resonance. The course includes a sophisticated
laboratory program, with an emphasis on topics
related to electric circuits. The material covered
qualifies students for the AP Physics C
examination in E and M, and students are
expected to take the AP exam.
 VISUA L & PERFORMING A RTS 51

VISUAL &
PERFORMING ARTS
The Department of Visual & Performing Arts at Hotchkiss thrives on the collaborative
energy of five distinct disciplines – Dance, Music, Photography, Theatre and Visual Art. At
the heart of the Arts Department is a curricular program that is both broad and deep. We
offer courses designed to engage and support the curious beginner, as well as courses
designed to challenge and refine the skills of students well versed in the discipline of serious
arts study and commitment. All five arts disciplines are fully integrated into the
interdisciplinary Humanities Program as well. In addition to this fully credited curricular
program, we also offer a breadth of co-curricular programming outside the class day that
fosters greater student ownership and independent direction. Over the course of any given
school year, the arts programs at Hotchkiss thoughtfully instruct well over three-quarters of
the student body and creatively engage the entire school community and the community at
large. The arts program at Hotchkiss is substantive, rigorous and inspiring. To learn more
about the five arts disciplines and the specific courses offerings thereof, please review the
individual program listings that follow. For more information about the arts offerings in
the Humanities Program, please refer to that section of the course catalogue.

A RT
____________________________________________________
Art at Hotchkiss offers a place for every student, regardless of experience or talent. You may be curious
about your artistic abilities, but hesitate because you have never studied art before. Perhaps you are well
versed in drawing or ceramics, but you are interested in new challenges and new media. Whatever your
degree of confidence or expertise, our program offers opportunities for success at every level. We are
committed to teaching students how to see, how to compose/design, how to work through visual
problems, and ultimately, how to manipulate various media in a compelling and meaningful manner. In a
challenging and supportive studio setting, students are taught new skills, encouraged to take risks, and
always pushed to learn from both their successes and their failures. The studio emphasis of each course is
complemented by the study of art history and art vocabulary. Students also learn how to critique
objectively their own work and that of their peers. We regularly host visiting artists, participate in trips to
museums and galleries, and integrate classes with the Tremaine Gallery exhibitions here on campus. Art at
Hotchkiss is lively, diverse, and demanding. And for those students who embrace the challenge and strive
to connect with the work on a personal level, the experience is profoundly rewarding.
52 VI SUA L & P E R F O R M I N G ARTS
ART HISTORY
A R 5 2 0 – A P A RT H I S TO RY
Year course
Upper Mids, Seniors
This yearlong, survey course is designed to prepare
students for the AP exam in Art History. In the
fall, students examine Western art from Paleolithic
cave paintings of France and Spain, the first known
artwork produced by man, to the Proto-
Renaissance in Italy. In the winter and spring,
students study painting, sculpture and architecture
from the Early Renaissance through the 20th
century. Michelangelo and Monet, Rubens and
Rodin, Palladio and Picasso are examples of
individual artists whose accomplishments will be
discussed; in addition, styles of major periods such
as Impressionism, Realism, and the Baroque, will be
examined. Slide lectures and discussions are the core
of the learning experience, which stresses an
understanding of the geographical, social, political,
religious and economic context of each artwork.
Assignments emphasize analyzing works of art by
learning to “read” them with a particular discipline-
specific vocabulary. The class takes two field trips
to New York City museums. Students are also
required to study one non-Western artistic tradition
throughout the year.
CERAMICS
AR240 – CERAMICS I
Year course
Preps, Lower Mids, Upper Mids, Seniors
No clay experience is necessary for the exploration
of the multifaceted world of ceramics. In a personal,
inventive and flexible studio environment, students
learn about ceramics through a variety of forming,
glazing, and firing techniques. Formal instruction in
hand building and wheel throwing is presented.
Students mix all glazes from raw materials and learn
about glaze chemistry while experimenting with a
range of approaches to surface decoration. Also
involved are the use of colored clays, slip
decoration, underglazes, and carving on pots.
Various firing techniques are explored, including
sawdust firing, raku firing, salt firing, and
traditional oxidation and reduction firing. Text:
Peterson, The Craft of Art and Clay, Prentice Hall.
AR242 – CERAMICS II
One-semester course — Offered second semester
Preps, Lower Mids, Upper Mids, Seniors
Prerequisite: Permission of instructor - students must
have ceramic experience to qualify for the second
semester course.
This course is a continuation of AR240, with the
addition of throwing on the wheel.
A R 3 4 1 / A R 3 4 2 – I N T E R M E D I AT E
CERAMICS
One-semester course – May be taken both semesters
Lower Mids, Upper Mids, Seniors
Prerequisite: AR240 or AR242
This course pursues intermediate hand building,
wheel throwing, and sculptural techniques. Text:
Peterson, The Craft of Art and Clay, Prentice Hall.
A R 4 4 1 / A R 4 4 2 – A DVA N C E D C E R A M I C S
One-semester course – May be taken both semesters
Lower Mids, Upper Mids, Seniors
Prerequisites: AR341 and AR342
This course pursues advanced hand building,
wheel throwing, and sculptural techniques. Text:
Peterson, The Craft of Art and Clay, Prentice Hall
STUDIO ART
H U 1 5 0 ( A RT ) – P R E P H U M A N I T I E S
(1500-1815)
Year course
Preps
Please refer to the Humanities section for a
description of this course.

H U 2 5 0 ( A RT ) – L OW E R M I D
HUMANITIES (1815-PRESENT)
Year course
Preps
Please refer to the Humanities section for a
description of this course.
A R 2 5 0 – F O U N DAT I O N D E S I G N : 2 -
DIMENSIONAL DESIGN
Year course
Preps, Lower Mids, Upper Mids, Seniors
This is an ideal course for students who are
uncertain of their ability or experience in visual art
but wish to learn and develop design, drawing,
color, and three dimensional design skills. This
course is about visual problem solving. Each
project deals with a specific challenge and a set of
guidelines or criteria to direct one’s efforts — just
as any professional designer or architect is given a
specific problem to solve within a set of
limitations. Students are encouraged and taught to
develop unique solutions which solve the visual
problem, follow specific criteria, and involve
dynamic, engaging design sequences. Through the
study of line, value, shape, the illusion of depth,
and linear perspective, first semester students will
gain confidence and new skills as they learn to
design and define visual space in black and white.
Prerequisites, previous experience and “talent” are
not necessary. Simply come with an open mind
and the will to learn. Please see AR252 for the
second semester description. Text: Lauer, Design
Basics, 6th Ed., Holt, Rinehart, and Winston.
AR252 – FOUNDATION DESIGN: COLOR
THEORY AND 3-DIMENSIONAL DESIGN
One-semester course - Offered second semester
Preps, Lower Mids, Upper Mids, Seniors
This course is designed to allow students to enter
our design program mid-year. The first half of
this course focuses on the study of color theory
and color interaction. We live in a world full of
color, but how do we really perceive color in the
VISUA L & PERFORMING A RTS 53
first place, and how do designers and painters
select the right colors when there are so many
from which to choose? Using Color-Aid paper,
pastel, and acrylic paint, students will learn the
interactive dynamics of color and come to
understand the relationship of hue, value, and
intensity through a sequence of exciting color
projects. The second half of this course introduces
basic sculptural concepts through a series of paper,
board, and foam-core construction projects.
Focusing primarily on the concepts of form,
repetition, sequencing and visual rhythm, students
will conceive and construct wall reliefs and large-
scale models which display an understanding of
form, visual structure, and incorporate sound
design principles. Again, prerequisites, previous
experience and “talent” are not necessary. Simply
come with an open mind and the will to learn.
Text: Lauer, Design Basics, 6th Ed., Holt,
Rinehart, and Winston.
A R 2 6 0 – I N T RO D U C TO RY A RT:
B L AC K A N D W H I T E D R AW I N G
Year course
Preps, Lower Mids, Upper Mids, Seniors
This course is an excellent starting point for
students who wish to learn the fundamental skills
of traditional drawing. This course also provides
experienced students with a rigorous grounding in
seeing, drawing, and composition development
skills. The Art Department believes that anyone can
learn to draw. Essential to skill development is
concentration on learning to “see” (perceptual skill)
and translating (technical skill) this information
into thoughtful compositions. Subject matter such
as hands, complex objects, self-portraiture, and still
life are studied through a variety of drawing
techniques and media. Students are encouraged to
be inventive with newly acquired knowledge and to
include art history, vocabulary, and a critical process
in their making of successful images. The student
learns to control line, value, form, space, and light
to create a thoughtful, expressive image. In a studio
54 VI SUA L & P E R F O R M I N G ARTS
atmosphere of challenge, encouragement and
support, students learn the disciplines of how to
develop and critique successful and meaningful
two-dimensional images. Please see AR262 for
second semester description. This course (or an
equivalent portfolio) is a prerequisite for several
other art courses. The art faculty will review student
portfolios for those with experience and place
students at the appropriate level. Text: Lauer, Design
Basics, 6th Ed., Holt, Rinehart, and Winston
A R 2 6 2 – I N T RO D U C TO RY A RT: C O L O R
AND COMPOSITION
One-semester course - Offered second semester
Preps, Lower Mids, Upper Mids, Seniors
This course is a continuation of the work
developed in AR260. While we feel that students
learn more and benefit most from a yearlong
studio experience, this drawing and painting
course allows motivated students to enter our
program mid-year. This course first introduces
students to the portrait and the self-portrait
through the drawing medium and then pursues
color theory and painting. This portion of the
course involves the study of both basic and
complex color interaction, including work with
major color harmonies and using color to create
the illusion of space in still life, landscape and
abstract compositions. Students will also learn
how to mix and manipulate acrylic pigment,
compose a color image, and critique their work
and the work of others. Text: Lauer, Design Basics,
6th Ed., Holt, Rinehart, and Winston
A R 3 6 1 – I N T E R M E D I AT E A RT:
D R AW I N G A N D PA I N T I N G
One-semester course – Offered first semester
Lower Mids, Upper Mids, Seniors
Prerequisite: AR260 or AR262 or portfolio review
This course is for students with an interest in
exploring the expressive potential of visual art.
Following an AP portfolio track, AR361 pursues
intermediate and advanced drawing and painting
techniques, as well as three-dimensional subject
matter, investigated through a substantial range of
media. There is a strong emphasis on self-
expression, conceptual problem-solving, evaluating
art, and the development of individual themes.
Drawing, color theory, and composition
fundamentals are further expanded with the
introduction of new painting techniques. Students
explore the figure, still life, landscape, and abstract
subjects in sophisticated compositions and
combinations. The resulting images often lead to
extended series or further development according to
each student’s individual ideas. Students are
encouraged to be inventive and passionate in the
expression of this newly acquired knowledge and to
include art history, art vocabulary, and a critical
process in their making of successful images.
Readings in historical texts, contemporary
publications, Internet research, and regular slide
and video lectures supplement studio study.
A R 3 6 2 – I N T E R M E D I AT E A RT:
P R I N T M A K I N G , PA I N T I N G A N D
MIXED MEDIA
One-semester course – Offered second semester
Lower Mids, Upper Mids, Seniors
Prerequisite: AR260 or AR262 or portfolio review
This course continues the work of AR361 with a
focus on more complex skill development and
problem solving in the use of color, form, space,
and composition. Various printmaking techniques
are explored at this level as well, including
monotypes, drypoint, and relief. Also included is
an introduction to new painting and drawing
mediums and techniques, and more intense
involvement with art historical references. Work is
pursued with an emphasis on the expansion of
individual ideas within particular themes. Within
the framework of regular assignments, students are
given greater responsibility and independence with
a broader range of media. Students at this level are
encouraged to begin preparing work on one of the
AP Drawing, 2D, or 3D portfolios. Art faculty

