Grade 12
Library & Research Skills 12
Essential Questions
What are the elements of ethical research? What are the range of materials available on a topic? What are the differences between academic databases and search engines? What are the conventions of literary research?
Content
Students learn the basics of research on a defined topic. The librarian works closely with the content of the course providing the research need.
Ex:
Senior English Electives
Skills and Processes
Student learns how to:
define a research question
identify and locate a range of secondary sources to obtain answers to research questions
develop an effective search strategy
choose appropriate academic databases, books, and websites
locate and examine literary criticism on a defined topic
broaden or narrow search results
evaluate search results
credential sources
cite sources
Assessment
Resources
Library collections, including books placed on reserve
Research databases
Librarian’s handouts
Multicultural Dimension
Students encounter a broad range of material addressing gender, race, ethnicity and sexual orientation in their research questions. Senior English electives provide opportunities to explore these topics in some detail. The Librarian helps students learn how to evaluate print and electronic sources for bias, language, author's credentials and agenda.
Science Research
Instead of a preset curriculum for this course, students create a personalized course of study for the year by researching, designing, and executing a unique science research project. At the beginning of the year, students choose a novel research question to investigate and then do an extensive search of scientific literature to learn about their topic. Next, they develop methodology and protocols to address the topic and conduct an experiment. Students examine their collected data using statistical analysis. Students write an in-depth research paper describing their work and present their research at a local science fair.
Advanced Film Production
This course exposes students to several of the subtopics of media production that a student would encounter as a college major in the field. Students produce both documentary and narrative films. This is the highest-level film course offered at Catlin Gabel.
Genres
This year-long, advanced media production course is intended as a companion course to various senior offerings in the English department. Students will learn about various documentary and narrative film genres and will produce short, scripted films based on content developed in their English classes. Prerequisite: successful completion of Media Arts or equivalent. Juniors may enroll with consent of the instructor. This class will meet two times per week for the entire year; upon completion, students will receive one full credit.
Introduction to Animation
Students in this semester-long course (offered during the spring term) will explore the fundamentals of animation movement. Students will learn about stop motion, Flash, rotoscoping, and other experimental techniques. This course is an ideal follow-up to Media Arts or Graphic Design, and students who have completed Design, Draw/Paint, and Photography may enroll as well
Media Arts
In this year-long course, students will learn the fundamentals of video production, including lighting, cinematography, sound recording, and editing. Although the class is intended for the novice filmmaker, experienced students are welcome, and projects will be adapted to challenge their individual skill levels. Class time will be primarily devoted to student- and instructor-designed projects that may include video poetry, music videos, public-service announcements, short features, and documentary projects. Our emphasis will be on developing projects from concept (preproduction) through construction (production and postproduction) to culmination (screening).
Newspaper
Yearbook
Join the staff of the of the Garrulous Pine yearbook. Fundamentals of layout and design, typography, and photography will be intertwined with understanding different forms of journalistic writing. Experience is required for editorial staff. All others are welcome, and we’ll gladly put you to work! This class will meet two times per week for the entire year; upon completion, students will receive a half-credit.
Drawing & Painting
Students in this course have the opportunity to express themselves in drawing, painting, and printmaking techniques. Emphasis is placed on acquiring a wide range of skills. In print-making, students will produce block prints, mono prints, embossings and etchings. Using the campus, we will draw and paint outdoors. Studio work will include portraiture and life drawing from professional models. Projects include both assigned and independent, student-initiated pieces in traditional and contemporary formats. The class provides time for skill development, which supports students’ independent work.
Beginning Tennis
This course teaches students who are new to the game the fundamentals of tennis. Instruction will include the proper technique and key mechanical components to successfully hit forehands, backhands, serves, volleys, and overheads. Drills and team match play, rules, and etiquette are included.
Rock Climbing
Students learn the basics of climbing and belay techniques, equipment maintenance, climbing safety, and risk assessment.
Music Composition
This course is open to advanced music students who wish to explore composition.
Music of Western Civilization
This course is a combination of music history and music appreciation and is designed for the non-musician, but will appeal to skilled musicians as well. Renaissance, Baroque, Classical, Romantic, and Modern eras of classical music are covered as we examine the lives of great composers such as J.S. Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, and Copland. Extensive listening is involved. Videos and documentaries on related topics augment the great music that forms the core of the course. A student may expect to acquire a good understanding of music history (European and American) and master composers, and be able to listen to a piece of music and determine its time period, style, and possible composer. Open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors.