9th Grade

One theme that we have discussed this quarter is the influence that environment has on the development of a society’s culture.  Our case study has been the small-scale, or folk, society of the Australian Aboriginals, and in studying them we have also seen that there can be serious problems when folk and modern urban societies come into contact.  Begin your essay by explaining what characterizes a folk society, then use what you know about Australian Aboriginals to develop a concrete example.  Elaborate on this example by discussing some of the ethnocentric beliefs of modern urban white settlers that led to a loss of basic human rights for the aboriginal people.  Conclude your essay with a reflection on one element of folk societies that you would like to see incorporated into our modern society.

10th Grade

Our extensive, interdisciplinary study of ancient Greece, the birthplace of Western Civilization, recognizes a fundamental theme that drove the development of this culture.  In a well-developed, supported and organized essay, discuss why the pursuit of harmony was a driving force in the literature, art, philosophy and social institutions of ancient Greece.  Your essay must include three levels of analysis of the pursuit of harmony: cosmic, societal and individual.  Close your essay with a persuasive argument for whether Ancient Greece had a positive or negative influence on contemporary American society.

11th Grade

“The great enemy of the truth is very often not the lie—

deliberate, contrived and dishonest;

but the myth—persistent, persuasive and, unrealistic.”

--John F. Kennedy

European immigrants came to America believing that this was the “land of opportunity” for all who were willing to work hard.  This “promise,” or the American Dream, was justified by the concept of the “Self-Made Man,” despite the numerous examples that proved it to be a myth.  In a well-written, coherent essay, challenge the validity of the concept of the “Self-Made Man.”  Begin by discussing how the first and second waves of immigration established the concept of the “Self-Made Man.”  Next, using Jurgis and his family from The Jungle, relate the historical realities of the third wave of European immigrants that impeded their success.  Then, examine how, like Jurgis, Willy Loman from Death of a Salesman buys into the myth, leading to his demise.  Next, using Biff’s rejection of his father’s unfulfilled dreams, transition to a discussion of Transcendentalism as an alternative to the consumerism inherent in the “success” of the “Self-Made Man.”  Finally, explore the insights you have gained about your life and family from the various workshops.

12th Grade

Write an interdisciplinary essay on the theme of human nature in modern thought.  In writing, be sure to discuss the rationalism of Descartes, David, Racine, Kant and Elizabeth, the naturalism of Hume, Delacroix, Pi, the history of Diamond, and the imagination of Shakespeare, focusing your attention on the following questions: What essentially are we?  How do we differ from other animals?  What can we do to perfect ourselves?  You should also discuss the strengths and weaknesses in these views.