ENGLISH

Students are required to take four years of English to graduate. Courses are sequential and based on skills. Composition is a prerequisite for Literature, and Literature is a prerequisite for Advanced English semester electives. Writing and reading are integral parts of courses offered in Social Studies, the Arts, and the Sciences as well as in English.

Composition (10 units)

This course provides the foundation for student writing and reading at Maybeck. Students develop and hone their skills while working with many forms and genres. Writing assignments range from short exercises to more extensive essays and creative pieces. The pre-write/draft/revision process of writing is emphasized. Students’ work receives detailed individual attention from the instructor in addition to opportunities for peer response. Frequent opportunities to read work aloud encourage students to learn from each other and to gain confidence while in a small, supportive class. Students learn about a variety of literary techniques, both through analyzing them in readings and through using them in their own writing.

Intermediate Composition (10 units)

Intermediate Composition is intended as an option for students who could profit from closer attention to their reading and writing skills. Designed in particular for transfer students who have not had Maybeck's Composition course, it is also open to continuing students who wish to develop greater writing fluency before they move on to Literature. Students read novels, short stories, essays, poetry, and plays. Class time is spent discussing the literature, doing in-class writing, reading aloud from student work, and working on revision. Writing assignments include numerous short pieces as well as longer pieces or revisions due every one to two weeks. Assignments range from close literary interpretations to more personal responses to the works.

Literature (10 units)

Maybeck's Literature course seeks to provide students with a solid mastery of literary analysis, both in discussion and in writing. Extensive class time is spent analyzing assigned readings. There are frequent writing assignments: essays or revisions of essays due every two to three weeks, and shorter responses to the readings due several times each week. The course builds towards the completion of a 12-15 page research paper due in the spring semester. The Literature course also includes exercises to build students' vocabularies and refine their grammar skills. Past classes have read The Scarlet Letter, Wuthering Heights, The English Patient, The Great Gatsby, Othello, Oedipus the King, and selections of short stories and poetry.

Reading (5 units)

Reading is an elective that provides the opportunity for students to pursue their own interests. Class time is devoted to reading and discussion of books, and the homework is reading as well. Students are required to keep a journal in which they discuss what has interested them in the works they have chosen. Reading is an excellent course for students who wish to improve their feel for and understanding of language or who want to explore topics not otherwise addressed by the curriculum. The course may be repeated for credit. Reading is not, however, a college preparatory course and does not count toward the 40 units of English required for graduation.

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Literature is a prerequisite to the following Advanced English classes, offered on a rotating basis:

Advanced Composition (10 units)

"The pen, like the sword, grows rusty with disuse." -Czeslaw Milosz (1980 Nobel Prize for Literature)

This class concentrates on writing: practice, process, practice in order to sharpen our pens and our pleasure with words. It is both for students who like to write and for those who think they do not. We explore a variety of forms, including the letter, the essay, poetry, the short story, and the journal and its uses. Be prepared for in-class writing exercises, many short papers, and a few long ones. Also be prepared to share your work and to attend to others'. Readings include short stories, essays, poetry, and writers' writings about writing.

20th Century African-American Writing (5 units)

This class focuses on recent writings by African-Americans. We examine works by authors such as Richard Wright, Zora Neale Hurston, James Baldwin, Toni Morrison, Gayle Jones, Ishmael Reed, Gloria Naylor, and Charles Johnson. We also examine recent critiques by African-American literary scholars, including Barbara Christian and Henry Louis Gates, Jr. As in all advanced level courses, students can expect to write 20 pages of formal essays throughout the semester, as well as many less formal assignments.

The Bible as Literature (5 units)

William Blake said, "The Bible is the great code of all art," and indeed no other text has extended so great an influence on western civilization and culture. This class is designed to introduce the student to the mythology, poetry, history, prophecy, song, biographies, letters, tales, in short, the literature of the Bible. The class provides the student with a background for appreciating the vast bulk of western art, literature, and philosophy.

Comparative American Literature (5 units)

This class focuses on the imaginative literature (novels, plays, poetry, and essays) of various minority and non-minority writers of the 20th century. We examine this literature both chronologically, noting the historical and social contexts of the writers, as well as comparatively, across cultures. For instance, are the concerns of African-American writers similar to those of Chicano, Asian-American, or feminist writers? Furthermore, how are these concerns related to the concerns in traditional literature? This class also focuses on the aesthetic or representational qualities writers bring to bear on their work. In this line we look at literature represented through other media, such as film, documentaries, or music. The writers covered include Louise Erdrich, Lorraine Hansberry, James Baldwin, Ralph Ellison, Maxine Hong Kingston, Gloria Anzaldua, and Arturo Islas.

The English Romantics (5 units)

This course involves a close study of the six principal English Romantic poets: Blake, Wordsworth, Coleridge, Byron, Shelley, and Keats. Students read a substantial amount of the selected poets' works; classroom time is devoted to lecture and discussion. Romanticism as an aesthetic movement is studied in relation to the historical and socio-political contingencies of the early 19th century, as well as to theories of art and psychology. Occasional lectures and readings on Romantic painting and music are included.

The Epic (5 units)

This class introduces the student to three of the major epic poems in the western tradition: Homer's Odyssey, Virgil's Aeneid, and Dante's Inferno. Students are introduced to Greek, Roman, and Medieval Italian culture and history; learn how to read closely and critically for thematic content, formal and generic issues, and stylistic concerns; and study how literary traditions use, complement, and diverge from one another. Students write and revise three major papers and several shorter ones. The course provides students with historical and cultural background. Practice in analytical writing prepares them for college-level writing.

The Essay (5 units)

This class focuses solely on developing students' writing for college. As such, it is modeled after both U.C. Berkeley's English 1A/1B and Stanford's Freshman English courses. There are some readings, usually representing and/or explaining effective essay writing. The assignments include four 5-6 page papers, as well as several rewrites. The assignments develop different areas of essay writing by requiring the student to complete each essay using a different format, such as expository, argumentative, persuasive, analytical, and cause-and-effect. Additionally, there is a short research paper (10-12 pages long). Each student must complete at least 35 pages of finished writing, including rewrites, to pass this course.

20th Century Experimental Novels (5 units)

A major part of the history of the novel in the twentieth century is one of experiment and innovation. This course will focus on some of the more extreme cases among the wide variety of experimental forms that were developed in this century. These are works that flirt with incoherence and challenge the reader’s understanding of the very purpose of fiction, often with wild and unexpected humor. They are also often works that reach ambitiously towards powerful insights into the human condition. In each case we will read enough of the author’s own assessments of her or his work to give us some insight into the motivations behind the experiments they have undertaken. Overall, the course seeks to provide an informed understanding of the nature of literary experiment and its place in twentieth-century literary history as well as the history of the novel.

Folktales and Fables (5 units)

This course focuses on one kind of folk narrative: the folktale/fable. We take a closer look at familiar stories in the light of a variety of critical interpretations, and we study a great number of tales from diverse cultures. Paying particular attention to the quasi-universal themes and motifs as well as to the specific cultural aspects of the tales, we do a comparative, cross-cultural study of the many variants of a few tales. Students read extensively in the literature studied as well as in the critical works of such authors as Bruno Bettelheim and Alan Dundes. In the second part of the course, we focus on the use of magic in modern literature, such as Kafka's Metamorphosis.

19th and 20th Century French Literature (5 units)

This class examines works by major French writers of the 19th and 20th centuries, giving particular attention to their historical and social contexts and to the literary movements they reflect. We read works by Balzac, Flaubert, Zola, Rimbaud, Gide, Camus, Sartre, Duras, Ionesco, and Beckett.

Greek Classics (5 units)

Incest, kidnapping, war, passion, sex, patricide, and matricide: from Homer to Plato, Greek culture has produced the most fundamental yet outrageous literature the world has ever seen. We begin with Homer by reading both The Iliad and The Odyssey in their entirety. Then we consider Greek tragedy by reading aloud in class as many as ten of the great dramas of Athens by Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides. Finally we read selected works of Plato, including The Apology, The Symposium, and the Republic. Careful consideration is also given to modern criticisms and reflections of Greek literature.

Immigrant Literature (5 units)

In the 20th century large waves of immigrants changed the American landscape forever. Our cities and rural towns are now more racially, ethnically, and linguistically diverse than ever before. With each wave of newcomers, new identities are formed and cultures transformed. The immigrant experience remains one of American literature's most compelling subjects. In this course we explore the stories behind the statistics by reading works of fiction and biography by and about immigrants from various parts of the world. Themes we explore include physical and psychological journeys, initiation, isolation, cultural heritage, assimilation, border theories, and language.

20th Century Irish Literature (5 units)

This course will explore the literature and culture of Ireland in the turbulent first two decades of the 20th century. Students will examine canonical and non-canonical authors in relation to the culture that produced the works of James Joyce, W.B.Yeats, and Samuel Beckett. Our readings will start out in the last years of the Irish literary revival, moving past the day of Ulysses, in 1904, past the memorable Easter of 1916, and culminating in the war of independence that led to the founding of an independent Irish nation and national government as well as to the fateful partitioning of Ireland. We will use the literary texts in tandem with an investigation of the cultural history of Ireland in this crucial period in order to arrive at a deepened understanding of the period and culture of early 20th century Ireland so formative to the constellations of power and conflict in contemporary Ireland.

Modernism (5 units)

The first half of the 20th century witnessed a series of revolutions in the arts, which have come to be known collectively as "Modernism." In this course we read a selection of texts from 1889 to 1940, focusing on avant garde movements in the arts and literature in Germany, France, Italy, and England. Close attention is paid to the effects of political ideologies such as fascism and socialism on the arts; we also explore parallels between movements in the visual arts (Cubism, Surrealism, the advent of film technology) and literature. We read two novels: Kafka's The Trial and Remarque's All Quiet on the Western Front; one play: Brecht's Drums in the Night; and works of numerous poets, including W.B. Yeats, Ezra Pound, Mina Loy, T.S. Eliot, Gertrude Stein, and Jean Toomer.

Poetry (5 units)

This course casts a sensitive and analytic eye on the most personal literary form, the poem. Using a broad sample of British and American poems, from a few works in Middle English down to our contemporary poets, we carefully explore what a poem is and how it functions. We examine the basic poetic tools — image and sound, form and sense, metaphor and symbol. We treat the poem as a personal means of communication and as a center for historical and literary focus. The course includes attending poetry readings.

Shakespeare (5 units)

William Shakespeare is widely considered to be the greatest writer in the English language; his plays and poetry have intrigued audiences and readers for nearly four hundred years. Here we do close readings of a number of his works — exactly which ones and how many will be determined by the class. Focusing on the themes, methods, and language of his plays and poetry, we try to understand Shakespeare in the context of his day and age and attempt to determine his relevance to our own.

Women Writers (5 units)

This course surveys some of the important women writers of the 19th and 20th centuries. The thematic focus is on how women represent the unique issues that stem from their experiences and identities as women and as writers, as well as on how they challenge their identification. We examine how women, in particular, come to terms with contradicted and/or alienated experiences. We also explore the representation of the multi-cultural experiences of women writers as they have moved into the mainstream of world literature and as they have met the demands of maintaining diverse ethnic and cultural heritages.

English • Mathematics • The Sciences • Social Studies • Foreign Languages • The Arts • Physical Education

MATHEMATICS

Maybeck’s mathematics program is designed to give all students a strong foundation in algebra, geometry, and trigonometry; we encourage students to continue in Pre-Calculus and A.P. Calculus. Entering students must be prepared to handle first-year algebra. Mathematics should help students develop a logical approach to solving all kinds of problems as well as introduce them to challenging ideas.

Algebra I (10 units)

Algebra is the language of science. While many problems that can be solved by algebra can be worked out by common sense, their translation into algebraic form generally makes them easier to deal with. The goal of this course is to develop fluency in algebra as the language of mathematics, science, engineering, and many other fields.

Geometry (10 units)

Geometry was the first system of ideas to be developed in which a few simple statements were assumed and then used to derive a rich and attractive array of results. This course combines the logic of deductive reasoning, the visual aspects of figures and constructions, and the more abstract area of algebra.

Algebra II (10 units)

This course offers an intuitive approach to the traditional topics of intermediate algebra and trigonometry: exponents and radicals, logarithms, functions, complex numbers, conic sections, the unit circle, trig identities, graphing, and radians. Emphasis is on the derivation rather than memorization of formulas.

Pre-Calculus (10 units)

Pre-Calculus is designed for the student to master the skills required to proceed to college level courses in mathematics, science, and other fields that use logical computation. We focus on a wide range of topics, including polynomial and rational functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, trigonometric functions, Descartes' Rule of Signs, and the Fundamental Theorem of Algebra.

A.P. Calculus (10 units)

A.P. Calculus follows the standard advanced placement curriculum provided by the College Board. Students can earn college credit for this course upon passing the A.P. exam. This course prepares students for the AB Calculus exam. Students may choose to take the BC calculus exam with additional preparation. Most of the year is devoted to the study of topics in differential and integral calculus. We explore these topics numerically as well as qualitatively. A graphing calculator is required.

English • Mathematics • The Sciences • Social Studies • Foreign Languages • The Arts • Physical Education

THE SCIENCES

Maybeck requires two-and-a-half years of science for graduation. All students must have one year of Biology and one year of a physical science. Chemistry is strongly recommended.

Conceptual Physics (10 units)

This course is a non-mathematical survey of classical and modern physics, including mechanics, electromagnetism, and relativity. Intended as an introduction to the laboratory sciences, it includes lab procedures, lab write-ups, and a foundation in the sciences to prepare students for Biology and Chemistry. Entering freshmen or sophomores take this course as a prerequisite for the laboratory sciences.

Biology (10 units)

This is a year-long course introducing the biological sciences. Beginning with the physical and chemical foundations of the natural sciences, we move on to discuss the basic unit of life, the cell. We examine the structure of cells, the fundamental processes that cycle energy through the biological world (photosynthesis and respiration), and cell reproduction. This leads to a discussion of the importance of DNA in genetics and evolution, and now, in genetic engineering. Finally, we examine the systems of the human body so that we can better understand ourselves as biological beings.

Chemistry (10 units)

The Chemistry class examines the world around us from a submicroscopic viewpoint. The course includes discussion of atomic and molecular structure, energy changes in chemical reactions, the chemistry of aqueous solutions, solids and gases, chemical equilibria, acids and bases, nuclear chemistry, and a glimpse into organic chemistry and biochemistry. Laboratory work includes both qualitative and quantitative analysis. The course prepares students for the SAT II in Chemistry.

The following additional Science classes are offered on a rotating basis:

Advanced Physics (10 units)

Physics is the gateway into the fields of astronomy, chemistry, biology, geology, engineering, and technology. Since our general curriculum uses Conceptual Physics as our introduction to science, this course expands into the quantification and measurement that trigonometry allows in the examination of the physical world. The course begins with Newtonian Mechanics and relativity. It continues through atomic structure, nuclear structure, wave theory, thermodynamics, and electromagnetisim. Students in Advanced Physics must be concurrently enrolled in or have completed Pre-Calculus. The course prepares students for the A.P. Physics B exam.

Geology (5 units)

This course covers the basic concepts in Geology, emphasizing those in our geographical area. The foundation is Plate Tectonics, followed by earthquakes, vulcanology, landslides, hydrology, and then units on identification of minerals and rocks. Each student completes a 10-page research paper on a topic of his or her choice. Field trips have included visits to the UC Berkeley geology building and the UC Berkeley earthquake research station in Richmond. The course is offered in conjunction with Paleontology as a year-long course that satisfies the UC and CSU laboratory science requirement, though the two semesters can be taken independently.

Paleontology (5 units)

This course is an introduction to the science of Paleontology. We explore a few selected topics in depth to develop an understanding of the science. The semester begins with the origin of the earth in its solar system. We discuss evidence for the origin of life on earth. We then follow the development of life as a cell, prokaryote, eukaryote, and metazoan “animal.” We study the roles of evolution, sex, and genetics in this development; we look at how the evolution of our planet directs the diversity of life. We study the role extinction plays in developing diversity and change in the history of life and conclude with human evolution. Class time includes practical lab explorations comparable to work done by paleontologists in their search for evidence of life on earth. Successful completion of Biology is a prerequisite for this class. Paleontology is offered in conjunction with Geology as a year-long course that satisfies the UC and CSU laboratory requirement, though the two semesters can be taken independently.