will also assist students in assembling slide
portfolios for college applications.
AR530 – ARCHITECTURE
Year course
Upper Mids, Seniors, Lower Mids with permission of
the instructor
Prerequisite: AR250 or AR260 or portfolio review
This yearlong course combines inventive three-
dimensional, problem-solving exercises, sculptural
assignments, and a series of practical architectural
drawing and model-making projects. Enrollment in
the course assumes genuine interest and immersion
in an inventive curriculum stressing scale,
proportion, and form in the built environment.
Students also receive a basic grounding in the
history of architecture through assigned readings,
videos, DVDs, slide lectures and design research for
studio projects. Assignments range from pure
conceptual projects such as designing a space with
eight columns and a continuous plane to the
creation of floor plans, sections, elevations and
presentation models for real-world residential
projects. Students have the opportunity to visit local
residential construction sites and New York City
architectural sites. Many students will assemble
college slide portfolios and may subsequently have
the opportunity to pursue an AP Portfolio in 2D or
3D. Texts: Ching, Architectural Graphics, Wiley;
Baker, American House Styles, Norton.
AR532 – ARCHITECTURE
One semester course – Offered second semester
Upper Mids, Seniors, Lower Mids with permission of
the instructor
Prerequisite: AR250 or AR260 or portfolio review
This course is a continuation of the work
developed in AR 530. While we feel that students
learn more and benefit most from a yearlong
studio experience, this design course allows
motivated students to enter our program mid-
year. Please see the description for AR530 and
note that the 3rd marking period curriculum
VISUA L & PERFORMING A RTS 55
includes several inventive, three-dimensional,
problem-solving exercises, and sculptural
assignments before pursuing a series of practical
architectural drawing and model-making projects.
Texts: Ching, Architectural Graphics, Wiley; Baker,
American House Styles, Norton
A R 5 6 1 – A DVA N C E D A RT:
I N D E P E N D E N T P O RT F O L I O I
One-semester course - Offered first semester
Upper Mids, Seniors
Prerequisites: AR361 and AR362 or portfolio review
This course requires substantial commitment and a
willingness to explore new directions and express a
personal vision. The course offers the investigation
of advanced drawing techniques, advanced
printmaking processes, and painting beyond color
and composition, allowing for concentration in oil
or acrylic. There is an opportunity for the study of
sculpture in a variety of media. AP portfolio study
is stressed to those interested and qualified. Seniors
will receive support in the creation of slide
portfolios for college application. Students are
encouraged to be inventive, independent and
passionate in the expression of newly acquired
knowledge and to include art history, art
vocabulary, and a critical process in their making of
successful images. Readings in historical texts,
contemporary publications, internet research, and
weekly slide and video lectures supplement studio
study. It is expected that students at this level will
begin preparing work for either the AP Drawing,
2D, or 3D portfolios. Art faculty will also assist
students in assembling slide portfolios for college
applications.
A R 5 6 2 – A DVA N C E D A RT:
I N D E P E N D E N T P O RT F O L I O I I
One-semester course - Offered second semester
Upper Mids, Seniors
Prerequisite: AR561 or portfolio review
This course is a continuation of AR561. Working
closely with the Art faculty, students will be
56 VI SUA L & P E R F O R M I N G ARTS

expected to assemble and submit work for either
the AP Drawing, 2D, or 3D portfolios. AP
Portfolio Art students are able to pursue individual
interests and self-defined directions in subject
matter, media, and technique through the creation
of the concentration section of the AP portfolio.
A R 9 5 1 / A R 9 5 2 – I N D E P E N D E N T S T U DY
I N A RT
One-semester course - May be taken both semesters
Prerequisite: AR440, AR520, AR561or AR562
Eligibility: Students must receive permission from the
Department and must have exhausted all regular art
course offerings.
Independent Art is a specific course beyond
Architecture or Advanced Art. Eligibility is
strictly limited to those students who have
completed our program through the 500 course
level or the 400 course level course in Ceramics.
The course is designed by the student and the
instructor. A written proposal and Independent
Study Course application indicating the purpose
and plan of study must be submitted to the
instructor, Department Head, and Dean of
Studies for approval. This course is offered only
to highly motivated students in a chosen area of
concentration. Independence and commitment
to the development of a personal body of work
are essential. Students must be willing and able
to take on the responsibility of an independent
course where daily output is their primary
obligation. Double-period studio classes and a
single-period critique period will be scheduled
weekly. Some research and writing are required.
Students are encouraged to prepare an AP
Studio Art Portfolio if they haven’t already done
so. Art faculty will also assist students in
assembling slide portfolios for colleges.
For Art History students AP Art History or the
equivalent is a prerequisite. The course will involve
reading and research in a particular art movement,
on a particular artist or school of artists. In the
past, students have studied 20th Century Art, Pop
Art, Picasso and Lichtenstein. Weekly writing
assignments will be critiqued by both the student
and the instructor. The course typically culminates
with a research paper.

DAN C E
____________________________________________________
Dance at Hotchkiss offers students the opportunity to learn the discipline and craft of Ballet and Modern
Dance and to explore the creative challenges of this art form. Placement of students in the various courses
will be made at the discretion of the instructor. A mid-term performance examination is given in certain
classes during each semester. Upon request, a winter special project in dance can be arranged in place of
athletics only after a student has completed one semester of study in either medium.

H U 1 5 0 ( DA N C E ) – P R E P H U M A N I T I E S H U 2 5 0 ( DA N C E ) – L OW E R M I D
(1500-1815) HUMANITIES (1815-PRESENT)
Year Course Year Course
Preps Lower Mids
Please refer to the Interdisciplinary Courses Please refer to the Interdisciplinary Courses
section for a description of this course. section for a description of this course.

BALLET
DA 3 2 1 / DA 3 2 2 – B E G I N N I N G /
I N T E R M E D I AT E B A L L E T
One-semester course - May be taken both semesters
Preps, Lower Mids, Upper Mids, Seniors
Prerequisite for DA322: DA321 or formal training
in Classical Ballet and permission of the Department
This course offers students the opportunity to
learn the discipline and technique of ballet.
Classes are designed to help develop and
strengthen center alignment, control of
movement, and range of movement. Class format
will include concepts of isometric plie, proper
placement, floor barre, barre work, center floor
adagio and allegro combinations, and the
mechanics of turns and jumps. Students are
taught vocabulary and terminology relevant to the
course of study. Students enrolled in this class will
be expected to be involved in performance.
DA 4 2 1 / DA 4 2 2 – I N T E R M E D I AT E /
A DVA N C E D B A L L E T
One-semester course - May be taken both semesters
Prerequisite for DA422: DA421 or permission of
the Department
This course furthers the student’s development
and training with the addition of more complex
exercises both at the barre and center. A thorough
understanding of the course syllabus with
proficiency is required. The class moves at a faster
pace. Mechanics of partnering are introduced and
developed. Students enrolled in this class will be
expected to be involved in performance.
DA 5 2 1 / DA 5 2 2 – P O I N T E
One-semester course - May be taken both semesters
Prerequisite: Must have had a minimum of three
years ballet training and/or the equivalent to
DA421/DA422, or permission of the Department
This class emphasizes building strength, control,
balance, endurance and articulation in the ankles
and feet. Class work will consist of a series of
VISUA L & PERFORMING A RTS 57
exercises done at the barre which then prepares the
student to take on more challenging work at
center floor. Students will learn both sequenced
and comprehensive movement such as walking,
running, half-toe to full point articulation as well
as turns and pirouettes. Students will need proper
fitting pointe shoes, leotard and tights. Students
enrolled in this class will be expected to be
involved in performance.
INTEGRATED DANCE
DA 3 4 1 – F U N DA M E N TA L S O F
M OV E M E N T F O R T H E AT H L E T E
One-semester course – Offered first semester only
Preps, Lower Mids, Upper Mids, Seniors
This course teaches basic foundation principles in
movement. Students will be exposed to a wide
range of dance styles and techniques: Modern,
Ballet, Jazz, Hip-Hop and Latin. Class structure
consists of floor barre, barre work, center and
learning dance combinations. The focus of the
course will be on personal development, aesthetic
appreciation and enjoyment of movement.
MODERN
DA 3 3 1 / DA 3 3 2 – I N T RO D U C TO RY
M O D E R N DA N C E
One-semester course - May be taken both semesters
Preps, Lower Mids, Upper Mids, Seniors
Prerequisite for DA332: DA331 or permission of
the Department
In these semester courses the student learns
elementary exercises and gains exposure to
modern dance principles encompassing Horton,
Graham, Limon, and Cunningham technique.
Other important aspects of class study include
some improvisation and dance history. Clarity of
expression, thoughtful construction of dance
studies, and basic technical control are goals and
58 VI SUA L & P E R F O R M I N G ARTS

challenges. Students enrolled in this class will be
expected to be involved in performance.
DA 4 3 1 / DA 4 3 2 – I N T E R M E D I AT E
M O D E R N DA N C E
One-semester course - May be taken both semesters
Prerequisite: DA331/DA332 or permission of the
Department
These semester courses presuppose knowledge of
Introductory Modern Dance and a willingness to
attempt increasingly more complex technique and
choreography. Performance goals are given more
emphasis in this course than in the 330 level. A
certain degree of technical proficiency is required.
Students enrolled in this class will be expected to
be involved in performance.
when the instructor feels that a student is capable
of a high level of commitment and achievement.
Choreographic and technical efforts are expected
to be sufficiently sophisticated to merit a school
performance. Although the range of talent may
vary in this course, each student will be expected
to sustain an attitude of dedication and
motivation. Students enrolled in this class will be
expected to be involved in performance.
DA 9 5 1 / DA 9 5 2 – I N D E P E N D E N T S T U DY
I N DA N C E
One-semester course - May be taken both semesters
Prerequisite: Permission of the Department
Students may petition the Department for an
independent study in some aspect of dance.

DA 5 3 1 / DA 5 3 2 – A DVA N C E D M O D E R N
DA N C E
One-semester course - May be taken both semesters
Prerequisite: Permission of the Department
Permission for 530-level work is granted only

MUSIC
____________________________________________________
The Music Program offers Hotchkiss’s active and diverse student body excellent facilities and a range of
course selections that accommodates all levels of interest and involvement. Courses in music literature,
theory, and performance reflect the Department’s commitment to serve all students, regardless of
knowledge, talent or music experience.
The music wing boasts eight private teaching rooms, 12 practice rooms, and five large
rehearsal/classrooms. The 615-seat Katherine M. Elfers Hall in the Esther Eastman Music Center offers
world-class facilities for orchestral, chamber, and solo recitals, for students, faculty, and guest artists. The
Hotchkiss Recording Studio and WKIS, Hotchkiss’s radio station, are also housed in the new Esther
Eastman Music Center.
The Department is equipped with 12 Grand Pianos (ten Steinways), seven upright pianos, a Schantz
Pipe Organ (installed in 1968), the H. Denison Fish Harpsichord, a Fazioli 308 Concert Grand Piano,
and a comprehensive collection of percussion instruments.
The state-of-the-art recording studio with MIDI lab offers an extensive inventory of professional audio
equipment and is capable of recording 96 channels of high-definition audio. Besides providing the capability
for courses in music technology, it is responsible for recording every event sponsored by the Music
Department. Qualified students may take the Music Technology course and use the studio facilities.
There are three distinct ways a student can be involved in music at Hotchkiss: performance courses,
general music courses, and non-credit music lessons.

Performance Courses
Students who wish to have private instrumental or
voice instruction for credit should choose this
option. Students who take performance courses
for academic credit are expected to practice
regularly in order to develop constant progress
between each private lesson. As a performance
course, all students are expected to participate in
some sort of public performance at least once per
semester. All students taking music for credit are
required to attend at least three music concerts
each semester. A list of eligible concerts is
distributed by the Department Head at the
beginning of the semester.
Upper-level performance students can also take
courses in music technology as part of their music
credit. Once students have fulfilled their music
history and theory requirements, they can opt to
take this course, which is designed to enhance the
musicianship of students through the use of
modern technology. Taking advantage of the
School’s new state-of-the-art recording and music
production facilities, students will concentrate on
basic notions of acoustics, digital conversion
process, and computer operation specific to audio
applications as well as musical concepts. Students
will also be working constantly with all the
equipment available, performing tasks such as
recording, mixing, arranging, editing, scoring and
composing.
Please note that students starting music
during the spring semester must have had prior
theory and history instruction, in order to
follow the yearlong curriculum. Students will
be subjected to a test to demonstrate
proficiency, and depending on the result, will
be given permission by the Department to
register for the course.
VISUA L & PERFORMING A RTS 59
HU150 (MUSIC) – PREP HUMANITIES
(1500-1815)
Year course
Preps
Please refer to the Interdisciplinary Courses
section for a description of this course.
H U 2 5 0 ( M U S I C ) – L OW E R M I D
HUMANITIES (1815-PRESENT)
Year course
Lower Mids
Prerequisite: Prep Humanities or permission of the
instructors
Please refer to the Interdisciplinary Courses
section for a description of this course.
GUITAR
M G 1 5 1 / 1 5 2 – F I R S T Y E A R G U I TA R
PERFORMANCE
One-semester course – May be taken both semesters
Students playing guitar at Hotchkiss for the first
time should begin with this course, which consists
of taking private lessons twice a week, a class in
introductory music theory once a week, and a class
in introductory music history once a week.
Students sign up for and schedule private lessons at
the beginning of each semester. The introductory
music theory class reinforces music notation,
rhythm, intervals, key signatures, scales, and simple
chords. The introductory music history class briefly
discusses the origins of the Western music tradition,
then explores all major musical periods, composers,
and styles. Students are expected to perform
publicly at least once per semester.
M G 2 5 1 / 2 5 2 – S E C O N D Y E A R G U I TA R
PERFORMANCE
One-semester course – May be taken both semesters
Prerequisite: MG151/152 or permission of
Department
Students take private lessons twice a week, a class
60 VI SUA L & P E R F O R M I N G ARTS
in music theory once a week, and a class in music
history once a week. Students sign up for and
schedule private lessons at the beginning of each
semester. The music theory class further develops
students’ knowledge of scales, intervals, and triads.
All scale modes as well as all kinds of intervals and
triads are discussed in great detail. Students may
take either a jazz history class (see MU469 course
description below for details) or a class in guitar
literature. The guitar literature class focuses on
the evolution of the guitar, starting in 1895 with
delta blues, and on such styles as swing, bebop,
modern west coast, cool, and jazz fusion. Students
are expected to perform publicly at least once per
semester.
M G 3 5 1 / 3 5 2 – T H I R D Y E A R G U I TA R
PERFORMANCE
One-semester course – May be taken both semesters
Prerequisite: MG251/252, HU250, or permission
of Department
Students take private lessons twice a week, and
either they take a class in music theory once a
week and a class in music history once a week, or,
with permission of the Department, they
participate in a Hotchkiss Music Ensemble twice a
week. Students sign up for and schedule private
lessons at the beginning of each semester.
Students who elect to take music theory and
music history may choose between various
electives (enrollment permitting), which include
jazz history, guitar literature, jazz composition and
improvisation, and music technology. Students are
expected to perform publicly at least once per
semester.
M G 4 5 1 / 4 5 2 – F O U RT H Y E A R G U I TA R
PERFORMANCE
One-semester course – May be taken both semesters
Prerequisite: MG351/352 or permission of
Department
See description for Third Year Guitar
Performance.
KEYBOARD
M K 1 5 1 / 1 5 2 – F I R S T Y E A R K E Y B OA R D
PERFORMANCE
One-semester course – May be taken both semesters
Students playing keyboard at Hotchkiss for the first
time should begin with this course which consists
of taking private lessons twice a week, a class in
introductory music theory once a week, and a class
in introductory music history once a week.
Students sign up for and schedule private lessons at
the beginning of each semester. The introductory
music theory class reinforces music notation,
rhythm, intervals, key signatures, scales, and simple
chords. The introductory music history class briefly
discusses the origins of the western music tradition,
then explores all major musical periods, composers,
and styles. Students are expected to perform
publicly at least once per semester.
MK251/252 – SECOND YEAR
K E Y B OA R D P E R F O R M A N C E
One-semester course – May be taken both semesters
Prerequisite: MK151/152 or permission of
Department
Students take private lessons twice a week, a class
in music theory once a week, and a class in music
history once a week. Students sign up for and
schedule private lessons at the beginning of each
semester. The music theory class further develops
students’ knowledge of scales, intervals, and triads.
All scale modes as well as all kinds of intervals and
triads are discussed in great detail. Students may
take either a jazz history class (see MU469 course
description below for details) or a class in piano
literature. After briefly describing the
development of the piano as an instrument, from
Cristofori’s prototype to the modern piano, the
piano literature class examines the most important
periods, composers, and compositions written for
the piano. Bach collections currently performed
on the piano are discussed, as well as Mozart and
Beethoven sonatas, piano works by Schumann,

Brahms, Liszt, Rachmaninov, Debussy, Ravel, and
Prokofiev, among others. Students are expected to
perform publicly at least once per semester.
M K 3 5 1 / 3 5 2 – T H I R D Y E A R K E Y B OA R D
PERFORMANCE
One-semester course – May be taken both semesters
Prerequisite: MK251/252, HU 250, or permission
of Department
Students take private lessons twice a week, and
either they take a class in music theory once a
week and a class in music history once a week, or,
with permission of the Department, they
participate in a Hotchkiss Music Ensemble, twice
a week. Students sign up for and schedule private
lessons at the beginning of each semester.
Students who elect to take music theory and
music history may choose between various
electives (enrollment permitting), which include
jazz history, piano literature, jazz composition and
improvisation, and music technology. Students are
expected to perform publicly at least once per
semester.
M K 4 5 1 / 4 5 2 – F O U RT H Y E A R
K E Y B OA R D P E R F O R M A N C E
One-semester course – May be taken both semesters
Prerequisite: MK351/352 or permission of
Department
See description for Third Year Keyboard
Performance.
PERCUSSION
MP151/152 – FIRST YEAR PERCUSSION
PERFORMANCE
One-semester course – May be taken both semesters
Students playing percussion at Hotchkiss for the
first time should begin with this course, which
consists of taking private lessons twice a week, a
class in introductory music theory once a week, and
a class in introductory music history once a week.
VISUA L & PERFORMING A RTS 61
Students sign up for and schedule private lessons at
the beginning of each semester. The introductory
music theory class reinforces music notation,
rhythm, intervals, key signatures, scales, and simple
chords. The introductory music history class briefly
discusses the origins of the Western music tradition,
then explores all major musical periods, composers,
and styles. Students are expected to perform
publicly at least once per semester.
MP251/252 – SECOND YEAR
PERCUSSION PERFORMANCE
One-semester course – May be taken both semesters
Prerequisite: MP151/152 or permission of
Department
Students take private lessons twice a week, a class in
music theory once a week, and a class in music
history once a week. Students sign up for and
schedule private lessons at the beginning of each
semester. The music theory class further develops
students’ knowledge of scales, intervals, and triads.
All scale modes as well as all kinds of intervals and
triads are discussed in great detail. Students also
take a jazz history class (see MU469 course
description below for details). Students are expected
to perform publicly at least once per semester.
MP351/352 – THIRD YEAR
PERCUSSION PERFORMANCE
One-semester course – May be taken both semesters
Prerequisite: MP251/252, HU 250, or permission
of Department
Students take private lessons twice a week, and
either they take a class in music theory once a
week and a class in music history once a week, or,
with permission of the Department, they
participate in a Hotchkiss Music Ensemble, twice
a week. Students sign up for and schedule private
lessons at the beginning of each semester.
Students who elect to take music theory and
music history may choose between various
electives (enrollment permitting) which include
jazz history, jazz composition and improvisation,
62 VI SUA L & P E R F O R M I N G ARTS
and music technology. Students are expected to
perform publicly at least once per semester.
M P 4 5 1 / 4 5 2 – F O U RT H Y E A R
PERCUSSION PERFORMANCE
One-semester course – May be taken both semesters
Prerequisite: MP351/352 or permission of
Department
See description for Third Year Percussion
Performance.
STRINGS
MS151/152 – FIRST YEAR STRING
PERFORMANCE
One-semester course – May be taken both semesters
Students playing strings at Hotchkiss for the first
time should begin with this course, which consists
of taking private lessons twice a week, a class in
introductory music theory once a week, and
participating in a Hotchkiss Ensemble twice a
week. Students sign up for and schedule private
lessons at the beginning of each semester. The
introductory music theory class reinforces music
notation, rhythm, intervals, key signatures, scales,
and simple chords. By participating in a
Hotchkiss Ensemble, students also have an
opportunity to explore a variety of musical
settings, from large orchestral ensembles to smaller
chamber groups, and to perform a diverse array of
musical styles. The placement in each ensemble
will be based on talent compatibility with the
ensemble’s goals, and repertoire requirements.
The Department head oversees the enrollment of
each ensemble. Various public performances are
expected throughout the year. Students are
expected to perform publicly at least once per
semester.
MS251/252 – SECOND YEAR STRING
PERFORMANCE
One-semester course – May be taken both semesters
Prerequisite: MS151/152 or permission of
Department
Students take private lessons twice a week, a class
in introductory music history once a week, and
participate in a Hotchkiss Ensemble twice a week.
Students sign up for and schedule private lessons
at the beginning of each semester. The
introductory music history class briefly discusses
the origins of the Western music tradition, then
explores all major musical periods, composers, and
styles. Students are expected to perform publicly at
least once per semester.
MS351/352 – THIRD YEAR STRING
PERFORMANCE
One-semester course – May be taken both semesters
Prerequisite: MS251/252, HU 250, or permission
of Department
Students take private lessons twice a week and
perform in a Hotchkiss Ensemble.
M S 4 5 1 / 4 5 2 – F O U RT H Y E A R S T R I N G
PERFORMANCE
One-semester course – May be taken both semesters
Prerequisite: MS351/352 or permission of
Department
Students take private lessons twice a week and
perform in a Hotchkiss Ensemble.
VOICE
M V 1 5 1 / 1 5 2 – F I R S T Y E A R VO I C E
PERFORMANCE
One-semester course – May be taken both semesters
Students singing at Hotchkiss for the first time
should begin with this course, which consists of
taking private lessons twice a week, a class in
introductory music theory once a week, and
participating in the Hotchkiss Chorus twice a

week. Students sign up for and schedule private
lessons at the beginning of each semester. The
introductory music theory class reinforces music
notation, rhythm, intervals, key signatures, scales,
and simple chords. Chorus exposes students to a
wide body of choral literature through the
rehearsal and performance of representative pieces
of great choral literature. The chorus performs
three times during the year: the annual Festival of
Lessons and Carols, a winter concert and a spring
concert. Students are expected to perform publicly
at least once per semester.
M V 2 5 1 / 2 5 2 – S E C O N D Y E A R VO I C E
PERFORMANCE
One-semester course – May be taken both semesters
Prerequisite: MV151/152 or permission of
Department
Students take private lessons twice a week, a
class in introductory music history once a week,
and participate in the Hotchkiss Chorus twice a
week. Students sign up for and schedule private
lessons at the beginning of each semester. The
introductory music history class briefly discusses
the origins of the Western music tradition, then
explores all major musical periods, composers,
and styles. Students are expected to perform
publicly at least once per semester.
M V 3 5 1 / 3 5 2 – T H I R D Y E A R VO I C E
PERFORMANCE
One-semester course – May be taken both semesters
Prerequisite: MV251/252, HU 250, or permission
of Department
Students take private lessons twice a week and
perform in a Hotchkiss Ensemble.
M V 4 5 1 / 4 5 2 – F O U RT H Y E A R VO I C E
PERFORMANCE
One-semester course – May be taken both semesters
Prerequisite: MV351/352 or permission of
Department
Students take private lessons twice a week and
VISUA L & PERFORMING A RTS 63
perform in a Hotchkiss Ensemble.
WINDS
MW151/152 – FIRST YEAR WIND
PERFORMANCE
One-semester course – May be taken both semesters
Students playing winds at Hotchkiss for the first
time should begin with this course, which consists
of taking private lessons twice a week, a class in
introductory music theory once a week, and
participating in a Hotchkiss Ensemble twice a
week. Students sign up for and schedule private
lessons the beginning of each semester. The
introductory music theory class reinforces music
notation, rhythm, intervals, key signatures, scales,
and simple chords. By participating in a Hotchkiss
Ensemble, students also have an opportunity to
explore a variety of musical settings, from large
orchestral ensembles to smaller chamber groups,
and to perform a diverse array of musical styles.
The placement in each ensemble will be based on
talent compatibility with the ensemble’s goals, and
repertoire requirements. The department head
oversees the enrollment of each ensemble. Various
public performances are expected throughout the
year. Students are expected to perform publicly at
least once per semester.
MW251/252 – SECOND YEAR WIND
PERFORMANCE
One-semester course – May be taken both semesters
Prerequisite: MW151/152 or permission of
Department
Students take private lessons twice a week, a class
in introductory music history once a week, and
participate in a Hotchkiss Ensemble twice a week.
Students sign up for and schedule private lessons
at the beginning of each semester. The
introductory music history class briefly discusses
the origins of the Western music tradition, then
explores all major musical periods, composers, and
64 VI SUA L & P E R F O R M I N G ARTS
styles. Students are expected to perform publicly at
least once per semester.
MW 351/352 – THIRD YEAR WIND
PERFORMANCE
One-semester course – May be taken both semesters
Prerequisite: MW251/252, HU 250, or permission
of Department
Students take private lessons twice a week and
perform in a Hotchkiss Ensemble.
M W 4 5 1 / 4 5 2 – F O U RT H Y E A R W I N D
PERFORMANCE
One-semester course – May be taken both semesters
Prerequisite: MW351/352 or permission of
Department
Students take private lessons twice a week and
perform in a Hotchkiss Ensemble.
General Music Courses
This option is geared towards students who wish
to take courses in music for credit without taking
private voice or instrumental lessons. Courses in
music history, and participation in any of
Hotchkiss music ensembles are available through
this option.
M U 3 4 9 – H OT C H K I S S C H O RU S
Year course (one-half credit)
Preps, Lower Mids, Upper Mids, Seniors
Chorus meets for two class periods each week.
The purpose of the course is to expose students to
a wide body of choral literature through the
rehearsal and performance of representative pieces
of great choral literature. The chorus will perform
three times during the year: the annual Festival of
Lessons and Carols, a winter concert and a spring
concert. Please note that his yearlong course,
which meets for two hours each week, is worth a
half credit and fulfills half of the arts requirement.
M U 3 5 9 – H OT C H K I S S E N S E M B L E S
Year course (one-half credit)
Preps, Lower Mids, Upper Mids, Seniors
Music students registered in this course will have
an opportunity to participate in a variety of
musical settings, from large orchestral ensembles
to smaller chamber groups, performing a diverse
array of musical styles. The placement in each
ensemble will be based on talent compatibility
with the ensemble’s goals, and repertoire
requirements. The department head oversees the
enrollment of each ensemble. All ensembles
rehearse twice a week, during two class periods.
Various public performances are expected
throughout the year. Please note that this yearlong
course, which meets for two hours each week, is
worth a half credit and fulfills half of the arts
requirement.
M U 4 6 9 – H I S TO RY O F J A Z Z
Year course (one-half credit)
Preps, Lower Mids, Upper Mids, Seniors
This course explores the history of jazz and
modern music styles from ragtime to the present
day. All major styles, performers, and recordings
will be analyzed and discussed. Students will also
study the social aspects that helped shape this
American art. Please note that this yearlong
course, which meets for two hours each week, is
worth a half credit and fulfills half of the arts
requirement.
Non-credit music lessons
This option, which provides one private lesson a
week, is recommended for two kinds of students:
those novices who are interested in learning how
to sing or play an instrument and students with
previous experience who do not wish to take
music for academic credit. A fee, which is not part
of the regular tuition expenses, is charged for these
lessons, which are not part of the student’s regular
academic program. As such, these lessons do not
 VISUA L & PERFORMING A RTS 65

count towards the Hotchkiss art requirement. A

music lesson contract is mailed to parents before
each semester begins. It must be signed and
returned to the School before the extracurricular
lessons can begin. Once a student begins taking
lessons, there is no refund should the student
decide to discontinue the lessons. Music lessons
fees will be posted on the student’s term bill.

PHOTOGRAPHY & FILM

____________________________________________________
The Photography & Film Program at Hotchkiss is nearing 40 years old and is housed in one of the finest
facilities of its kind in the country. Students make use of the lab as members of photography and video
classes and as members of various School clubs and publications. Basic, advanced, and independent
courses are offered in traditional photography, digital photography, and digital videography. In addition to
regular classroom instruction, there are field trips off campus and visits to galleries and museums. Guest
artists and photographers exhibit their work in the Tremaine Gallery and hold workshops for students.
Owning a camera is not required for beginning classes, but members of advanced classes should have their
own 35mm cameras or SLR digital cameras. Contact us directly for suggestions on types of cameras.

H U 1 5 0 ( P H OTO G R A P H Y ) – P R E P Throughout the year there will be brief reading

