*Students, please do not forget that there are numerous electives available at BLA! These are wonderful courses to take if you are wishing to expand your horizons regarding certain disciplines.
English Electives
Creative Writing
Creative Writing is a workshop course in which we discover, analyze and apply the methods and styles used in various forms of fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and dramatic writing. The course emphasizes experimentation and practice, taking our cues from published writers, poets, and playwrights. In addition to daily and weekly assignments, students will have the opportunity to produce a significant, independent project during the fourth term. Students in this class should expect to "read like writers" and write every day!
Math Electives
Advanced Quantitative Reasoning
Using project-based instruction and real-world situations this course will give students the knowledge and general understanding of finance to analyze financial, social, and economical challenges of the 21st century. Students will apply quantitative analysis, problem solving, and reasoning to make informed decisions on topics such as loans, banking, the housing market, and the stock market.
Interactive Media Design and Development
Students will learn valuable technological skills and will study Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and Flash to manipulate photos as well as create and edit illustrations and animations. In addition to using design software, you will study several Google apps, learn to maintain a blog and learn some Computer Science. (Does not fulfill math elective requirement.)
Science Electives
Anatomy and Physiology
This survey course concentrates on mammalian anatomy and physiology. Cellular and inter-cellular structure, function, and organization are included as well as discussion of basic mammalian biochemistry. Illustrative laboratory work and demonstrations including dissections, use of models, and examination of histological samples will be included where appropriate.
Biomedical Science
Biomedical Science is a course designed to introduce students to the biomedical sciences (biological sciences, emergency services, healthcare, medicine or related fields) and to prepare them to pursue careers and further study in a health or science profession. The ideal student for this course is someone interested in exploring the concepts of human medicine through a series of hands-on units, some of which will include bioethics, forensics, pharmacology, medical records, and comparative anatomy and physiology.
History Electives
International Relations
Students will study the international system, its actors, and the global community deals with day-to-day business, and extraordinary events. The course will begin with an in-depth investigation of the State as an international actor. The course will then move to international organizations, then non-governmental organizations. Finally with a firm understanding of all of the actors on the international stage, the course will examine how the international community deals with war, trade, humanitarian disasters, development, population migration, the environment, and crime/terrorism. After learning a concept, the course will rely on case studies that students will select in order to get a wide variety of examples from all around the globe. The course will draw heavily from modern history, law, and economics in order to better understand the world that we are living in.
Sociology
This college level seminar allows students to explore social issues, public policy, and historical content through the lens of gender and sexuality. Students will examine intersections of gender and sexuality with conceptions of race, class, national origin, religion, and education while acquiring a proficient understanding of various feminist and queer theories. Throughout the seminar, students will also examine how gender and sexuality are portrayed through various media (such as television, film, and music) before completing an independent study that affords an opportunity to conduct long-term research over the course of the final marking term.
Researching Activism for Change(Protest and Pοlicy)
This course (research and project based) would serve to help students develop and apply the concept of civic engagement and strategies for enhancing civic engagement and advancing social justice in different contexts.The examination of historical (including global) case studies of grassroot movements as a method for social change. The course would include an introduction to the philosophical and historical roots of the American (and global) political system(s) and analysis of the American political party system, its platforms and functions.
Facing History & Ourselves
Facing History traces the history of discrimination, prejudice, and their escalation into violence and genocide worldwide. The course examines how people have been marginalized as well as how people have struggled to improve their societies. The course is taught from an interdisciplinary perspective with a heavy reliance on primary source materials, literature, and art, and makes considerable use of the latest in educational technology, with much of the work required for the course produced online. It considers the role of perpetrators, victims, bystanders, as well as rescuers and resisters as it looks at the role that individuals play in history. Current events are emphasized, as the issues raised are ongoing. The course seeks to equip students to become critically minded citizens with the ability to think through the big moral and political choices that they will confront as citizens in modern society.
African American Studies
African American Studies is a conceptually driven course that introduces students to the exploration of the rich and diverse history and culture of African Americans. In African American Studies, students learn about the history and cultural contributions of African Americans. This course is designed to assist students in understanding issues and events from multiple perspectives. This course develops an understanding of the historical roots of African American culture, especially as it pertains to social, economic, and political interactions within the broader context of United States history
Classics Electives
Ancient Greek
This course teaches the basics of Ancient Greek (Attic), including the alphabet, the verbal system, declensions and grammatical structure. The text used, Athenaze, is based on learning through reading and also gives the students an understanding of fifth-century Athenian politics and culture. Projects are assigned each term on outside topics such as Greek history, literature, archaeology, art, philosophy, and science. Students are encouraged to visit the excellent classical collection at the Museum of Fine Art
Advanced Latin Poetry Honors
Students translate Latin selections from Catullus, Virgil & Ovid. Emphasis on metrical scansion and figures of speech. Students’ products based on historical topics and possible field trips to local art museums.
Myth Traditions
Students are engaged in a thorough study of ancient Greek mythology and Roman foundation legends. Emphasis will be on how myths are structured, how people use myths to make sense of their experience and how societies apply myths to political purposes and how myths are represented in ancient and modern art. Power point presentations with slides of mythology in art are an integral part of this course.
Visual & Performing Arts Electives
Studio Art 1
Advanced visual art is designed for young artists and students who have little or no previous experience in art. This structured course is designed for students of all levels and provides a rich and nurturing environment for the creative spirit and imagination to flourish. Goals include an in-depth grasp of the elements of design line, shape, form, texture, pattern, space, and color. The class will develop unity that will respect and celebrate the individual perspective while challenging students to think outside the box. Beginning students will develop a solid basic foundation whereas advanced students will receive individual instruction to further knowledge and skill. Either way, you can't go wrong.
Technical Theater
In this course students will explore the design side of the theater. Students will study sound, lighting, costume, props and set design culminating in the complete design and construction of a set for the Spring Musical. Students in technical theater will not be acting, but will be working behind the scenes.
Theater Performance/Production
All students are cast in a production. Students analyze, prepare, rehearse and perform a play. Students will also study the technical aspects of a production while creating the set, costumes and lighting for the play. This course will provide practical experience in rehearsing and performing a play or musical. Students will participate in the annual Massachusetts State Drama Guild Competition.
Theater & Production Advanced Seminar
This advanced theater course polishes students auditioning, performing and technical theater skills. Students analyze, prepare, rehearse and perform a one-act play. Students will also study the technical aspects of a production while creating the set, costumes and lighting for the play. Students in this advanced course will participate in the annual Massachusetts State Drama Guild Competition.