English • Mathematics • The Sciences • Social Studies • Foreign Languages • The Arts • Physical Education

SOCIAL STUDIES

"There cannot be a philosophy, there cannot even be a decent science, without humanity." -Jacob Bronowski

World History (10 units)

This introductory course, required for freshmen, surveys the history of the world, especially the western world, since the Renaissance. It begins with a brief survey of ancient and medieval history and ends with a survey of non-western cultures and their pressing modern concerns. But the bulk of the course considers the western intellectual and cultural developments that have so fundamentally shaped the world we live in today, for better and for worse. Those developments include the Renaissance, the Reformation, the scientific revolution, the Enlightenment, Romanticism, modern revolutions, industrialization, imperialism, colonialism, communism and fascism, and the World Wars. Although we use a standard textbook and cover the key individuals and political developments, this class, more than anything else, is a history of ideas, with some class time given to the reading aloud of key primary sources in intellectual history.

United States History (10 units)

After a whirlwind review of early American history, this course intensively studies the United States in the 20th century. Proceeding chronologically, decade by decade, we consider presidents and their political visions; the changing role of the U.S. on the world stage and its international conflicts; the period's astounding economic growth; the controversies of race, gender, and class; cultural issues and tensions; and the enormous impact of the 1960s. Students are required to take lecture notes, learn American geography, read historical essays, and conduct independent research.

Psychology (5 units)

This course is a general introduction to psychology. In addition to a history of the field, it includes the study of human physiology, psychopharmacology, personality theory, and abnormal psychology. The course is designed to provide the student with a sense of one of the 20th century's most unusual explorations: the charting of the human psyche. We examine where the field stands today and how its insights relate to us all. Psychology is not considered an advanced course; therefore, U.S. History is not a prerequisite, and it does not count towards the 10 units of Advanced Social Studies required for graduation.

U.S. History is a prerequisite for the following Advanced Social Studies classes, offered on a rotating basis.

Ancient World History (5 units)

The ancient world in all its rich diversity and interconnectedness will furnish the subject matter of this course. Students will explore the culture and world views of ancient peoples from East Asia to Mesoamerica, from the dawn of history to the first five hundred years of the Common Era. We will rely on an advanced AP history text and two anthologies of ancient literature and history. The material in these three books will allow students to examine the literary, historical, archaeological, and anthropological evidence for the web of cultural interrelations and innovations; to this end we will examine a wide variety of primary texts, including mythologies and historiography of the world’s earliest civilizations, in an effort to begin to understand the world’s people as they saw themselves.

Civil Rights (5 units)

This course focuses on the American Civil Rights Movement from the end of World War II to the present. We begin by examining the unique relationship Native and African-Americans have established with their struggle for civil rights. We then explore how this struggle has involved other groups, including accused or convicted citizens, women, Latinos, and Jews.

Economics (5 units)

This course examines how the production of goods and services is studied scientifically, focusing on some of the more recent theories for managing economies and economic systems. We explore the dominance of capitalism in the modern era as well as some competing theories (i.e.: mercantilism, Marxism, etc.).

History and Art (5 units)

Using painting as the primary focus, along with some use of music and literature, the course explores the relationship between the artist and society. Why does art change? What role does art play in mirroring or causing social and political change? Along the way, we also explore the nature of painting itself: What is painting? Beginning with Baroque art, the course examines Classicism, Romanticism, Realism, Symbolism, Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, and Expressionism through the works of the most representative painters, artists such as Watteau, Goya, Manet, Gauguin, Picasso, Kandinsky, et al. Special emphasis is placed on the conflicting schools of Modern painting, especially its utopian and ideological dimensions. In the last weeks of the class, we look at reactions against Modernism in the last decades of the 20th century.

Music History (5 units)

A course for musician and non-musician alike, the class traces the history of music from the 17th century to the present. Attention centers on the various "schools" of composition: the Classicism of Haydn and Mozart, the Romanticism of Beethoven and his disciples, and the rich diversity in music created by the so-called "Moderns." We also look at the role personality plays in the creative process as well as the larger role music plays in society as a whole. Considerable emphasis is placed on listening to recorded music, radio, and live performance.