HUMANITIES (1500-1815)
Year Course
Preps
Please refer to the Interdisciplinary Courses
section for a description of this course.
H U 2 5 0 ( P H OTO G R A P H Y ) – L OW E R
MID HUMANITIES (1815-PRESENT)
Year Course
Lower Mids
Please refer to the Interdisciplinary Courses
section for a description of this course.
PO350 – BASIC PHOTOGRAPHY I AND II
Year course
Preps, Lower Mids, Upper Mids, Seniors
This course covers the basics including
development of film, printing and proper
preparation of photographs for exhibition.
Through readings and critiques students will
develop a vocabulary for discussing photographs.
assignments and discussions about the history of
photography. As we move into the second
semester, students will explore experimental
printing techniques, studio lighting, portraiture
and landscape photography, as well as an
introduction to Adobe Photoshop. Text: Black and
White Photography, A Basic Manual, Third
Edition, Revised by Henry Horenstein.
P O 3 5 2 – B A S I C P H OTO G R A P H Y I
One-semester course – Offered second semester
Preps, Lower Mids, Upper Mids, Seniors
This course is an abbreviated version of Photo 350.
P O 4 4 0 – C R E AT I V E D I G I TA L
P H OTO G R A P H Y
Year course
Lower Mids, Upper Mids, Seniors
Prerequisite: PO350, PO352, or a portfolio review
Following a review of black and white
photography and the fundamentals of exposure,
66 VI SUA L & P E R F O R M I N G ARTS
focus, and composition students will be
introduced to the new photographic technologies
including methods of capture, enhancement,
toning, blending, masking, raw files, and multiple
image composites in both black and white and
color. The initial photograph will be thought of as
a point of departure for taking the image to many
different creative levels. Students will attend
lectures by photographers, take class trips and be
involved with Tremaine Gallery events.
P O 4 4 2 – C R E AT I V E D I G I TA L
P H OTO G R A P H Y
Semester course – Offered second semester
Lower Mids, Upper Mids, Seniors
Prerequisite: PO350, PO352, or a portfolio review
See description for PO440. A few qualified
students may enter the 2nd semester of PO440
depending upon size of enrollment.
P O 4 5 5 – I N T RO D U C T I O N TO F I L M
One-semester course – Offered both semesters
Preps, Lower Mids, Upper Mids, Seniors
This course introduces the students to the use of
video to tell a narrative in a short format. Through
the study of classic features and short films, the
students will learn film language and the art of
storytelling. The members of the class will write,
shoot and edit their own productions using
professional cameras and Final Cut Pro. Students
will have the opportunity to meet professional
filmmakers as well as take field trips for lectures
and viewing films. Final projects will be screened
before an audience at the end of the semester.
P O 4 6 2 – A DVA N C E D F I L M A K I N G
One semester course – Offered second semester
Prerequisite: PO 455 or portfolio review
Students will continue to hone their shooting and
editing skills by working on more complicated
films. Greater consideration will be made for their
work with sound, original music and lighting
design. Final projects will be screened before an
audience at the end of the semester. Students are
encouraged to enter their work in student
film/video festivals.
P O 4 7 1 / 4 7 2 – A DVA N C E D
P H OTO G R A P H Y I
One semester course – Offered both semesters
Upper Mids, Seniors
Prerequisites: PO440, PO455, or PO462
This course provides an opportunity for a limited
number of dedicated students to explore
techniques from a wide variety of possible choices
such as advanced black and white photography,
large format photography, video, and various
alternative processes. Students are given greater
responsibility and independence in the planning
and execution of their work. Students will be
expected to attend lectures, take class trips, and be
involved in Tremaine Gallery events. Students
must provide written proposals for projects at the
beginning of each semester. Large format cameras,
if needed, will be provided by the school; however,
students must supply their own SLR digital or
film cameras.
PO482 – ADVANCED PHOTOGRAPHY II
One semester course — Offered second semester
Seniors
Prerequisite: PO471 or PO472
This course is for students who have shown
exceptional ability. Refer to course description for
PO471/PO472.
P O 9 5 2 – A DVA N C E D P H OTO G A P H Y
A N D R E L AT E D M E D I A
One semester course – Offered second semester
Seniors
Prerequisites: PO471/472, PO481, PO462
This course is offered to highly motivated students
of exceptional ability who wish to pursue a specific
direction in photography or related media.
Students must be willing to make a substantial
commitment on a daily basis. A plan of study
 VISUA L & PERFORMING A RTS 67

must be submitted to the department head for

approval. Independence and a commitment to the
development of a personal body of work are
essential. Students will attend lectures by
photographers and be involved with Tremaine
Gallery events. Students must own their own
cameras.

T H E AT R E
____________________________________________________
Theatre is a complex art. It involves many creators and assumes a knowledge that spans all the disciplines
one encounters in formal education. The actor, playwright, director, designer, choreographer, must learn
science, history, language, mathematics, literature, as well as all of the other arts in order to achieve that
which is Theatre’s primary purpose: namely, to represent or challenge a given culture’s religious beliefs,
political views, social values, sorrows, and joys.
The Theatre Program offers students the opportunity to learn about theatre both as a cultural value and
as a performance art. In addition to Humanities (Theatre), the curriculum includes courses in Acting,
Design, Directing, Musical Theatre, Public Speaking, and Theatre Technology. All of the courses
encourage students to experiment with creative problem solving through practical, hands-on experience.
Qualified students may also be permitted to direct or design productions sponsored by the Hotchkiss
Dramatic Association in Walker Auditorium or in the Black Box Theater. All courses offered in the
Theatre curriculum fulfill the arts diploma requirement.
All courses offered in the Theatre curriculum fulfill the art diploma requirement.

H U 1 5 0 ( T H E AT R E ) – P R E P nature of theatre as an art form, one should study

HUMANITIES (1500-1815)
Year Course
Preps
Please refer to the Interdisciplinary Courses
section for a description of this course.
H U 2 5 0 ( T H E AT R E ) – L OW E R M I D
HUMANITIES (1815-PRESENT)
Year Course
Lower Mids
Please refer to the Interdisciplinary Courses
section for a description of this course.
T H 3 2 0 – F O U N DAT I O N S I N T H E AT R E
Year course
Preps, Lower Mids, Upper Mids, Seniors
Before one can fully appreciate the multi-faceted
its history and practice its skills. Beginning as early
the Greeks and continuing to the present day,
Theatre asks, “What does it mean to be alive?
How should we act? What must I do?”
Throughout the year students will discover
numerous connection points to ideas from other
disciplines, all of which work together to invite
responses to these fundamental questions. The
year begins with the vocabulary associated with
early Greek theatre and explores the traditions that
directly or indirectly influenced playwrights’
themes, designers’ visions, directors’ approaches,
actors’ styles. Every student will discover the
richness of this art through an introduction to
commedia dell arte mask work, voice and
movement exercises, Stanislavsky techniques,
improvisation, and evocative collage.
68 VI SUA L & P E R F O R M I N G ARTS
Representative playwrights include Sophocles,
Shakespeare, Moliere, Goldoni, Ibsen, Chekhov
and others. Please see TH322 — Foundations in
Theatre for a description of the second semester.
T H 3 2 2 – F O U N DAT I O N S I N T H E AT R E
One-semester course- Offered second semester
Prerequisite: Permission of the Department
Although we believe that the full year program is
the best for our students, this course allows
committed students with some previous
experience to join the TH320 course midyear. As
the year progresses, students review their
understanding of the elements of design and
principles of composition; they also develop their
vocal and physical skills by learning techniques
designed by leaders in the development of actor
training. Experiments continue with movement
for the actor, Laban methods of behavior, Anne
Bogart’s Viewpoints, Meisner repetition and
combine with the students’ own writing to
develop monologues and montages based on
readings in this course and in their other courses.
The year culminates in a theatre piece that draws
on the acting techniques and design elements
introduced throughout the year.
TH425 – PUBLIC SPEAKING:
P E R S UA S I O N A N D I N S P I R AT I O N
One-semester course-Offered each semester
Upper Mids, Seniors; others by permission of the
instructor
Despite the increased use of computer technology
as a means of communication, the importance of
the articulate and knowledgeable speaker remains.
This course begins with an understanding of the
Maslow Pyramid and continues with the study of
formal rhetorical devices as evinced in great
speeches from Shakespeare to Angelou. Using
these speeches as models, students develop their
awareness of ethos, pathos and logos and then work
to create their own arguments. Research is a
significant component of the work. By semester’s
end, students are expected to deliver full
manuscript speeches of appreciable length to an
audience of their teachers and peers.
TH431 – LIGHTING & SOUND DESIGN
F O R T H E AT R E
One-semester course- Offered each semester
Prerequisite: TH320 or HU250 (Theatre)
This course is a focused study of the basic
organizational structure, processes, and techniques
involved in lighting and sound design. The
relationship to and function of the director is also
a particular focus of the course. Using both
creative and critical thinking skills, students hone
their ability to create and articulate intelligent and
well thought out concepts in reference to
theatrical direction and design. As the semester
progresses, students explore the process of a
lighting and sound designer using practical
projects — color theory, photometrics, generating
light plots, paperwork organization, cueing, ETC
programming, sound mixing, sound editing,
scoring. In addition, script analysis of the text
selected for final projects necessitates research into
the cultural and historical circumstances of the
play’s setting and period. Students are encouraged
to translate historical and cultural information
into design terms relevant to a contemporary
audience. Students create designs around the
same text and share those designs with one
another, thereby encountering multiple
interpretations of that text. This multiplicity of
interpretations offers opportunity to observe how
unique points of view, frames of analysis, and
varying cultural backgrounds influence artistic
representations. TH431 has a specific focus on
past and current technological advances that
impact the entertainment industry. This course
may be repeated in subsequent semesters with a
Special Studies designation.

