CATALOGUE OF COURSE DESCRIPTIONS 2021-2022
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CATALOGUE
OF
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
2021-2022
Revised: 3/27/21This page is intentionally left blank.
2Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................................................ 4
2. GUIDELINES FOR COURSE SELECTION ................................................................................................................... 4
3. DROPPING OR CHANGING COURSES ....................................................................................................................... 4
4. GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS .................................................................................................................................. 5
A. Academic Requirements .......................................................................................................................................... 5
B. Community Engagement / Cadmean Service .......................................................................................................... 5
5. PROGRAMS/FELLOWSHIPS/PROJECTS .................................................................................................................... 6
6. GRADING SYSTEM ....................................................................................................................................................... 7
A. Academic & Arts ....................................................................................................................................................... 7
B. Advanced Placement ............................................................................................................................................... 8
7. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ............................................................................................................................ 8
A. What is a typical course load at University School? ................................................................................................ 8
B. How do I know which courses to take? Should I choose to take more than the typical course load?.................... 8
C. Can I drop a course? ................................................................................................................................................ 9
D. Can I take a second foreign language? ................................................................................................................... 9
E. Why should I choose to take an AP course? ........................................................................................................... 9
F. What are the expectations of an AP course? ........................................................................................................... 9
G. What happens to my schedule if I am not accepted into an AP course? .............................................................. 10
H. Can I accelerate my program in mathematics? ..................................................................................................... 10
I. Can I accelerate my program in science? .............................................................................................................. 10
J. How is my grade point average calculated? .......................................................................................................... 10
K. How do I fulfill the arts requirement? ..................................................................................................................... 11
L. How do I fulfill the physical education requirement? .............................................................................................. 11
M. How do I obtain my textbooks? .............................................................................................................................. 11
8. COURSES BY DEPARTMENT .................................................................................................................................... 12
A. ARTS ...................................................................................................................................................................... 12
B. ENGLISH................................................................................................................................................................ 20
C. HISTORY ............................................................................................................................................................... 26
D. LANGUAGES ......................................................................................................................................................... 31
E. MATHEMATICS ..................................................................................................................................................... 40
F. SCIENCE ............................................................................................................................................................... 45
G. ATHLETICS AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION .......................................................................................................... 50
Table 1: TYPICAL COURSE SEQUENCING 2021-2022 ................................................................................................... 52
31. INTRODUCTION
The Upper School program is designed to promote both the academic and personal progress of our students.
The program expresses an abiding commitment to liberal education. There is breadth of subject and approach
within the curriculum offerings, and there is frequent consideration of big ideas. Equally important, the program
ensures that students are trained in academic skills; they hone their abilities to converse intelligently, think
deeply, study effectively, and express themselves lucidly. The program encourages students to apply learning
directly to real-life situations and to develop a life of the mind, an ability to make important intellectual
connections, and a curiosity about the world.
2. GUIDELINES FOR COURSE SELECTION
A sound academic preparation is best attained by a broad liberal arts program at the secondary level. We
strongly recommend that students select courses from each of the major disciplines each year. Students are
encouraged to pursue a course of study in a variety of disciplines and to continue in those disciplines beyond the
minimum requirements of the school. Such a course of study is often seen as an indication of purpose and rigor
to colleges and universities, and it often presents a student with the opportunity to better position himself for SAT
Subject Tests and AP examinations.
STUDENT COURSE LOADS
Students are required to take five academic courses each semester, and along with the required health course,
physical education class, or an arts course, this is the typical course load. Students who wish to take more or
fewer than five academic courses need to receive special permission of the Registrar and the Upper School
Director.
Given the college-level expectations of Advanced Placement (AP)-level coursework - and the fact that all of our
courses are college preparatory in their rigor - courses bearing that title are limited to three. As with students
wishing to take more than five academic courses, students may appeal to take any course(s) in excess of this
limit with the permission of the Registrar and Upper School Director.
3. DROPPING OR CHANGING COURSES
If a student is struggling in a course, it may be necessary to make adjustments to his schedule. Before any
changes are made, the cause for the difficulty should be determined.
• If the cause is due to study habits, the student, sponsor, and teacher should develop, in consultation with
the Registrar and the Upper School Director, a plan for addressing the problem.
• If the cause is due to an overwhelming course load or a lack of essential prerequisite skills for success in
the course, enrollment in a different course may be needed. The student, sponsor, teacher, and parents,
in consultation with the Class Dean, Registrar and the Upper School Director, should consider
appropriate course changes.
Except when initiated by the classroom teacher, all course changes must be completed by Friday, September
17, 2021, or Friday, January 28, 2022 for second semester electives. The student must obtain and complete
the appropriate Schedule Change Request Form from the Registrar, including all required signatures. The
student should then meet with the teacher of the class he will be entering to discuss the process for a smooth
transition. If the change is made within this time frame, the dropped course will not appear on the student's
transcript. Teacher-initiated changes completed no later than the end of the first interim follow the same
procedures as above and will not appear on the student's transcript.
44. GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
A. Academic Requirements
The overall graduation requirement is the satisfactory completion of a full-time four-year program in
grades 9 through 12 at University School. (Transfer students must have their course work from other
schools assessed and deemed satisfactory by University School.) A minimum of 20 full-year academic
credits are required for graduation, to be completed in accordance with the course load requirements in
each semester and including the following specific course distribution:
i. Arts
This minimum requirement is typically met in one of three ways:
▪ One year of Introduction to the Arts plus 2 semesters of Arts courses.