Origins of the Holocaust (5 units)

A more exact title for this class would be "Nationalism, Identity, Fascism, and the Holocaust." Europe went berserk in the mid-20th century, deeply compromising its Humanistic traditions. The optimism and tolerance generated by the 18th century Enlightenment led to a century of expanding freedoms. People began to have choices. One choice that became increasingly common was selecting ethnic identity as one's basic identity. This class explores the impact of nationalism on modern identity as it unfolded in the period of 1789 to 1945. Emphasis is placed on the dissolution of the multi-cultural Hapsburg state and the rise of ethnic national exclusivity — factors that helped create Nazism. The larger phenomenon of anti-Semitism, the construction of European racism, and the Holocaust itself are central topics of study.

Race and Gender (5 units)

This class focuses on controversies surrounding scientific interpretations of human differences. We examine not only social and political implications of how science interprets difference, but the ways in which scientists and intellectuals frame their investigations. We examine these issues by topics, which include affirmative action, welfare, intelligence testing, eating disorders, and the possibility of a genetic basis for homosexuality. Students can expect frequent reading and writing assignments.

Socialism (5 units)

This course examines the history of socialism from its theoretical and practical application as a critique of modernization to the recent collapse of many communist governments worldwide. The focus is on socialism's relationship to other political discourses, including liberalism, capitalism, anarchism, nationalism, fundamentalism, and, of course, Marxism.

World Religions (5 units)

The origin of all cultures is a religious as well as a social and political question. This class explores the world's major spiritual traditions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Islam, Judaism, and Christianity; it also looks at the primal religious traditions of the Americas, Australia, Africa, and Oceania. Through a comparative look at religion, through readings and meetings with guest speakers, the class considers the question of human and social origins as well as human nature; good and evil, and the relevance of social ethics; birth and death and the afterlife. In addition to religious dogma, the class looks at the living spiritual traditions as reflected in art, music, and social life in their historical and contemporary dimensions. Because we live in a multi-cultural society that operates under the legal notion of freedom of religion, understanding our religious differences and common ground is a necessary part of maintaining a free and diverse society. Students write three essays, complete a major research paper, and present oral reports to the class.

English • Mathematics • The Sciences • Social Studies • Foreign Languages • The Arts • Physical Education

FOREIGN LANGUAGES

French I (10 units)
French II (10 units)
French III (10 units)
French IV (10 units)
French V (Honors, 10 units)

Studying French has many rewards for the scholar, the tourist, the college applicant, and anyone who finds joy in communicating effectively with others and developing self-awareness. All courses emphasize grammar and oral expression, and introduce students to cultural aspects of the French-speaking world. The French for Mastery series is used throughout the first three years, along with additional materials. During the fourth and fifth years, students refine their understanding of grammar points and read a selection of materials, including literature.

Spanish I (10 units)
Spanish II (10 units)
Spanish III (10 units)
Spanish IV (10 units)
Spanish V (Honors, 10 units)

These are thorough introduction and continuation courses, emphasizing both grammar and conversation. Language is not an exercise in futility, but a living, breathing bridge between peoples and cultures. The course strives to make the language spoken by millions of our neighbors a matter of understanding and importance not only as a means of communication, but as a means of appreciating kindred cultural heritages and concerns. Throughout the levels, the classes use video materials (such as the series La Catrina or Destinos) to supplement the textbook. Middle- and upper-level classes include documentaries and films, as well as readings from Spanish journals and short stories. Students in Spanish V pursue in depth studies of literature and specific authors.

English • Mathematics • The Sciences • Social Studies • Foreign Languages • The Arts • Physical Education

THE ARTS

The following Art classes are offered on a rotating basis:

Acting and Theater Production (10 units)

Acting and Theater Production divides its content across two semesters. The first semester focuses on the experiences of acting and directing; preparation for acting and directing (aross physical, emotional and mental, and textual modes); and on analyzing and critiquing professional and student productions and scripts in essays, annotations, and discussions. The second semester focuses on the application of acting, directing, and analytical skills to theatrical productions along with the additional skills needed to bring plays to full production. Throughout this course students will examine and use the historical and cultural dimensions of theater to inform and enrich their work.

