Credit Course Descriptions

Biology (year-long credit)

Prerequisite: Chemistry

Biology is a general survey course that considers topics related to living systems from the simplest cells to the human animal. The student gains insight into fundamental chemical processes, the role of the cell, the flow of energy through the environment, human physiology, basic genetics, a survey of microscopic life, as well as botany, zoology, the interaction of life forms with their environment, and the process of natural selection. Laboratory exercises are used frequently to illustrate principles and develop lab skill competency.

Textbook: Biology (McGraw-Hill) (eBook)
Instructor: Rachel Gosine-Smith, Brentwood School Science Department

Chemistry (year-long credit)

Prerequisite: Algebra I

Chemistry investigates the nature of matter and the changes that matter undergoes. Topics covered include, but are not limited to, methods of scientific measurement, atomic structure and the organization of the periodic table, ionic and covalent bonding, chemical nomenclature, reactions and stoichiometry, the behavior of gases and solutions, and thermodynamics. The material is presented with descriptive and quantitative considerations in both a lecture and laboratory environment. In addition, students will further explore concepts through engaging research projects. Students successfully completing this course will be better critical thinkers and will develop solid problem-solving skills. The laboratory program emphasizes techniques critical to chemistry, and includes traditional, micro-scale, and technology-based experiments. This course is not designed to prepare students for the SAT Subject Test in Chemistry.

Textbook: Chemistry (iBook)
Instructor: Elaine Chao

Geometry (year-long credit)

Geometry deals with points, lines, surfaces, and solids and examines their properties, measurement, and mutual relations in space. In Geometry, students are introduced to deductive reasoning and formal geometric proofs through an examination of the rules of logic as well as through "guided proofs." By exploring coordinate geometry, students see the ways in which algebra and geometry complement each other. Topics include: 1) Elements of geometry, 2) Induction and deduction, 3) Deduction and geometry, 4) Angle relationships, 5) Perpendicular lines, 6) Parallel lines and planes, 7) Congruent triangles, 8) Similar polygons, 9) The Pythagorean Theorem, 10) Circles, 11) Area and volume, 12) Special quadrilaterals, and 13) Coordinate geometry.

Textbook: Geometry for Enjoyment and Challenge (Rhoad, Milauskas, Whipple)
Instructor: Amy Page, Brentwood School Math Department

Music Theory 1 (Semester credit)

Music Theory 1 is a fun 3 week course for students to learn the fundamentals of music notation and how to sight-read notes in treble and bass clefs, explore rhythms and meters, and perform on piano simple melodies written in standard notation. Melodic and rhythmic dictations, as well as ear training exercises and composition projects, are practical applications to this course. Students will become familiar with the major and minor scales in all variations and become proficient in reading all major and minor keys, thus gaining the knowledge of all of the key signatures. Students will learn to play the piano and and other instruments (including percussion instruments) and will have fun writing drum loops and songs.

Textbook: TBD
Instructor: John-Kevin Hilbert, Brentwood Theater Department

Stained Glass Design (semester credit)

Beginning with safety precautions and an overview of course material, students quickly move on to learn the techniques involved in the construction of "Tiffany style" copper foil panels. These procedures include pattern making, glass cutting, copper foiling and soldering. Students then study and learn to apply the elements and principles of art and design as they work to create original compositions and patterns. This process is reinforced by examples from art history, research, and the use of Glass Eye computer software. Students learn related vocabulary to analyze their work and that of their classmates in both verbal and written form. After completing an initial sample project, each student designs and then builds two required concept based copper foil panels. Ability increases with experience, and by the completion of this course, students should be comfortable and competent while working with stained glass as a means of expression. Assessment is based upon class participation and initiative, the application of design information, and the development of technical proficiency. Sketchbook work and written self-reflections are also a part of the evaluation process. Students are expected to supply their own stained glass, copper foil, lead, and solder.

Closed toed shoes must be worn, along with long pants whenever possible, for keeping legs safe.

*PLEASE NOTE: Participants in this course must attend class on Friday, June 22. No exceptions.
Instructor: Michael Knight, Brentwood School Visual Arts Department

U.S. History (year-long credit) - NEW SECTION ADDED!! Limited space available. Register on the right!

The United States History course fulfills the goals of a survey course, covering colonial North America to the present. This course endeavors to provide students with the ability to evaluate historical evidence, do comparative analysis, and develop sound historical arguments based on multiple perspectives of historical events. Through the incorporation of supplemental readings on current issues, the course is designed to provide students with an understanding of the nation’s political, economic, diplomatic, and social history in order to be informed and responsible citizens.

Textbook: TBD
Instructors: Coree Newman and

Elissa Isenberg, Brentwood School History Department

U. S. History (year-long credit)—SPECIAL Travel Edition - THIS SECTION IS NOW CLOSED. Please contact our office to be placed on the waitlist. Thank you!

Brentwood School students* will spend two weeks of the of the six week course in Washington, D.C., traveling to and touring historical locations, including monuments and memorials, the Smithsonian, the Capitol, a Civil War battlefield, Charlottesville, and some of the universities in the D.C. area. They will be experiencing history as we are studying it. Students will be staying on the campus of Howard University where the classroom portion of the course will be conducted.

*U.S. History Special Travel Edition is only available to current Brentwood School students.

*This Special Travel Edition of U.S. History will only take place with sufficient enrollment.

Itinerary - Subject to Change

*A detailed itinerary will be provided to students and parents after registration has taken place. In addition, registered students and their parents will be required to attend a mandatory class trip meeting.

Week 1, June 25 - June 29

Class will begin as a regular six-week for credit course here at Brentwood.

Weeks 2 - 3, July 2-13 (Washington, D.C.)

During these two weeks, students will be provided with an enrichment experience to the U.S. History course. While staying at Howard University, they will spend mornings in a traditional classroom setting. In the afternoons, students will continue their "hands-on" course with trips to monuments and universities in the area including but not limited to the Folger Museum, National Museum of African American History and Culture, Mt. Vernon, the Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, the Vietnam War Memorial, and the Smithsonian. They will experience history at Civil War battlefields and have optional college visits to Charlottesville, UVA, and George Washington University. In addition, students will have the opportunity to visit Congressman Ted Lieu's office and Congress.

Students will return to Los Angeles on July 14.

Weeks 4-6, July 16 - August 3

The remainder of this U.S. History course will be held at Brentwood School in the classroom.

Textbook: TBD
Instructor: Hank Koransky, Brentwood School History Department