ADVANCED STUDIES

For students with a unique talent for or an abiding interest in a particular area of study or performance,
the advanced studies curriculum emphasizes the creation, application, and evaluation of knowledge.

 
COURSES
 
AS courses prize deep understanding over breadth of coverage, highlighting patterns of inquiry and
creative thinking typical of the academic and artistic disciplines. 

All students who have demonstrated mastery of basic skills and concepts (through prerequisite course
work or departmental review) are eligible.

Biology

This college-level biology course challenges eligible students with an intensive study of biochemistry, cell
structure and function, evolution, genetics, and human systems. AS Biology builds upon previous course
work, developing a depth of understanding reflecting modern biological thinking. Lab research involving
experiments and pertinent literature review allow students to think deeply on fundamental processes
and biological forms.

Prerequisites: Biology 1, Chemistry 1, and departmental approval.

Calculus

Topics include sequences and their limits, differential and integral calculus, infinite series and their
convergence, and basic differential equations. All topics are given in rectangular, polar, and parametric
representations.

Prerequisite: Accelerated Introduction to Calculus.

Chemistry

This college-level chemistry course challenges eligible students with an intensive and focused study of
chemical structures and processes. The following areas are emphasized: atomic and molecular
properties, intermolecular interactions, reaction mechanisms, chemical thermodynamics, equilibrium
kinetics, and acid-base chemistry. Lab work is designed to develop skills in experimental technique and
reinforce important chemical ideas.

Prerequisites: Chemistry 1, Physics 1, strong background in math, and departmental approval.

Chinese
 
Designed for qualified students who are interested in completing Chinese studies beyond the level four
Chinese class that is offered at Kent. The goal of this course is to enhance students’ understanding of
Chinese culture through discussions of topics reflecting multiple areas of Chinese society and culture and
to further develop their proficiencies in the target language across the three communicative modes:
interpersonal, interpretive, and presentational. 

Prerequisite: Departmental approval.

Computer Science Principles

A first course in computer science that introduces students to the breath of computer science topics. It
teaches students how computers can be used to address problems in any academic discipline from the
humanities to the arts and traditional STEM fields. Students in the course learn to think algorithmically
and develop abstract solutions. They study the impact technology has on society and their own role in
using computing techniques to solve modern problems. In addition to learning to program, students are
introduced to the basics of computer hardware, imaging, modeling, networks, cybersecurity, and big
data in the context of collaborative, creative, and ethical problem solving.

Computer Science A

An in-depth introduction to programming in Java. Students learn to think algorithmically and design
solutions using object-oriented principles. They learn to analyze and write code both collaboratively and
independently. In addition to programming fundamentals such as control structures, iteration, and
recursion, students are introduced to basic data structures.

Though no prior computer science experience is required for the course, AS Computer Science Principles
is encouraged as a first course for students with limited computer science background.
Constitutional Law

This term contained course focuses on the importance of the U.S. Constitution and Supreme Court in
delineating the civil rights of minority groups and developing a more egalitarian, integrated society.

Prerequisite: 5th & 6th formers; Departmental approval.

Advanced Studies in Economics

Explore the principles of both micro and macroeconomics in Advanced Studies in Economics. By building
an understanding of the issues of inequity and access, you will develop a working knowledge of the
problems and issues in the economy of the United States. Through a study of how land, labor, and capital
(the factors of production) contribute to the growth and operation of a market economy, how supply and
demand affect price and output levels of goods, how government policies alter the working of the
market, and how international factors influence a nation’s domestic economic conditions, you will
develop a deeper appreciation for the nuances of the United States. Prerequisite: departmental
approval.

English Literature

Will appeal to students who have a deep and abiding appreciation for the written word, who delight in
both reading and writing. Students will analyze texts closely and produce literary analysis of a high
caliber, while also experimenting with creative forms in their own style. The sophistication and the
volume of the reading require that students can already read, discuss, and write about these texts with
demonstrated grace and discernment. Students will read both classic and contemporary authors, and
they should be able draw connections between these works. 

Prerequisites: 6th formers; Departmental approval.

Environmental Science

This intensive college-level course examines, for eligible students, the scientific principles, concepts, and
methodologies required to understand the important processes and interrelationships among geologic,
atmospheric, terrestrial, and freshwater/marine ecosystems. The impacts of human society including
agriculture, energy production, and the risks associated with their impacts on our water and air are also
examined in field and laboratory studies. These studies encourage critical and reflective thinking of
complex and vital issues.
Prerequisites: Biology 1, Chemistry 1, and departmental approval; Physics 1 recommended.

French Language and Culture

 
Designed for qualified students who continue to build skills in reading, writing, and speaking through the
use of a variety of authentic print, audio and video sources. Students demonstrate their understanding
and analysis of various topics in Francophone culture through class discussions, presentations, and
written and oral assignments. This serves to deepen and broaden their knowledge of the Francophone
world, while offering their own experiences as points of comparison to enhance cultural awareness and
understanding.
 
Prerequisite: Departmental approval.
 

French Literature 
 
In this term-contained course, students will deepen their understanding and appreciation of
Francophone literature and culture through the study of a variety of genres, including poetry, theater,
and novels. Students will demonstrate this understanding through class discussions, presentations, and
analytical essays. Each of the three terms will focus on different texts and themes.
 
Prerequisite: Departmental approval.
 
 
Greek

Continues the study of original literature. Readings may be chosen from the dialogues of Plato, the
Histories of Herodotus, the Elements of Euclid, Greek comedy or tragedy, or the Greek Bible. These
courses are term-contained.

Prerequisite: Greek 3 and/or departmental approval.

International Relations

A term-contained class that examines the study of International Organizations. Students will synthesize
their own analyzes of events with how these events are perceived, reacted to, and addressed in the
international arena.
Prerequisite: 5th & 6th formers; Departmental approval.

Latin: Vergil and Caesar

Offers students the opportunity to read, analyze and gain an appreciation for Golden Age Latin poetry
and prose through the works of Vergil’s Aeneid and Caesar’s Commentarii de Bello Gallico. Latin readings
include (but are not limited to) selections from Books 1, 2, 4 and 6 of the Aeneid and Books 1, 4, 5 and 6
of Commentarii de Bello Gallico. Additional readings in English of both works is required, with a view
toward recognition of themes, central characters and key ideas. Period tests will require students to
translate familiar and unfamiliar passages as literally as possible, identify passages in context and analyze
and comment upon content with respect to style, rhetorical aspects and theme. This course will also
prepare students to take the Advanced Placement Latin Examination if they so choose. 

Prerequisite: Honors Latin 3 and/or departmental approval.

Physics

A college-level, calculus-based course designed for eligible students with significant physics experience.
This course serves to deepen the students understanding in mechanics, electromagnetism,
thermodynamics, nuclear processes, and modern physics. The laboratory experience emphasizes
physical situations that require reflective and creative problem solving, producing the necessary
mathematics in the process. The lab reports are intrinsically creative acts. Understanding the unity and
beauty of physical law is a major goal of the course.

Prerequisite: Physics 1, AS Calculus either completed or taken concurrently, and departmental approval.

Psychology

Acquaints eligible Upper Form students with the systematic and deep study of the behavior and mental
processes of human beings. This course encourages intense focus on theories and findings in the
following areas: brain biology and metabolism, neurology, learning, memory, perception, social
development, personality formation, and abnormal psychology. It also allows students to experience
material covered in the texts through in-class demonstrations and out-of-class activities. One major goal
of AS Psychology is to develop proficiency and critical application of foundational psychological
principles.

Prerequisite: 5th & 6th formers; Departmental approval.

Spanish Language and Culture

Designed for qualified students who continue to build skills in reading, writing, and speaking through the
use of a variety of authentic print, audio, and video sources. Students demonstrate their understanding
and analysis of various topics in Hispanic culture through class discussions, presentations, and written
and oral assignments. This serves to deepen and broaden their knowledge of the Spanish-speaking
world, while offering their own experiences as points of comparison to enhance cultural awareness and
understanding.
 
Prerequisite: Departmental approval.
 

Spanish Literature  
 
In this term-contained course, students will deepen their appreciation of the literary values, forms, and
techniques of Hispanic literature through reading, discussing, and writing about a variety of texts
including poetry, theater, and short narrative texts. Aspects of Hispanic culture and civilization are also
explored, and each of the three terms will focus on different themes, genres, and authors.
 
Prerequisite: Departmental approval.
 

Statistics

Features of this course are selection and analysis of data, developing probability models, and using
statistical inference. Topics include regression and correlation, sample and experimental design, discrete
and continuous random variables, normal, geometric, and binomial distributions, significance testing,
and the chi-square test.

Prerequisite: strong performance in Honors Precalculus with Statistics or Honors Introduction to Calculus.

Studio Art

Students are expected to begin with an overall concept of the work but can expand their initial ideas or
media of choice. They are encouraged to delve deeply into their concepts and may draw upon numerous
artistic models introduced each term for inspiration and aesthetic refinement. Students may choose the
faculty members who facilitate their unique creative odyssey and are supported with frequent critiques
and discussions of their work. Portfolios will be reviewed for effort, creativity, innovation, skill, and
refinement. Students will also complete frequent self-evaluations of their creative processes.
Prerequisites: one art course at Kent School, summer study, and departmental portfolio review.

Advanced Studies in United States Government and Politics

Embark upon a detailed examination of the political landscape of the United States in Advanced Studies

in United States Government and Politics. By studying constitutional history, political beliefs, political

parties, interest groups, governmental institutions, public policy, civil rights, and civil liberties, you will be

challenged to asks questions about how equity and access continue to challenge our founding fathers’

goals. This course is designed to prepare you for undergraduate political studies coursework.

Advanced Studies in United States Government and Politics is offered to students in Fifth and Sixth Form

who have met their United States History requirement. Prerequisite: departmental approval.

World Religions
A term-contained class that examines religious traditions beyond the Introduction to Religion and Culture
course. The Abrahamic religions and the eastern religions of Hinduism and Buddhism serve as a starting
point. A major concern is what makes a “religion”? How is it defined? What is unique about the study of
religion as opposed to other academic disciplines? The reading topics depend on the interest of the
teacher and students. 

Prerequisite: Introduction to Religion and Culture or departmental approval.