Drawing (5 units)

The course begins with exercises that help the student learn to see analytically. The emphasis is on working from life: still life, landscape, live models, and perspective. Although the approach is structured, each assignment encourages personal expression. Discussions and critiques of student work are an important part of every session. The course also includes discussion and writing about contemporary art based on gallery and studio visits. Drawing is offered in conjunction with Painting as a year-long course that meets the UC visual and performing arts requirement.

Environmental Design (5 units)

This course blends the historical and practical concerns that are the result of being earthbound inhabitants. We explore the relationship between environment and people, the way space has been used and rearranged for social living, and how architecture is defined by how people think of themselves. Our subject is the rise of architecture, with special emphasis on its evolution along the Pacific Coast since Paleolithic times. Study begins with Ohlone society, passes though the Alta California period, the Victorian and the Prairie styles, and includes discussion of the regional architecture of Bernard Maybeck. The story continues with the introduction of the tract concept of housing, the rise of glass-and-steel skyscrapers, and Post-Modern architecture. The course culminates when each member of the class presents an original environmental/architectural model.

Figure Drawing (5 units)

This class introduces basic drawing techniques. Once students achieve a satisfactory skill level, the figure itself becomes the focal point. Students take turns posing for each other in the study of gesture, proportion, composition, light/shadow, drapery, and limited three-dimensional figure sculpture in clay. Materials include pencils, charcoal, pastel, and clay. Visits to museums, galleries, and artists' studios are often included. Students write about their exposure to contemporary art. Figure Drawing is offered in conjunction with Painting as a year-long course that meets the UC visual and performing arts requirement.

Methods and Materials (10 units)

Designed to introduce the student to the tools, techniques, and processes of creating two-dimensional art, this class covers multiple topics. Theory and criticism, art history, vocabulary, museum and gallery visits, critical writing, and discussion are integral parts of the course. The bulk of class time is devoted to the physical act of making works of art. Students experiment with various media, producing works in which more than one process is required. For example, egg tempura requires priming and sanding a panel, mixing pigment with egg, painting, gilding, and framing. Other media may include encaustic on panel, mask making, ceramic paintings, mounted tile compositions, and scratch board. Students learn to write analytically about their own work and about art historical and contemporary issues. Representatives from universities and art schools present educational opportunities and career options.

Painting (5 units)

In Painting the student learns how to stretch and prepare a canvas, mix colors, organize a composition, and decide on subject matter. Acrylic techniques are presented, but a personal style and individual ideas are encouraged. Critique, discussion, and writing about student work are an important part of the class. We also visit museums and write about contemporary works of art. At the end of the semester we mount an exhibition of each student's best work. Painting is offered in conjunction with Drawing or Figure Drawing as the second half of a year-long course that meets the UC visual and performing arts requirement.

Photography (5 units)

Students in this class learn to operate a single lens reflex camera with manual F/stop, to develop film, and to print and mount their own work. Class time is spent on the technical aspects of camera function and darkroom procedures. The class goes on weekly shooting expeditions away from the school; there may be an overnight trip as well. Students are given weekly photo assignments from which they choose ten for evaluation in their portfolio. Although it is recommended that students learn to operate their own cameras, two school cameras are available for students to borrow. A semester of another art class or the permission of the instructor are prerequisites for enrollment.

English • Mathematics • The Sciences • Social Studies • Foreign Languages • The Arts • Physical Education

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

The school's Physical Education program offers a variety of 5-unit semester courses. By emphasizing one activity, classes work to build skill, confidence, and cooperation. P.E. classes meet in gyms and fields in the school neighborhood. On a rotating basis, two of the following courses are offered each semester:

Health (5 units)

Born out of a student forum in 1990, this class investigates the health issues of greatest concern to today's young people: sex and sexuality, drugs, death and suicide, peer influence, sexually transmitted diseases, etc. . Students themselves choose the topics of most interest to them. The course includes visits by speakers from several community organizations, readings, discussions, and daily journal writing.

Commute Bicycling (5 units)

In recognition of independence from the internal combustion engine and of individual commitment to fitness, Maybeck offers up to 5 units of P.E. credit for cycling to and from school. This class may be taken only once and requires the approval of a parent and the Academic Counselor.

English • Mathematics • The Sciences • Social Studies • Foreign Languages • The Arts • Physical Education