▪ Two years of music offerings (Glee Club, Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble) plus a one-
semester course other than music.
▪ Four years with the same musical group (Glee Club, Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble).
ii. English
Completion of four-year sequence.
iii. Foreign Language
Successful completion of three years of study in the same language and passing a school-
administered proficiency examination at level 3 or 4 in that language in the sophomore or junior
year.
iv. History
Completion of three-year sequence: World History to 1500, World History from 1500 to Present,
and United States History or United States History AP.
v. Mathematics
Completion of four-year sequence that includes Pre-calculus.
vi. Science
Completion of three years of laboratory science, including a full year of Biology and either
Chemistry or Physics.
vii. Physical Education
One semester of Health and two semesters of Physical Education.
B. Community Engagement / Cadmean Service
i. Community Engagement
University School’s mission is to inspire boys of promise to become young men of character
who lead and serve. Leaders recognize and embrace the responsibility to act on behalf of
others. Our Community Engagement Program aims to instill these values of leadership and
service to the broader Cleveland community.
University School encourages students to explore their passions and exercise some autonomy
in their selection of their service opportunities. We also regularly inform students of
opportunities for meaningful engagement, facilitate a number of those opportunities directly,
and celebrate the effects of such engagement.
All students are required to complete a minimum of 15 community engagement hours per year
with a non-profit organization, ideally serving communities in need. Students who complete 25
or more hours in a year receive recognition and an awards pin at the end of the school year.
5ii. Cadmean Service
All of members of the US community have a shared sense of responsibility for the school. As
stewards of the school, students assist in daily cleaning and various tasks around the school.
Students also serve as hosts for visitors to the school, ball boys at athletic contests, and ushers
for plays and concerts.
Each year, students are asked to complete a minimum number Cadmean Service hours.
Freshmen, sophomores, and juniors are required to complete 5 hours per year. The Dean of
Student Life schedules these hours for them, but students may choose to do even more hours.
Seniors are required to complete 2 hours and are responsible for completing these hours on
their own.
Students in all grades may earn membership in the Cadmean Society by fulfilling 12 hours of
Cadmean Service. Each year students who complete 12 or more hours of Cadmean Service
receive recognition and an awards pin at the end of the school year. In order to remain a
member of the Cadmean Society throughout their high school career, students need to
maintain a minimum of 12 hours per year.
5. PROGRAMS/FELLOWSHIPS/PROJECTS
A. Anderson Scholars Program
The Anderson Scholars Program is an intensive program with concentration tracks in Entrepreneurship,
Science Research, and Reading and Writing. In Entrepreneurship and Science Research, interested
students apply during their freshman year and work to complete their concentrations during their sophomore,
junior, and senior years. In Reading and Writing, interested students apply during their sophomore year and
work to complete their concentration during their junior and senior years. Students who successfully
complete all requirements of the Anderson Scholars Program will receive a certificate of completion at the
end of their senior year.
The Anderson Scholars Program enables students to pursue a passion with structure, rigor, and depth. With
guidance from an advisor in the concentration, the student pursues an individualized track that connects
required course work with significant experiences outside the walls of the school.
This program is designed to give context and substance to, not supersede, a University School transcript. A
challenging course load, strong grades, and standardized test scores continue to serve as primary
credentials in the college admission process.
All freshman students are required to attend an information session that outlines the Anderson Scholars
Programs in Entrepreneurship and Science Research. All sophomores receive information that outlines the
Anderson Scholars Program in Reading and Writing.
B. Davey Fellowships (applied for in spring of sophomore and junior year)
Thanks to an endowment in the name of Hugh Davey ’64, Davey Fellows undertake an extensive project in
writing. The Davey Fellowship Program is designed to offer a variety of independent study opportunities to
an elite group of creative writers. The Program is open to boys in the 11th and 12th grades. A boy must first
apply to the Program in April by filling out an application and presenting a portfolio of his work, and then he
must be accepted by the director Mr. James Garrett. Whether a boy is interested in writing short stories,
plays, poems, novels, song lyrics, or essays, he may pursue his particular interest under the advisement of a
faculty member who has a special expertise in the area of interest. Furthermore, the Davey Fellowship
Program invites speakers of various professions (e.g., poets, novelists, playwrights, and journalists) to speak
in Assembly and also to members of the Program, sometimes on an individual basis. In addition, senior
Davey Fellows are exempted from giving a senior speech; instead, they are required to read from their work
in a special after-school reception held in the spring.
6Rising juniors and seniors are invited to submit requests to be considered for a Davey Fellowship in the
spring of each year.
C. Strnad Fellowships (applied for in spring of sophomore or junior year)
The Strnad Fellowship Program was established by James and Edna Strnad to stimulate and recognize
creative inquiry by enabling talented underclassmen to undertake projects of research, study, or inquiry well
beyond the usual. The ultimate aim is to provide the Fellow a "unique educational experience" that would not
be available to him outside the guidance and facilities of the school and without the financial support of the
Fellowship Program.
The Strnad project is to be conceived and designed by the Fellow with the guidance of a Sponsoring Advisor
who is normally a member of the faculty. To qualify, a project must involve advanced, creative "research,
investigation, or study" such as to lead the Fellow into "new areas of inquiry" and result in a "product or
unusual activity as opposed to a mere sedentary study." The project is elected in addition to the Fellow's
regular program of study. Fellows may work independently or in pairs and may undertake joint projects with
Strnad Fellows at Hathaway Brown School.