TH442 – SCENIC & COSTUME DESIGN
F O R T H E AT R E
One-semester course- Offered each semester
Prerequisite: TH320 or HU250 (Theatre)
This course is a focused study of the basic
organizational structure, processes, and techniques
involved in scenic and costume design. Students
examine the work of scenic and costume designers
and technicians in a typical production process.
The relationship to and function of the director is
also a particular focus of the course. Using both
creative and critical thinking skills, students hone
their ability to create and articulate intelligent and
well thought out concepts in reference to
theatrical direction and design. As the semester
unfolds, students explore the process of a scenic
and costume designer by developing practical skills
— technical drawing, model building, paint
elevations, model building, basic AutoCAD,
costume rendering, rudimentary costume
construction. Additionally, script analysis of the
text selected for final projects necessitates research
into the cultural and historical circumstances of
the play’s setting and period. Students are
encouraged to translate historical and cultural
information into design terms relevant to a
contemporary audience. Students create designs
around the same text and share those designs with
one another, thereby encountering multiple
interpretations of that same text. This multiplicity
of interpretations offers opportunity to observe
how unique points of view, frames of analysis, and
varying cultural backgrounds influence artistic
representations. This course may be repeated in
subsequent semesters with a Special Studies
designation.
TH455 – DIRECTING
One-semester course- Offered each semester
Prerequisite: HU250 (Theatre), TH320 or
permission of the Department
Directing for the stage is far more than holding a
megaphone while sitting in a very tall chair. The
VISUA L & PERFORMING A RTS 69
theatre director must have a working knowledge
of both acting and design. By building skills in
basic play analysis students equip themselves to
tackle any piece of dramatic literature. Plot
structure, character analysis, objective, tactics,
elements of behavior, vocal dialect, stage picture,
and many more elements are integral to a director
being able to stage a successful production. If
available, the advanced acting students serve as the
cast of short plays/Shakespearean scenes directed
by students in this course and presented at the end
of the semester. This course may be repeated in
subsequent semesters with a Special Studies
designation.
T H 4 6 1 / 4 6 2 – M U S I C A L T H E AT R E :
H I S TO RY A N D P R AC T I C E
One-semester course; offered each semester
Prerequisite: HU250 (Theatre), TH320 or
permission of the Department
With some attention given initially to the
melodrama and musical theatre of the 19th
century as background, this course focuses
primarily on the development of the musical
theatre of the 20th and 21st centuries both as
historical event and as a performing art. Students
will study librettos, listen to recordings, watch
videos and learn the techniques necessary to give
songs their physical and vocal life. When possible,
visiting artists will offer their experiences as
performers to help students learn the intricacies of
this particular form of theatre. This course may be
repeated in subsequent semesters with a Special
Studies designation.
T H 4 7 1 / 4 7 2 – A DVA N C E D AC T I N G :
C O N T E M P O R A RY T H E AT R E
PERFORMANCE
One-semester course; offered either semester
Prerequisite: HU250 (Theatre), TH320 or
Interview/Audition
Students at this level are prepared to engage in the
kind of intensive analysis and rehearsal required in
70 VI SUA L & P E R F O R M I N G ARTS
mounting a long one-act or full length
contemporary play. Various techniques developed
in Humanities—Theatre or Theatre 320 now
form the foundation for character development in
this advanced work. What gets in the way of
truthful acting? How does an actor make
connections to other actors? How does the actor
use improvisation as a means to discover self and
character? Playwrights such as David Mamet,
Caryl Churchill, Tom Stoppard, Kia Korthron,
Tony Kushner, Beth Henley, Lynn Siefert, David
Henry Hwang and others provide rich material for
this work. Each semester begins with similar
technique work, but ends with a different public
performance. This course may be repeated in
subsequent semesters with a Special Studies
designation.
T H 4 8 1 / 4 8 2 – A DVA N C E D AC T I N G :
P L AY I N G S H A K E S P E A R E
One-semester course; offered either semester
Prerequisite: HU250 (Theatre), TH320 or
Interview/Audition
There’s nothing like the Bard to challenge an
actor’s linguistic and physical skills. Actors will
work with sonnets, monologues and scenes from a
wide range of Shakespeare’s plays. Through study
of the First Folio, we will discover Shakespeare’s
clues regarding how a scene might be played. We
will also spend considerable time developing the
vocal freedom necessary for animating the text.
When possible, visiting artists will give master
classes in the techniques the course introduces.
Resource texts include Freeing the Shakespearean
Voice, The Riverside Shakespeare, The Sonnets
(Signet Classics Edition) and The First Folio. We
are fortunate to have some exciting playing spaces
for Shakespearean actors. In the first semester we
hope to play in Elfers Hall, a space quite evocative
of the Elizabethan Globe Theater. As the weather
warms, we’ll take our actors outside and perform
the works of the Bard on and around the Bronze
Bulls. Winter’s Tale will be the focus text for first
semester; As You Like It, for the second. This course
may be repeated in subsequent semesters with a
Special Studies designation.
T H 5 7 5 – AU TO C A D F O R D E S I G N
A P P L I C AT I O N S
One-semester course- Offered both semesters
Prerequisite: TH435 or permission of the
Department
Virtually every aspect of engineering, architecture,
project planning and design is executed using
CAD (Computer Aided Drafting) software. This
semester course covers the basic commands in
AutoCAD 2008. Students master usage of these
commands by completing simplistic practical
drawing projects and gain the skills necessary to
solve design problems using sketching, drafting,
and 3 dimensional construction. Focus is placed
on the ability to create 2-dimensional
representations of 3-dimensional objects in plan
view, elevation and section. Students emerge able
to assemble CAD drawings in industry-standard
plan form and produce plotted hardcopies ready
for distribution.
TH585 – SOLO PERFORMANCE
One-Semester Course-Offered both semesters
Prerequisite: TH471/472 or TH481/482 or
permission of the Department.
Solo performance has become an extremely
popular and challenging experience for the
contemporary actor. It requires hours of rehearsal
and demands considerable physical stamina and
discipline. There are no other actors to support
the performer; all of the production values are
decided in collaboration with a director and
designers, but the work must ultimately generate
from the actor. Often, as in Jane Wagner’s Search
for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe or Doug
Wright’s I Am My Own Wife, the actor creates
multiple characters which appear, disappear,
reappear during the course of the full length
performance. It is a tour de force for the actor.

TH955 – SPECIAL STUDIES IN
T H E AT R E
Offered both semesters by special arrangement with
the Department
Students must have completed two years in
theatre course offerings or have documented
significant contributions to the HDA or
elsewhere. They may specialize in one of several
specific fields, e.g. acting, directing, playwriting,
stage craft, stage management, scene design,
lighting design, costume design, traveling theatre,
theatre history.
VISUA L & PERFORMING A RTS 71
T H 9 7 5 / 9 8 5 – A DVA N C E D S T U D I E S I N
T H E AT R E
Offered both semesters by special arrangement with
the Department
Prerequisite: TH955
Students may elect a tutorial program to extend
their studies beyond the areas introduced in the
departmental offerings, e.g. acting, directing, scene
and light design, playwriting, and theatre history.
Examples of recent tutorials include the
composition of text, score and libretto for a full-
length musical, directing of a full-scale musical,
and the creation and performance of a one-
woman full-length drama.
72 HU M A N D E V E L O P M E N T
HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
HD250 – HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
Year course
All Lower Mids
This course is a requirement for all Lower Mids.
The goal of HD250 is to increase our students’
understanding of their own personal growth and
development, to help our students recognize and
prepare for the challenges of becoming healthy,
autonomous young adults, and to foster an
understanding of adolescents in this community
and other cultures. Students will learn to identify
and interpret reliable information and resources
that support their health needs and the needs of
their friends and families. Subject matter includes
adolescent development, physical wellness and
emotional health, community living, families,
drugs/alcohol issues, relationships, and sexuality.
Students will be provided information in these
areas through readings, presentations, videos,
literature, and current research. Class time will
focus on discussion, reaction, and clarification of
the information. HD250 is unique in that it is
taught by Senior Teaching Assistants enrolled in
HD550. Teaching Assistants, under the direction
of human development faculty, develop class plans
and lead class discussions. There will be two
seminars during the course of the year that all
Lower Mids are required to attend. Students in
the Lower Mid class meet two periods each week.
There will be no academic credit points given for
this course. Students will be graded on a pass/fail
basis. All Lower Mid students will take this course
in addition to the normal five-course load.
H D 5 5 0 – A S S I S TA N T T E AC H I N G O F
HUMAN DEVELOPMENT
Year course
Seniors
Prerequisites: Application, interview, and Human
Development faculty approval
Students accepted into this course will be
Teaching Assistants (TAs) for HD250. Each
section of HD250 will be taught by one faculty
member and two Senior TA (HD550) students.
Through lecture, group discussion, readings, and
research students will study theories of adolescent
development and the subject areas that will be
included in HD250: relationships, community
life, families, learning styles, sexuality, drug use,
physical wellness, and emotional health. Course
content will also include peer counseling skills,
teaching and leadership skills, and the dynamics of
group process. Students applying for this course
should have an interest in developing both
teaching and leadership skills, as well as examining
their own personal growth and development. The
selection process for this course begins in the
Upper Mid year. Students planning on taking the
course as a Senior elective are required to
participate in a weekend training program during
the spring of their Upper Mid year.
 INTERDISCIPLINARY COURSES 73

INTERDISCIPLINARY
COURSES
Interdisciplinary courses challenge students to make connections across disciplines and to
develop sophisticated understanding of complex topics not possible from the perspective of
a single discipline. Interdisciplinary courses also promote deep, enduring learning.
Hotchkiss offers the following interdisciplinary courses:

BI422 – BIOMEDICAL/ I C 3 5 9 – WAYS O F U N D E R S TA N D I N G

B I OT E C H N O L O G I C A L E T H I C S
This course is cross-listed in the Science and the
Humanities and Social Sciences Departments.
Please refer to those sections for a description of
this course.
H I 4 2 2 – L AT I N A M E R I C A N S T U D I E S
Please refer to the Humanities and Social Sciences
section for a description of this course.
HU150 – PREP HUMANITIES (1500-1815)
Please see description below.
Please see description below.
EN360/HI360 – AMERICAN STUDIES
Please refer to the English and the Humanities
and Social Sciences sections for a description of
this course.
E S 4 2 1 – E N V I RO N M E N TA L E T H I C S
This course is cross-listed in the Science and the
Humanities and Social Sciences Departments.
Please refer to those sections for a description of
this course.

H U 2 5 0 – L OW E R M I D H U M A N I T I E S
(1815-PRESENT)
Please see description below.

I C 3 5 9 – WAYS O F U N D E R S TA N D I N G The first semester will examine the nature of

Year course (one-half credit)
Upper Mids, Seniors
Ways of Understanding is an interdisciplinary,
critical thinking course focusing on issues of
knowledge and understanding through the
different lenses by which humans come to know
and understand their world. The objective is to
allow the directed reflection that makes the
informed into the seeker, and the knowing into
the wise. It is a full year course that meets two
periods each week and carries a half credit. It is
available to Upper Mids and Seniors and will carry
a Pass /Fail grade.
knowledge. Each individual in the class, as a
distinct seeker of knowledge, will be placed at the
center of this enterprise. We shall consider the
following ways or means of knowing: sense
perception (the body); reason (the mind);
imagination and emotion (the heart); technology
(the hand); language (the tongue); and faith (the
spirit). In the second semester, we shall consider
the disciplines of knowledge, such as Science,
Mathematics, Human Sciences, History, the Arts,
and Ethics. We shall examine the differences in
scope and method between these types of
knowledge, how we gain knowledge in and from
74 I N TE RDI S C I P L I N A RY C O U RS ES

different disciplines, what the connections are
between them, what the limitation of each might
be and how they might offer knowledge and
understanding in particular and illuminating ways.
Ways of Understanding is not a course where
great philosophers are studied, although there will
be a philosophical dimension to many class
discussions. It is not a course in current events,
nor a psychology nor creative writing course.
Ways of Understanding adopts the power of the
interrogative as its method, because the
assumptions and knowledge of the members of
the class is the starting point. The course aims to
train an informed, independent and interrogative
habit of mind that will foster a directed habit of
heart and allow the knower to navigate a
knowledge-based world.

