SY 2023-2024 Course Offerings

In this course, students will investigate the chemistry around them: in medicine they take, services they use, and the food they eat. Each of the key topics covered is brought together under the umbrella of geohealth: the study of human health in the context of ecology, environmental science, climate change, agriculture, waste and water management, and diseases. The course is taught through real world case studies, where students take on the role of a chemist working with a team of experts to investigate medical or environmental issues. In these case studies, students learn about topics like atomic structure, phases of matter, stoichiometry, and thermodynamics in scenario-based learning where they complete projects that require critical thinking, making and testing predictions, application, and synthesizing multiple concepts to succeed.

In the second level, students will continue to build their grammar, vocabulary, and speaking skills as they explore friends and social life, dining and vacation, home and health, life and world, everyday things, and places and events. Continue to explore the culture of the language speaking countries.

In World History, Semester A, students will explore major historical events around the world. In the first unit, students will develop their historical thinking skills. In the second and third units, students will learn about the major religions and classical civilizations of several regions around the world. In the fourth unit, students will examine the origins and developments of European exploration. In the fifth unit, students will learn about the causes and effects of the Renaissance and the Reformation. In the sixth unit, students will explore revolutions that occurred from 1789 to 1848, including the Scientific Revolution, the American Revolution, and the French Revolution. In World History, Semester B, students will explore major historical events around the world. In the first unit, students will explore the causes and effects of the Industrial Revolution, the spread of nationalism in Europe, and the Russian Revolution. In the second unit, students will analyze imperialism in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries and examine the causes and consequences of World War I. In the third unit, students will study World War II, analyzing the factors that started the war and the impact of the war. In the fourth unit, students will explore the rise and fall of communism in the Soviet Union and China and learn about the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union. In the fifth unit, students will analyze the effects of decolonization in Southeast Asia and Africa. Students will also study the modernization of China and the rise of nationalism in the Middle East. In the last unit, students will explore economic globalization and evaluate the benefits and challenges of living in the modern world.

This full-year course is a unique combination of Japanese culture and language, weaving cultural comparison with the study of basic Japanese language and grammar. While examining various cultural topics such as literature, art, lifestyle, and economy, students learn the basics of the Japanese writing system (Hiragana and Katakana), grammar, and vocabulary.

Through varied synchronous and asynchronous assignments, including hands-on projects and face-to-face communications, students develop their speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. The cultural study and discussions are conducted in English, with topics alternating every two to three weeks. The ultimate goal of this course is to raise awareness and appreciation of different cultures through learning the basics of the Japanese language. The focus of this course is 60 percent on language and 40 percent on culture.

Students in Japanese III have mastered most of the conjugation patterns (TE/TA form, dictionary form, and NAI form) that are necessary to speak and write in complex structures.

While advancing their grammatical knowledge, students compare and examine similar functions and their subtle differences. In speaking, students are allowed to speak in an informal/casual style with each other and with the teacher in order to solidify their control of the Plain Form.

Interpersonal communications are done through face-to-face conversation and recorded messages. In reading and listening, students curate, share, and practice grasping the gist of authentic materials. Materials may include TV commercials, news, movies, children’s books, online newspapers, and cooking recipes. In Semester 2, students participate in the GOA Catalyst Exhibition.

Get better grades and higher test scores, and increase your success in high school. If you are already a good student, you will learn new study skills and testing skills that will help you get even better. If you struggle in school, this course will give you the Success Mindsets, study skills, and testing skills to perform at new levels. This half-credit course teaches the ACE test-taking method, which will assist students in their approach to high-stakes testing.

Throughout the course, Mawi Asgedom, a Harvard graduate who was the first in his family to attend college, will coach you. Mawi is a student success expert who has trained over a million students.

Haumāna enrolled in this course will study the diplomatic travels of Hawaiian aliʻi and the journeys of the young Hawaiians in Kalākaua’s Study Abroad Program. Students will read through diary entries, newspaper articles, and archival research. Haumāna will have an opportunity to analyze the influence that these travels have had on Hawaiian culture and literature. Those enrolled in the course should also be registered for the 10-day culminating international huakaʻi (trip) in fall 2023. Prior to traveling, haumāna will learn proper protocol and oli, historical events and places as well as complete a literary analysis, research paper, and presentations. Journals and video diaries will be required during the huakaʻi. A culminating essay and presentation will be required after huakaʻi.