To qualify for a Strnad Fellowship a student's "background must show outstanding interest and ability in the
project discipline to be pursued." Fellows should have completed the available "advanced academic program
of the school" for the discipline in which their project is proposed. Fellows must be able to work both
independently and as members of a team. They must demonstrate the maturity and character to work in the
absence of superior authority on or off campus. Sophomores and Juniors are eligible to apply for a Strnad
Fellowship each spring for the following school year. Sophomores who apply must have projects that require
two years to complete.
6. GRADING SYSTEM
Courses are graded using a letter scale of A+ to F from which a grade point is derived in the following manner:
100-97% => A+ => 4.33 79-77% => C+ => 2.33
96-93% => A => 4.00 76-73% => C => 2.00
92-90% => A- => 3.67 72-70% => C- => 1.67
89-87% => B+ => 3.33 69-67% => D+ => 1.33
86-83% => B => 3.00 66-63% => D => 1.00
82-80% => B- => 2.67 62-60% => D- => 0.67
< 60% => F => 0.00
A. Academic & Arts
Academic courses count one credit; year-long arts courses and semester-long physical education and health
courses, ½ credit; semester-long arts courses, ¼ credit. AP courses do not receive special weighting.
Physical Education, Class Field, and Athletics are graded Pass/Fail.
At the end of each semester an Honors List, designed to recognize outstanding academic achievement, is
compiled. To appear on the list, a student must earn these marks:
7High Honors - a semester academic average of 3.67 to 4.33
Honors - a semester academic average of 3.33 to 3.66
B. Advanced Placement
Through Advanced Placement (AP) courses at University School, students have the opportunity to pursue a
very rigorous curriculum, allowing for the exploration of areas of study not available in typical high-school-
level courses. Through the AP exams, they may earn advanced standing or credit at many colleges and
universities.
In order to enroll in an AP course, a student must meet each of the following requirements:
i. The student must have an interest in the subject area and be willing to work hard.
ii. The student must meet all requirements of the individual AP courses offered. These requirements
can be found in the course catalogue and should be read carefully prior to registering for an AP
course. All questions concerning the requirements should be directed to the Department Chair.
iii. Unless stated differently in a specific course description, the student must have a "B-" (2.67) or
higher cumulative grade point average in order to register for an AP course.
Students who do not meet the above requirements may appeal to be considered for enrollment in an AP
course through the following two-step process:
i. The student must write a one-page statement explaining why he wishes to enroll in this specific
course and how he plans to succeed. A copy of this document should be given to his sponsor, the
teacher of the course, and the Department Chair on the day he submits his schedule request for
2021-2022 to his sponsor.
ii. The student will be interviewed by his sponsor, the teacher of the course, and the Department Chair.
This review board will determine if the student has the study habits, interest in the course content,
and the time in his curricular and extracurricular schedule to meet the expectations of the course.
Should the boy's request to enroll in a particular course be denied by the review board, he will not be
allowed to take the course. If he wishes to appeal the decision of the review board, within 10 days
he may write a separate letter to the Registrar and the Upper School Director, who will render a final
decision.
Students who enroll in AP courses agree to take the AP examinations offered in May.
7. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
A. What is a typical course load at University School?
Students are required to take five academic courses each semester, and this is the typical academic
course load. Students are also required to fulfill an arts requirement, enroll in physical education if they
are not participating in an interscholastic sport, and complete a one-semester Health course. If a senior
has demonstrated both an interest and ability in art, he may petition to the Registrar and Upper School
Director to take four academic courses and two arts courses each semester.
B. How do I know which courses to take? Should I choose to take more than
the typical course load?
Students have more and more choices about their courses as they progress through the curriculum,
especially in their junior and senior years. One should consult the course catalogue to learn when and
under what circumstances these choices become available. A student may wish to take a second
language or a second arts course. He may wish to take an elective in history or mathematics, a second
8senior English course, or two advanced science courses. (For the typical sequence of courses, please
see the course sequence chart at the end of this booklet.)
If a student is considering an unusually demanding course load, he should ask himself why he wishes to
do so. A student might be especially curious about a subject, eager to take a course from a specific
teacher, or interested in distinguishing himself to colleges. (Traditionally, a student's past performance is
the best predictor of future performance in an activity or discipline – a student's statement, "If I were
challenged, I would work harder," has not proven to be accurate.) If a student is considering a heavy
course load, he should consult with his sponsor to make sure he has anticipated how an extra course will
affect other commitments in his day—academic, extracurricular, athletic, interests or responsibilities
outside of school. (Students who wish to take more than five academic courses must talk with a college
counselor and have their schedules approved by the Registrar in consultation with the Upper School
Director.)
C. Can I drop a course?
Please see Dropping or Changing Courses on Page 4. A student at University School must be enrolled
in a minimum of five academic courses each semester. Note that a student who drops one course is
often obliged to enroll in another course in order to be enrolled in five academic courses each semester.
Often the student finds that this change of courses disrupts his entire schedule; in order for the new
course to be scheduled, he might have to be transferred to a different section of a course he is already
taking or to a different teacher.
A student may drop a course during the first four weeks of the school year and not have the dropped
course appear on his transcript. After that time and until the end of the first interim, requests for a course
change are initiated by the classroom teacher, and under these circumstances the dropped course does
not appear on the student's transcript. The student does not have the opportunity to drop a course
unless it is recommended collectively by the classroom teacher, Department Head, sponsor, college
counselor, Dean of Students, and Upper School Director.