HU M A N I TI E S
____________________________________________________
The world has become, some say, “a global village.” Ideas and values, art forms and literature, circulate
across borders no less than trade, technology, and people. Still-developing global institutions foster
dialogue, manage disagreement, and respond to worldwide challenges like climate change. The ideal of
“global citizenship” is celebrated; universal human rights are widely asserted. Science promises ever-
increasing understanding and control of nature. Many people delight in the freedom to assemble their
own individual identities from an ever-richer storehouse of possibilities.
Yet this view of the world is challenged from many quarters. Skeptics about global citizenship reassert more
particular loyalties — to one’s country, one’s religious community, one’s ethnic group. The movement of
people across borders provokes alarm. Detractors see international institutions as a threat to national
sovereignty. The power of science, some fear, exceeds our wisdom in its application; the benefits and burdens
of economic globalization seem unfairly distributed. Some opponents of the “global village” view go beyond
critical argument to violence in order to defend identities and ways of life threatened by change and
pluralism. Groups and governments use force to promote values they believe right for all human beings.
How can anyone comprehend such a seemingly contradictory world and prepare to contribute
positively to it? The Humanities program rests on the belief that you are best equipped for this task by
developing a broad understanding of how people in diverse times and places have made sense of
themselves and the world around them.
How do we know and what do we count as “knowledge”? What makes a “good” society? What are the
most important elements of a “good” life? What is the place of human beings in the natural world? You
could begin making sense of today’s world by examining the different ways its inhabitants ask and
answer these questions. But they are in fact fundamental questions that, in some form, have been
asked — and variously answered — in all societies.
Secondary school students have usually encountered such questions piecemeal: a few questions
sometimes turn up in a history course, another two or three in English, and so on. Humanities at
Hotchkiss deliberately breaks from such a practice; it is designed for students who enjoy discovering the
connections among disciplines that deepen learning. If you might be such a student, read on.
Though students will study the arts, English, history, and philosophy and religion (each with a teacher
from the respective discipline), the course of study has been fashioned by an interdisciplinary team, to help
you develop a richer understanding of how people in different times and cultures create meaningful worlds
and make their place within them. You and your classmates will play active roles in your learning, critically
examining others’ ways of asking and answering these basic questions and constructing your own.*
 INTERDISCIPLINARY COURSES 75

The program will pay special attention to ideas and aspirations of the 18th-century Enlightenment — a
time when thinkers viewed themselves as the vanguard of a revolutionary era in which inherited beliefs,
traditions, and institutions would be critically reexamined and then reformed, according to scientific reason
and empirical understanding of human nature. But the historical period known as the Enlightenment will
only be a springboard — for study that continues to the 21st century and reaches around the globe,
examining how this “Enlightenment project” has been eagerly promoted by some people, partially accepted
by more, and criticized and even fiercely rejected by others. The program does not rest on the assumption
that the Enlightenment project is good or bad, only that it has powerfully influenced our world.
The successive Humanities courses are designed for the student who enjoys learning in collaborative
conversation with peers and teachers. If you are willing to seize the opportunities it offers, you will come out of
the two-year program with important skills of critical thinking, research, and creative expression. These skills
will do more than just equip you to pursue your own passions in upper-level electives in the arts, English,
history, and philosophy and religion. They will enable you to think more creatively about issues we face in our
contemporary world; they will help you prepare to join the ranks of those responding with creative solutions.

*Recognizing that developing proficiency in a specific art form takes cumulative practice, the program allows for a
concentration within the arts component of Humanities.

HU150 – PREP HUMANITIES (1500-1815)
Year course
Preps
Prep Humanities has components in English,
history, philosophy and religion, and the arts, each
of which is explained below. Students should read
the overall Humanities statement above before
reading the discipline-specific descriptions below.
Students completing this course will earn a total of
three credits; one credit will count towards the
diploma requirement in English, and one will
satisfy the diploma requirement in the Arts.
English. Humanities English invites students to
develop their reading, writing, and speaking skills in
a collaborative environment as they respond to the
stories that shape contemporary and canonical
literature. This course builds verbal ability through
the creative process in which finished work results
from a commitment to the phases of writing as an
art, of rhetoric as a skill. Understanding grammatical
rules and expanding vocabulary become necessary as
freedom and discipline combine to transform
enthusiastic practice into polished performance. The
rigor of the course rests, in part, on encounters with
challenging literary texts of various genres and on
engagement with alternative media. Close
examination and reading provide for comprehension
and application of the critical questions connecting
the various Humanities disciplines. Through
interdisciplinary study and experience — both
analytical and sensory — students learn to respond
skillfully and authentically to conflicting individual
and social values.
History. The history component of Prep
Humanities will study universal themes in
Western and global history and will be linked to
English, philosophy and religion, and the arts. We
will be exploring and discussing the time period
1500-1815. We begin in the fall with the
background to the European Enlightenment and
end in the spring with the defeat of Napoleon in
Europe and the end of the War of 1812 in the
United States. The readings for HU150 (History)
will be primary and secondary sources from
Europe, the Americas, the United States, the
Islamic world, China and Japan, and other parts
of the world. Your teachers will help you learn the
skills of historical study, including how to take
notes, read and analyze primary and secondary
sources, how to organize and write essays, and
undertake research. The course will include a
sequence of research projects and papers. You will
76 I N TE RDI S C I P L I N A RY C O U RS ES
be expected and encouraged to participate fully
throughout the course by careful reading,
thinking, and discussion.
Philosophy and Religion. You will examine how
religion and philosophy have shaped the past and
the world in which we live today, trying to
understand sympathetically world-views other
than your own. In addition to historical study,
however, you will work on another level: as a
philosopher. You won’t be able to rely on a
textbook; almost all your reading will come from
the works of philosophers and religious authors.
You will have the chance to do philosophy,
engaging the thinkers you study as conversation-
partners. Close attention will be given to
development of your skills in critical reading,
analytical writing, and framing constructive
arguments. Over the course of two years, you will
find yourself increasingly called to practice
dialectical writing, in which you turn over a
portion of your essay to the strongest possible
arguments against your ideas — and then show
why those counter-arguments are not persuasive.
It’s a great way to stretch yourself as an
independent thinker.
Beginning with study of inherited religious
traditions of Europe, we move to intellectual
developments in the Renaissance and
Reformation. From there we explore the
emergence of a new world-view in the Scientific
Revolution and the unfolding of new conceptions
of how we know and how society should be
governed. The 18th-century Enlightenment will
receive special attention, as we unpack its most
powerfully influential ideas and its internal
contradictions. As the year moves to a close, we
will examine critical reactions to the
Enlightenment and explore how philosophy and
religion helped shape the revolutions that brought
the 18th century to a close.
Students must select one of the following arts to take
as part of Prep Humanities. On the course sign-up
sheet designate your choice in parentheses after the
course number as such: HU150 (Arts), HU150
(Dance), HU150 (Music), HU150 (Photo),
HU150 (Theatre). Exceptional arts students are
encouraged to speak directly to the chair of the
respective department for a recommendation
regarding appropriate course placement.
Art. This course is an exciting and accessible
starting point for students who wish to learn the
fundamental skills and expressive potential of
problem-solving design, drawing from
observation, color theory, and painting. This
course provides students with a rigorous
grounding in seeing, composition, and the
expression of ideas through images. The Art
Department believes that anyone, with proper
instruction, can learn to manipulate successfully a
wide range of media in the creation of meaningful
visual images. Every student will be taught to
understand and manipulate line, value, shape,
form, space, color, and light. Emphasis will be
placed on how best to edit and arrange one’s
image creation and subject matter. This course will
combine pertinent design and fine art topics with
a range of media and subject matter. Students are
encouraged to be inventive and expressive with
newly acquired knowledge. They will combine
ideas from humanities disciplines and art history
in the making of imaginative images, offering a
personal response to their learning experience. In a
studio atmosphere of challenge, encouragement,
and support, students will learn how to
confidently create and critique artwork. Each
marking period a major assignment in Art will be
closely linked to those in English, philosophy and
religion, and history.
Dance. Dance has been part of the human
experience as far back as ancient times. The
historical study of dance from the 16th century
covers the Renaissance period with members of
the aristocracy and the middle classes. Dance took
on a new importance for social grace and manner.
Court and Ritual dance, which connected to

English Masque, The Italian Mascherata,
Intermedio, and The Ballet Comique, became
popular as both women and men staged and
choreographed performances for royalty. During
this period, dance took on classic forms and
became more elaborate, refined, and specific to
group formation through organized steps and
patterns. Duets also appeared, solos were given
prominence, and large group dances were created.
The Humanities dance curriculum covers study in
shape, design, perspective, spatial use, time
change, pattern formation, and directions in linear
and curvilinear forms. Dancers discover and
develop personal concepts of self while making
statements about society’s morals and values. From
Fokine’s ‘L’Apres-midi d’un Faun’ to Isadora
Duncan’s free-spirit dance, Martha Graham’s
creation of a new technique, and Donald
McKayle’s masterful choreography about slavery,
‘Rainbow Round My Shoulder,’ dance makers
have always made evocative statements about
society and culture.
Music. Students taking music as part of the
Humanities program will have a unique
opportunity to insert their individual musical
experiences in a broad context of historical and
contemporary learning. Why is music such an
important form of human expression? What factors
influence and inspire composers? How does music
relate to the other arts, and to contemporary
society? Is music capable of affecting the behavior of
people? How is the ipod changing music? Students
will be encouraged to think about these and other
relevant questions from two distinct angles: as
listeners and performers.
As listeners, students will be expected to analyze
critically music, developing an appreciation for
musical theory and form. The relevance of diverse
historical and geographical backgrounds will also
be explored. Periods and topics such as the
Enlightenment, romanticism, nationalism, and the
civil rights movement will offer seamless
connection points between music and the other
Humanities courses. As performers, students will
INTERDISCIPLINARY COURSES 77
have an opportunity to take private lessons in one
of the following instruments: bass, cello, clarinet,
double-bass, drums, flute, French horn, guitar
(electric and classical), harp, oboe, piano, jazz
piano, percussion, saxophone, violin, viola, voice,
trombone, and trumpet. Besides constant regular
practice, all students are expected to perform
publicly, either as a soloist or as a member of a
musical ensemble. The main goal of this course is
to develop performers who are able to construct
independently authentic musical interpretations,
in various styles, based on multi-discipline
information provided by the Humanities program.
Since the core of the performance component is
taught through individual lessons, this course
welcomes musicians of all levels and experiences.
Photography. The Prep Humanities
photography course covers straight photography,
studio lighting, portraiture, landscape
photography and experimental printing processes.
Students learn how to process shoot and process
film, darkroom printing, and proper preparation
of photographs for exhibition. Included is a brief
introduction to digital printing. Students will
work individually and collaboratively in a
supportive environment where creativity and
experimentation are encouraged. Through reading
assignments and critiques students develop a
vocabulary for discussing photographs. Students
will attend lectures by photographers, take class
trips to museums and galleries, and attend exhibits
in the Tremaine Gallery. Wherever possible,
assignments will be linked in an interdisciplinary
way to Humanities English, philosophy and
religion, art, and history.
Theatre. Before one can fully appreciate the
multifaceted nature of theatre as an art form, one
should study its history and practice its skills.
Beginning with the Greeks and continuing to the
present day, Theatre asks, “What does it mean to
be alive? How should we act? What must I do?”
Throughout the year, students will discover
numerous connection points to ideas from other
78 I N TE RDI S C I P L I N A RY C O U RS ES
Humanities disciplines, all of which work together
to invite responses to these fundamental questions.
Beginning with a brief look at Greek theatre, the
first year in Humanities-Theatre explores the
traditions that directly or indirectly influenced
playwrights’ themes, designers’ visions, directors’
approaches, actors’ styles. Every student will
discover the richness of this art through
experimentation with monologues, short scenes,
mask work, voice and movement exercises,
improvisation, interpretation/transformation,
design conceptualization, costume study and
evocative collage. As the year progresses, students
stretch their imaginations and develop their vocal
and physical skills through an introduction to
techniques designed by leaders in the development
of actor training. Gatherings, known as “art
salons,” give the students the opportunity to share
what they are learning with the other artists in the
Humanities program.
H U 2 5 0 – L OW E R M I D H U M A N I T I E S
(1815-PRESENT)
Year course
Lower Mids
Prerequisite: Prep Humanities
Lower Mid Humanities has components in
English, history, philosophy and religion, and the
arts, each of which is explained below. Students
should read the overall Humanities statement above
before reading the discipline-specific descriptions
below. Students completing this course will earn a
total of three credits; one credit will count towards
the diploma requirement in English, and one will
satisfy the diploma requirement in the Arts for
those who did not satisfy the art requirement by
taking Prep Humanities. Those who complete Prep
and Lower Mid Humanities satisfy the diploma
requirement in history (i.e., the U.S. history
requirement).
English. The lower-mid course in Humanities,
like all other lower-mid English sections, will stress
the skills of language through grammar and a
seven-week Daily Theme period. The literature
will consist of both American and more global
works chosen either to complement the
chronology of Humanities History or to reflect, in
a work outside that chronology, a theme of central
importance. In keeping with the philosophy of the
Humanities program, the arts, English, history,
and philosophy classes will continue to mesh in
both planned and unexpected ways, including
various interdisciplinary assessments, generally
involving at least two of the subject areas. This
course is meant to build on HU150.
History. The history component of Lower Mid
Humanities will study themes in Western and
global history and will be linked to English,
philosophy and religion, and the arts. We will
examine the time period c. 1815-present,
beginning with the age of the Industrial
Revolution in Europe and the Early Republic in
the United States. Students will build upon the
skills developed in the prep year and focus on:
writing analytical essays; reading interpretive
accounts of events; rooting historical arguments
into the context of scholarship; and integrating
statistics, charts, and non-verbal evidence in
constructing historical arguments. The course will
include particular emphasis on research skills and
culminate with a major research project. You will
be expected and encouraged to participate fully
throughout the course by careful reading,
thinking, and discussion.
Philosophy and Religion. Exploring
philosophical and religious developments from
1815 to 2009, we dig more deeply and broaden
our focus further beyond the West, taking in a
globalizing world. Themes to be examined
include: challenges to older world-views and
images of human nature from new developments

