12th Grade

These courses are the culmination of a four-year study providing students with the necessary information and skills for further study in the fields of international relations, political science, philosophy, law economics, public service, foreign language, foreign service, teaching, writing, and advanced study in liberal arts.

United States and Comparative Government-Honors is an intensive study of government of the United States; a comparative study of other Pacific Rim government systems and their underlying political philosophies; and the interaction of those systems in an international setting. Students have extensive readings from texts and primary sources and are expected to reflect on those readings in a series of essays, tests, and classroom discussions. The students also have an opportunity to participate in Mock Trial competition during the annual law conference. By the end of the year, the students should understand the philosophical groundwork of the various forms of government that represent the Pacific Rim nations, how those ideas have been translated into constitutions, and how those countries coexist in a time of rapid technological change. An extensive term paper is required.

World Literature/Composition-(AP) This course provides students the opportunity to read classical and contemporary literature, including non-fiction and poetry. Students are expected to write each semester essays varying in length and rhetorical complexity. Each essay should demonstrate the cultural and philosophical ideas examined. Students read widely, write frequently, and reflect on their readings through extensive discussions. Students practice active learning; teach as well as learn from each other; and acquire cooperative learning skills. This course is part of the senior block and is taught in conjunction with and complements U.S. and Comparative Governments-Honors.