D. Can I take a second foreign language?
Yes. Typically, students begin a second language during the sophomore or junior year. Students should
bear in mind the following policies as they select courses:
i. Students who sign up for the third year of their primary foreign language to complete their
language requirement may not drop the course;
ii. Seniors cannot begin the study of a new language, except Greek;
iii. Students who wish to begin the study of a second language should plan to do so for at least two
years.
E. Why should I choose to take an AP course?
Beginning sophomore year with AP Statistics and AP Computer Science, students have the opportunity
to apply for an AP course. Enrollment is sometimes limited, and students should consult the course
catalogue to learn about the specific requirement for each course. Students enroll in AP courses for
reasons similar to those for taking an unusually demanding course load: a special interest in a topic or a
wish to present themselves well to colleges. AP courses provide a student with the opportunity to study
at an accelerated pace and, depending on his performance on the AP exam and the policies of the
college he will eventually attend, to earn college credit while in high school.
Juniors and seniors have a number of choices in the courses they select. What are colleges looking for
in the academic schedules of applicants during their junior and senior years? Like high schools, colleges
expect students to work at the upper range of their abilities. Conventionally, colleges prefer to see a
student continue in a discipline for four years of high school—English, history, mathematics, science, a
foreign language—and to progress in that discipline at a level commensurate with his abilities as
indicated by standardized testing.
F. What are the expectations of an AP course?
9AP courses are college-level courses designed to prepare students to take a three-hour AP exam in
May. Every student who enrolls in an AP course at University School agrees to take the AP exam in that
subject area.
In an introductory course such as English 9 or World History to 1500, teachers might sometimes adjust
the pace of instruction to ensure that students have mastered a specific concept or to linger on a topic
students find especially interesting. An AP course has an established course of study through the
College Board, and it is the student’s responsibility to meet the expectations of that course of study. In
an AP course, the curriculum does not adjust to the ability level or special interests of a specific section
of students; instead, the students are expected to meet the pace, rigor, and focus of study in the course.
If a student is considering an AP course, he might wish to speak with the teacher of that course to learn
more about the syllabus, the pace of instruction, and the amount of homework each day.
G. What happens to my schedule if I am not accepted into an AP course?
On the course registration sheet there is a space for a student to list his requests for courses. If you are
requesting enrollment in an AP course, please be sure to indicate your second and third choices in a
department’s offerings so an alternate course can be scheduled.
H. Can I accelerate my program in mathematics?
With the recommendation of the school, students have the opportunity to accelerate their mathematics
to the next course in his sequence. Students who qualify may elect to take University School’s summer
course in either Honors Math 3 or AP Calculus AB. Classes meet for five or six weeks, five days per
week, for four hours per day. Homework is assigned each night. Each course has weekly tests and a
final exam. Satisfactory performance in either class would allow the student to move to the next course
in his sequence
I. Can I accelerate my program in science?
The Upper School Science Department requires three years of lab science courses for graduation.
Based on the State of Ohio graduation requirements, students must complete a year-long lab course in
life science (biology) and a year-long lab course in physical science (chemistry or physics).
Most University School students complete a minimum of four science courses during high school.
Typically, students take Biology as freshmen, Chemistry as sophomores, Physics or Honors Physics as
juniors, and an elective science course as seniors. We offer AP as well as non-AP electives.
With the recommendation of the school, students also have the opportunity to accelerate their science
program in four ways:
i. A student can enroll in two science classes in an academic year.
ii. Rising freshmen can complete the US Summer Biology course. These students then enroll in
Chemistry as freshmen. AP Biology is a graduation requirement for students choosing this option.
iii. Rising freshmen, sophomores, juniors, or seniors can take the US Summer Chemistry course. AP
Chemistry is a graduation requirement for students choosing this option.
iv. Rising sophomores, juniors, or seniors can take the US Summer Honors Physics course. AP
Physics C is a graduation requirement for students choosing this option.
J. How is my grade point average calculated?
A student’s grade point average is determined by assigning each academic course one credit, a
semester-long health course or a year-long arts course ½ credit, and a semester-long arts course ¼
credit, and then averaging those grades.(Please refer to the chart on Page 7 to see how the grade point
average is translated into a letter grade.) Grades in AP courses receive no special weighting. Physical
Education, Class Field, and Athletics are graded Pass/Fail.
10K. How do I fulfill the arts requirement?
A student may fulfill his arts requirement in one of the following ways:
i. A student completes the year-long Introduction to the Arts course, plus two semesters of Arts
electives.
ii. A student completes two years of a music ensemble (University Singers, Glee Club, Orchestra,
and/ or Jazz Ensemble) plus one additional semester elective in the Visual Arts, Design
Technology, or Drama.
iii. Four years with the same music ensemble (University Singers and Glee Club, Orchestra, and/ or
Jazz Ensemble).
- OR -
If a student decides not to continue in a music ensemble for a second year, he must fulfill the arts
requirement as follows: the student enrolls and completes the Introduction to the Arts course: Visual
Arts, Design Technology and Drama. He then must complete one additional semester of an Arts elective.
L. How do I fulfill the physical education requirement?
The State of Ohio requires students to complete 120 hours of Physical Education in high school.
A student may fulfill his physical education requirement in one of the following ways:
i. Complete two semesters of Physical Education courses at University School during the
academic day in different academic years.
ii. Compete as a University School athlete in at least two seasons of interscholastic sports as a
member of a Varsity, Junior Varsity, or Freshmen team in different academic years.
iii. Complete three after-school Physical Fitness courses across at least two academic years.