in science; tensions between traditional ways of
life and new cultural norms; conflicting ideas of
the role and proper liberty of the individual in
changing societies; new critiques of how power
and wealth are distributed, on both national and
global levels; conversations among religions in a
shrinking world; growing awareness of cultural
relativism; the emergence of international human
rights against the backdrop of world war and
genocide.
Students must select one of the following arts to take
as part of Lower Mid Humanities. Students who
took Prep Humanities may continue with or switch
to a different art in Lower Mid Humanities. On the
course sign-up sheet designate your choice in
parentheses after the course number as such: HU250
(Arts), HU250 (dance), HU250 (Music), HU250
(Photo), HU250 (Theatre).
Art. This course is a natural and welcoming next
step for those enrolled in the Prep Humanities Art
curriculum as well as those wishing to join a 10th-
grade course focusing on building fundamental
visual skills and exploring the expressive potential
of problem-solving design, drawing from
observation, color theory, and painting. This
course provides students with a second year of
continued focus on the discipline of discerning
seeing, composition, and the expression of ideas
through the process of image making. The Art
Department believes that anyone, with proper
instruction, can learn to manipulate successfully a
wide range of media in the creation of meaningful
visual images. Students will continue to learn
about the process and practice of organizing and
manipulating line, value, shape, form, space, color
and light. Students will continue to focus on how
best to edit and arrange one’s image. This course
will combine pertinent design and fine art topics
with media and subject matter beyond the
introductory level. Students are expected to be
increasingly independent, inventive and expressive
INTERDISCIPLINARY COURSES 79
with newly acquired skills and knowledge. They
will combine ideas from humanities disciplines
and art history with visual content in the creation
of imaginative images that offer a studied and
thoughtful response to their humanities learning
experience. In a studio atmosphere of challenge,
encouragement, and support, students will
confidently learn to create and critique artwork.
Each marking period a major assignment in Art
will be closely linked to those in English,
philosophy and religion, and history.
Dance. The Lower Mid Humanities dance
curriculum continues the study of shape, design,
perspective, spatial use, time change, pattern
formation and directions in linear and curvilinear
forms. Lower Mid Humanities dance students will
explore in more depth concepts of space and time,
improvisation, choreographic tools of ABA,
rondo, canon, sonata, counterpoint, palindrome,
fugue and movement for narrative/theme.
Students will be expected to refine their work and
explore self-evaluation. There will be emphasis
placed on dance history and the cross connection
to American and European History.
Music. The music component of the Lower Mid
Humanities program follows the same guiding
principles of the prep year curriculum: develop
performers who are able to construct
independently authentic musical interpretations,
in various styles, based on multi-discipline
information provided by the Humanities program.
Consequently, it offers a similar weekly routine of
lessons, music history and theory classes, and
ensemble rehearsals. Two private weekly lessons
provide students with in-depth instruction in the
following instruments: bass (acoustic and electric),
cello, clarinet, drums, flute, French horn, guitar
(electric and acoustic), harp, oboe, piano, jazz
piano, percussion, saxophone, violin, viola, voice,
trombone, trumpet, and tuba. The music
appreciation component will focus on late 19th-
80 I N TE RDI S C I P L I N A RY C O U RS ES
century Romanticism and Nationalism,
Impressionism, Atonal music, Serialism, Jazz, and
Popular music. The impact of the first and second
world wars, the Russian Revolution, and the ’60s
around the world will offer natural and
meaningful conversation points with the other
Humanities disciplines. Students will be assigned
to appropriate musical ensembles, depending on
their choice of instrument: the Hotchkiss
Orchestra, the Hotchkiss Jazz Ensemble, and the
Hotchkiss Chorus. Minimal musical proficiency is
required, so beginner students may not be allowed
to join an ensemble.
Students pursuing the Lower Mid music
Humanities program will be expected to engage in
regular and rigorous practice, in order to perform
in class, humanities seminars, and regular,
scheduled student recitals. Students will be
required to utilize their musical performance skills
in order to illustrate and support topics studied in
the Humanities program.
Photo As the Humanities program moves into
the 19th- and 20th-centuries we see the invention
of photography and its explosion onto the stage in
the late 1830s and 1840s changing they way man
views himself and the world. We will look at the
impact of photography and related media
throughout the year. We begin the year with early
photographic processes including pinhole
photography, contact printing and proceed to
using lenses and view cameras. These kinds of
19th-century photographic techniques coincide
with the world that is covered within the other
Humanities disciplines. Students build on these
experiences as we move into the study of digital
photography and related media, whenever possible
linking these assignments to the other Humanities
disciplines. Lectures by photographers, field trips
and attendance at Tremaine Gallery exhibits round
out the experience.
Theatre. After some shared review of the physical
and vocal techniques and elements of design
introduced during the first year, students will turn
their attention to some of the common questions
used by actors, directors and designers: What gets
in the way of truthful acting? How does an actor
make connections to other actors? What rhetorical
devices lend themselves to effective speeches? How
does the role of the director and her relationship
with the design team influence a production
process? Beginning with the end of the 19th-
century and continuing to the present day, the art
of the actor and director evolved significantly,
influenced by the philosophical and political
attitudes of the day. Playwrights, in turn, expressed
these ideas in their works. Our study will explore
the plot structure, character analysis, objective,
theme and other elements involved in moving from
the plays to stage. Comedy of manners, realism,
absurdist drama and the like give the actors, and
directors/designers an opportunity to apply what
they’ve learned about voice, movement and design
to the creation of characters and scenes in works by
such playwrights as Maxim Gorky, Anton Chekhov,
Henrik Ibsen, Arthur Miller, Susan Glaspell,
Samuel Beckett, Tennessee Williams, Lorraine
Hansberry, and others. Practical research and design
projects, such as a Vision Book for The Tempest,
answer how the role of the director and designer
develops over time. At year’s end, the students
direct short one-act plays with their peers as the
actors in those plays.
 2010-2011 C ALENDAR
2010
August 27, Friday
August 30, Monday
August 31, Tuesday
September 1, Wednesday
September 2, Thursday
September 3, Friday
September 4, Saturday
October 16, Saturday
October 22 & 23, Fri./Sat.
October 25 & 26, Mon./Tues.
November 20, Saturday
November 29, Monday
November 30, Tuesday
December 14, Tuesday
2011
January 5, Wednesday
January 6, Thursday
February 3, Thursday
February 7, Monday
February 8, Tuesday
March 4, Friday
Spring Recess begins at 12 noon
March 23, Wednesday
March 24, Thursday
April 25, Monday
May 26, Thursday
May 27, Friday
May 28, Saturday
May 29, Sunday
May 30, Monday
May 31 – June 3
June 3, Friday
June 4, Saturday
*Other Closed Weekends and Days with no classes will be announced in June
Proctors return by noon
Varsity Athletes (by invitation) arrive by noon
International Orientation Leaders arrive
All Seniors & Orientation Leaders return by noon
New and Returning International Students arrive
All New Students (except seniors) arrive by noon
All returning students on campus by 4 pm
Classes begin
Closed Weekend*
End of Marking Period #1
Parents Weekend
Announced Holidays
Thanksgiving Recess begins at 12 noon
Students return by check-in
Classes resume
End of First Semester
All students home by noon
Students return by check-in
Classes resume
Long Winter Weekend begins at 12 noon
Students return by check-in
Classes resume
End of Marking Period #3
Students return by check-in
Classes resume
Announced Holiday
End of Marking Period #4, Second Semester
Last day of classes, Senior Prize Awards
Graduation (all seniors leave campus by 4:00 p.m.)
Project Day for all underclass students
Reading Day
Memorial Day, First Exam @ 3p.m.
Exams for underclass students
Last exam, all students home by noon (or after last exam)
SATs – Hotchkiss is a test site
THE HOTCHKISS SCHOOL

P. O. Box 800
Lakeville, Connecticut 06039
Phone: 860-435-2591
Fax: 860-435-8056
http: //www.hotchkiss.org