Please note that according to the Ohio Department of Education, students may not fulfill their
physical education requirement by participating in outside club or athletic offerings, and
students may not fulfill the requirement by combining one Physical Education class with one
season of interscholastic sports.
M. How do I obtain my textbooks?
A complete list of all the materials required for each of your courses will be provided to you over the
summer along with a copy of your schedule.
The majority of the books and materials used in the courses in which you are enrolled can be purchased
through our on-line bookstore, MBS Direct. Some of the titles will be available through the student-run
US Textbooks (but it is important to note that their offerings do not reflect the entire course list). You are
also welcome to purchase your books through sites like Amazon or Half.com, provided you use the ISBN
information from the course list to make sure you are ordering the correct version and edition of each
title. In some rare cases, if the title is no longer readily available, students will receive their books directly
from the instructor. In the case of textbooks, such titles must be returned at the final exam. In the case
of paperback books, boys will have these titles charged to their accounts, and they will be theirs to keep.
118. COURSES BY DEPARTMENT
A. ARTS
The Arts Department at the Upper School offers a rich array of opportunities in the musical, dramatic,
fine and applied arts. These offerings fall into four main categories: music, theater, visual arts, and
design technology. All students are expected to complete two full years of study in the arts. Many
students elect to go well beyond that requirement to expand their aesthetic sensibilities. The
department's faculty consists of a group of practicing artists with more than 100 years of collective
teaching experience.
All students have a wide variety of opportunities no matter the discipline, to pursue personal interests by
taking either individual, sustained or more advanced courses in the arts. The primary goal of all arts
studio opportunities is to cultivate an appreciation for the skill, hard work, and original thinking that is
required for the production of finished works of art. Whether the finished work manifests in the shape of a
theater production, an orchestral or jazz performance, a piece of fine art or designed piece of functional
ware, students in the US arts studios have the opportunity to produce professional works of the highest
quality, to perform on the largest stages, and display those works in serious competitions.
Music at the Hunting Valley campus offers various levels of opportunity. On the performance level,
there are four large ensembles: University Singers, Glee Club (grades 10-12), Orchestra (grades 9-12),
and two Jazz Ensembles (grades 9-12). These groups, in turn, generate smaller, elite ensembles such
as the US Males Choir, Rock Band, and the Jazz Combo. All these groups perform both for the school
community and for the community at large. Glee Club, Orchestra, and the top Jazz Ensemble have
toured both nationally and internationally.
The Music Department's philosophy attempts to satisfy the needs of three discrete student
constituencies. Advanced high achievers are challenged to pursue excellence in all that they do. Mid-
level performers receive constant encouragement as they acquire the necessary training to improve their
skill levels. All US students are given the listening experiences and vocabulary to be sophisticated
music consumers and cosmopolitan citizens of the world.
Twice each year the Drama Department puts on a production: in the fall a play, which is in rehearsal for
seven weeks, and in the spring a musical, which is in rehearsal for nine weeks. Staffing the productions
are a veteran and accomplished staff: A Director, a Technical Director, a Technical Craftsman, a Musical
Director, Choreographer, and a Scenic Artist. Many students, including athletes in season and leaders
of school activities, perform in the plays, as do girls from nearby schools. The students are given
professional direction, and the quality of each production is high. Each year the Middle School attends
the dress rehearsal for each of the productions, and the student actors routinely perform to sold-out
houses.
Technical Theater for productions is created and facilitated by the Technical Director, a Technical
Craftsman, and a Scenic Artist, who train an extra-curricular student Stage Crew in all production
matters. The crew consists of a core group of students ranging from grades 9 -12, some who also
provide daily tech support for school assemblies and events. Students acquire hands-on skills
necessary to support the construction of two full-scale theater sets, the sound, and lighting for all
productions in the auditorium.
The Visual Arts and Design Technology studio offerings range from traditional courses in Drawing,
Painting, Printmaking, Sculpture, Ceramics, and Fine Woodworking, to the latest in 21 st Century digital
media including Film Studies, Photography, Digital Art, and Design Technology, Applied Engineering and
Yearbook. Courses are organized for the student who wishes to sample different media, or for students
who wish to work more deeply in a particular medium. The department has available and uses where
appropriate the most current versions of the following software applications in all courses including:
Adobe Suite, Adobe PhotoshopCC, Adobe Illustrator, AutoCAD, Fusion 360, AutoDesk Sketchbook, and
Sketchable. Likewise, tools available to students range from potter’s wheels to plasma cutters, printing
presses, to 3D printers, and from paint brushes to Surface-Pro drawing tablets.
12INTRODUCTION TO THE ARTS
Elected in either the freshman or the sophomore year, this course is required of all underclassmen
except those who elect University Singers, Glee Club, Jazz Ensemble, and/or Orchestra for at least two
years.
This year-long, three-part course is designed to introduce students to three major art forms: Dramatic
Arts, Fine Arts and Technical Design. Dramatic Arts focuses on the elements of theatre as they apply to
the reading of and acting in plays. It will also include an introduction to public speaking. The Fine Arts
section introduces theories in creative and visual perception and techniques in drawing and painting so
that students develop a visual vocabulary and an appreciation for artists and artistic styles. Technical
Design concentrates on the sequence of design, critical inquiry, programming, and fabrication.
(Year Course - ½ credit)
MUSIC THEORY
Music Theory is open to any 10th through 12th grader (not available to freshmen) who can already read
music at a reasonable level and has an interest in exploring the deeper details of rhythm, harmony,
melody, timbre and other parameters of music encountered in various music styles. Students who take
this course will also work with digital ear training and theory tutorials. The course can be aligned with the
AP Music Theory textbook as student interest warrants. Students wishing to take this course must first
meet with the course instructor to determine the student’s current understanding of music fundamentals.
As time and the students’ abilities allow, the course can include some time with composition and skills
related to it.
(Year or semester course - ¼ credit per semester – can be taken either semester for the semester
option)
JAZZ ENSEMBLE
The Jazz Ensemble is an audition-based group, available to instrumental music students. The group
performs music drawn from the century-old history of jazz as well as other styles connected to jazz.
Students perform locally at a wide range of settings, including noted venues such as the Bop Stop, often
backing noted jazz performers. In addition, the group tours periodically to New Orleans or New York City.
Besides rehearsing and performing, other facets of the class include listening to historically important
recordings and videos, exploring relevant writings on jazz as well developing aural skills, music reading
skills, and music theory knowledge as it relates to improvisation and overall music awareness. The group
also serves as outlets for student compositions that would be playable by the Ensemble.
(Year course - ½ credit)
ROCK BAND
This course is an audition-based elective (not available to freshmen) providing the opportunity for
student musicians to make music in a regular classroom setting, guided by a faculty member who is also
a professional musician. The optimal size for the class will be one bassist, one drummer and a maximum
of four guitarists. A keyboard player, if that person has sufficient skills and background to meaningfully
contribute to the group, could be added. It is designed for musicians who either do not have the skill set
to play with the Jazz Ensemble or who are not inclined to want to play the styles of music found in the
Jazz Ensemble. This course is not designed for students who are entry-level players, i.e., have never
played an instrument. The group will play music mostly from the range of styles generally labeled "rock"
and "popular," with students selecting over 50% of the selections. The teacher will mandate some
selections to expand the students’ ability to play outside of their primary style interests. Singing will be a
part of this experience. The Rock Band will submit a recording to the annual Tri-C High School Rock Off
and will end the semester with a public performance at a noted venue in the Cleveland area. Other
performance opportunities may arise as well during the semester. The areas of study will include
transcribing music (i.e., learning the melody and harmony of songs, as well as learning improvised solos)
by ear; learning to read written music, with the emphasis on standard note-head and lead sheet notation;
expanding one’s harmonic knowledge as it relates to the music encountered in the class; and learning to
develop improvised solos to a high level. The ultimate goal of this experience is to develop players who
consistently musically interact at a very high level. Students may repeat the class for a total of two
semesters in different years. (For repeat participants, the music repertoire will be different.)
13Class placement will be by audition only, based on the student’s level of technical/instrumental skills and
music knowledge, as well as a conversation with the teacher to further determine the student’s
background and interest.
(Semester course - ¼ credit; available only first semester)
CLASS GUITAR I
This course is for the student who has never played guitar before and is interested in acquiring a basic
level of skill. The class will cover: aural skills such as learning melodies, chords and entire tunes by ear;
theory skills/chord and scale structures, reading music (centered around standard notation along with
some tablature, aka ‘TAB’); technical guitar aspects such as proper body and guitar positioning, picking
and strumming patterns, stringing, tuning, identification of instrument parts and care of the instrument,
developing song repertoire, including some basic singing skills (developing the ability to simultaneously
play and sing). The class will use acoustic (non-amplified) guitars due to the technical advantage to the
beginner by starting off with that type of guitar. As part of the class, the school will provide guitars - to be
used in school only; Additionally, students must purchase an acoustic guitar (NO electric guitars will be
acceptable for class) that will remain at home for the student’s practicing. Contact information with area
music stores will be provided for locating a combination of quality instrument and best price value.
(Semester 1 course - ¼ credit)
CLASS GUITAR II
This course is available to students who have already taken Class Guitar I, or, after meeting with the
instructor, have received permission to enroll. The course material will continue the progression of skills
covered in Class Guitar I, adding: the emphasis on E and A form barre chords and more advanced chord
voicings, more music reading, improvising and accompanying (aka rhythm guitar) in various styles, and
higher-level ear training leading to the transcription (learn from recordings) of melodies and chords. The
class will begin using only acoustic guitar. Electric guitar will be introduced at some point in the
semester, covering issues unique to amplified instruments. The fundamentals of electric bass will be
briefly covered at the end of the semester.
(Semester 2 course - ¼ credit)
ORCHESTRA (Grades 9, 10, 11, 12)
The University School Chamber Orchestra is one of the four large performing ensembles at University
School and the only group devoted to performing symphonic and pop orchestra repertoire. The
Orchestra presents concerts with the Glee Club and frequently collaborates with other instrumental
ensembles, including groups at the US Lower School and Hathaway-Brown. Advanced players in the
US Orchestra have also participated in the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra, the Akron Symphony
Youth Orchestra, the Contemporary Youth Orchestra, and the Cleveland Youth Wind Symphony.
Material covered each year varies based on repertoire but over the course of four years in Orchestra,
students will develop music literacy, explore relevant topics in music history and theory, and build both
individual technique and ensemble performance skills. Students are expected to conduct themselves
professionally in rehearsals and concerts as they help foster a vibrant culture of music performance at
University School.
This ensemble is open to strings, woodwinds (including saxophones), brass, percussion, and piano.
Prerequisite: successful audition with director
(Year Course - ½ credit)
GLEE CLUB (Grades 10, 11, 12)
The Glee Club is the premier large vocal music ensemble at US and performs regularly at University
School and in the Greater Cleveland area throughout the school year. This ensemble explores repertoire
from a diverse range of musical periods, cultures, and genres and provides opportunities for students to
further their individual musical development as soloists, composers/arrangers, and student conductors.
Members of the Glee Club may elect to audition for the US Males, a collegiate-style a cappella group
that focuses on popular music styles. Many members of the Glee Club participate in regional honor
ensembles including the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Chorus. Material covered each year varies based
on repertoire but over the course of four years in the vocal music program, students will develop music
literacy, explore relevant topics in music history and theory, and build both individual technique and
14ensemble performance skills. Students are expected to conduct themselves professionally in rehearsals
and concerts as they help foster a vibrant culture of music performance at University School.
Prerequisite: Completion of one year of University Singers or director approval; successful audition with
director.
(Year Course - ½ credit)
UNIVERSITY SINGERS (Grades 9, 10)
This ensemble provides students with an introduction to vocal music at the Upper School level and
prepares singers for participation in the US Glee Club, regional honor choirs, and musical theater
productions. Students will perform a wide range of repertoire tailored to their musical and developmental
needs, explore music theory and sight-singing, and build age-appropriate vocal technique. In addition,
students will learn how to be responsible, engaged participants in daily rehearsal and will understand
how their individual efforts can contribute to the growth and success of the ensemble.
Prerequisite: None.
(Year Course - ½ credit)
DRAMA WORKSHOP
Drama Workshop is an acting class that focuses on scene and monologue work, improvisation, and
audition technique. It is designed to give actors a class to attend daily where they can improve their
acting technique. The class is also an excellent way to improve public speaking skills. Drama Workshop
can be taken for one semester or (preferably) all year during Sophomore, Junior, and Senior years.
(¼ credit per semester)
TECHNICAL THEATER
In Technical Theater, students will learn how to design and operate various aspects of the three main
divisions of theater production; lighting, sound, and set construction. Classes will fall into two different
categories: 1) workdays; in which the students will learn different techniques of building on stage or in
the theater woodshop while working on the set for the fall play or spring musical; and 2) classroom days:
in which students will either be introduced to a new aspect of technical theater, or work on classroom
design projects. Each semester will culminate with a student doing a full scenic design (marked script,
blueprint, and cue list) of a play. Technical Theater can be taken as a one semester course for as many
six semesters - during Sophomore, Junior, and Senior years.
Maximum 6 students
(Semester Course - ¼ credit)
ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF CINEMA
Over the course of the two semesters, students will study twenty-five of the most influential films of the
past one hundred years, from The Birth of a Nation to Parasite. We will look at these films through
multiple lenses, particularly those of genre, auteur theory, historical moment, and national cinemas. By
the end of the year, students will gain an understanding of films as products of their cultural and
historical moment, a broad frame of reference by which to measure other films they see, and a filmic
language with which to discuss them. Class sessions consist of screenings and scene analysis, and
work for the course includes daily participation, selected readings, and response papers. Films screened
include The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, Citizen Kane, Casablanca, Rashomon, Bicycle Thieves, Psycho, The
Graduate, Chinatown, The Godfather, Raging Bull, Annie Hall, Do the Right Thing, Goodfellas, Fargo,
and many more!
(Open to Juniors and Seniors only)
Maximum 12 students per semester
(ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF CINEMA 1 is offered 1st semester and ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF
CINEMA 2 is offered second semester. A student may take either course and need not take Cinema 1
before enrolling in Cinema 2 - ¼ credit per semester)
DRAWING (1, ADVANCED, INDEPENDENT)
Only offered in the 1st semester, this course offers introduction to basic drawing in a friendly, non-
intimidating accessible approach that teaches essential techniques through creative and fun projects.
This class is a mixed group of students, where some students are taking the course for the first time,
while other students may be taking the class as advanced or Independent students (who have previously
completed this course several times). Through class demonstrations and individualized attention, each
15student will complete a series of unique and imaginative projects using both traditional and digital media
via Surface Pro tablets. Accomplished works will be submitted to local, regional and national art
competitions. Open to all sophomores, juniors, and seniors, no prerequisite is required.
Maximum 14 students.
(1st Semester Course - ¼ credit)
PAINTING (1, ADVANCED, INDEPENDENT)
Only offered in the 2nd semester, this course offers introduction to basic painting in a friendly, non-
intimidating accessible approach that teaches essential techniques through creative and fun projects.
This class is a mixed group of students, where some students are taking the course for the first time,
while other students may be taking the class as advanced or Independent students (who have previously
completed this course several times). Through class demonstrations and individualized attention, each
student will complete a series of unique and imaginative projects using both traditional and digital media
via Surface Pro tablets. Accomplished works will be submitted to local, regional and national art
competitions. Open to all sophomores, juniors, and seniors, no prerequisite is required.
Maximum 14 students.
(2nd Semester Course - ¼ credit)
DIGITAL ART
Only offered in the 1st semester, this course is designed to allow students the opportunity to explore the
use of art making with digital technology while learning about the elements and principles of visual
design. Students will learn and master three essential digital software programs, Adobe Photoshop
(raster-based), Adobe Illustrator (vector-based), and Autodesk Sketchup Book (Surface Tablet). Through
class demonstrations, hand-outs, and individualized attention, each student will complete a series of
unique and imaginative projects. Accomplished works will be submitted to local, regional and national art
competitions. Open to all sophomores, juniors, and seniors, no prerequisite is required.
Maximum 10 students.
(1st Semester Course - ¼ credit)
DIGITAL FABRICATION (FABLAB ART)
Only offered in the 2nd semester, this course is devoted to hands-on fabrications of projects related to
Art, Technology, and Design. The highlight of the course is learning to use our state-of-the-art
equipment: laser cutter (cardboard and wood), and CNC plasma cutter (steel). The class will allow
students to explore their ideas using the tools and software found in our US digital fabrication lab in the
art wing. Through class demonstrations, hand-outs, and individualized attention, each student will
complete a series of unique and imaginative projects. Accomplished works will be submitted to local,
regional and national art competitions. Open to all sophomores, juniors, and seniors, no prerequisite is
required.
Maximum 10 students.
(2nd Semester Course - ¼ credit)
PHOTOGRAPHY 1
An emphasis on composition, visual perception, the history of photography and camera use, dominates
this mainly digital studio course. Students will begin by being introduced to the fundamentals of optics
and camera operation highlighted by the camera obscura, pinhole photography and photogram prints.
Concepts and DSLR skills in proper exposure are gained by balancing ISO, aperture, shutter speed,
lighting and contrast. The creation of memorable and at times competitive photographs based on defined
themes becomes a part of the rhythm of the course. Periodic lectures highlighting photographic images
of historic events, places and personalities serve as inspiration for student assignments. Projects will
take place in the darkroom, the field, as well as in the studio. Gradually, basic skills of image editing will
be introduced using Adobe Photoshop. Appreciation will be gained for the “straight” photograph versus
one that has been enhanced or manipulated. In-class peer-to-peer critiques allow students to receive
individual and group input to their work progressively. The course culminates with an artist research
presentation and the student’s semester portfolio presentation. Digital cameras are provided for each
student.
Photography 1 is available only fall semester.
Maximum 12 students.
(Semester Course - ¼ credit)
16PHOTOGRAPHY 2
Increasingly difficult themes and compositional assignments build on the work done in Photography 1.
Deeper-level concepts in aesthetics and art history guide this mainly digital studio course. There will be
continued work on manual settings in both the field and in the studio. The course will include more
advanced critiques, and a field trip to historic sites in Cleveland. Photographic images of historic events,
places, and personalities will serve as inspiration for student work with an emphasis on an appreciation
for the inherent power of photography in our contemporary social climate. Editing and image
enhancement continues using Adobe Photoshop. The course culminates with the student’s portfolio
presentation. Digital cameras are provided for each student.
Photography 2 is available only spring semester.
Prerequisite: Photography 1.
Maximum 12 students.
(Semester Course - ¼ credit)
ADVANCED PHOTOGRAPHY
Advanced Photography students will work to create a series of images based on pre- and self-defined
themes. Advanced Photography student should be both motivated and prepared to take photographs on
their own outside of class as a part of extended assignments. Excellence in production will be
emphasized from camera use to print. Serious darkroom, studio, and field assignments culminate in a
series of archival photographic prints. Field trips to regional sites, galleries, and collections take place
periodically. Depending upon availability, local professional photographers will visit.
Prerequisites: Photography 1 and 2, or approval of instructor.
Maximum 12 students
(Year Course - ½ credit)
SCULPTURE IN METALS AND CERAMICS
This is a three-dimensional studio course with emphasis on advanced themes, techniques, and
processes. Designed for the serious sculpture student, this class will allow students to concentrate on
individualized interpretive projects and techniques in plaster, steel, wood, hand-built or thrown ceramic,
and slip casting. Artists ranging from Sol LeWitt, David Smith, Alexander Calder, Claus Oldenberg and
Jasper Johns will be used initially as inspiration as students develop personal themes for exploration.
Sensitivities to scale, material, composition, installation, and form will be emphasized. The course is
open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors. In-class critiques allow students to receive individual and
group input to their work progressively. The course culminates with the student’s portfolio presentation.
This course can be taken more than once as desired, so that serious students can work more deeply on
desired techniques.
Sculpture is available either semester.
Maximum 8 students.
(Semester Course - ¼ credit)
TECHNICAL DESIGN 1
This course will consist of a basic introduction to traditional mechanical drawing using AutoCAD, a
Computer-Assisted Design and Drafting software (CAD), as the principal drawing tool. Students draw a
series of mechanical objects in two-dimensional drawings, orthographic drawings, three-dimensional
wireframe, and finally as solid models. Before transitioning into three-dimensional drawing, each student
designs and fabricates a laser cut wood luminaire inspired by the Arts and Craft movement and Frank
Lloyd Wright’s stained glass panels. The class will finish the semester designing a candle holder that will
be incorporated in their wood luminaire that will be built using our 3D printer.
Technical Design 1 is available only fall semester.
Maximum 12 students.
(Semester Course - ¼ credit)
TECHNICAL DESIGN 2
In the second semester the course will concentrate on three-dimensional solid modeling. The class will
delve into 3-dimensional drawing creating a series of complex solid objects and using our 3D printer to
design/build prototypes. Through a series of industrial design projects (designing a chair, a lamp, a bus
stop, a tiny house design, and a bicycle), students will continue to increase their repertoire of advanced
commands and solid modeling operations. Each student develops their design, creates a virtual three-
dimensional model, and applies realistic materials and lighting to their objects. They finish each project
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