Category: Electives

Course Description:

As a foundation in acting technique, exercises and presentations contribute to the process of freeing the student’s imagination and creativity for application to scene study and class performance.

Major Takeaways:

Despite acting for many years in plays and musicals throughout middle and high school, taking a course in acting allowed me to approach theatre as an academic. I analyzed the plots of several plays and examined the playwriting process, from initial inspiration to final production. Through monologue performances and duet scenes, I improved my confidence and public speaking skills, eventually designing and coordinating our end-of-semester One Act Program.

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One-Act Performances Program

Plot Analysis for Monologue #2: Joan of Arc by Bernard Shaw

Course Description:

With literature as a context, this course engages students in critical inquiry through reading, discussion, oral presentations, and writing, emphasizing an in-depth exploration of the writing process from generating ideas to polishing the final draft. Students will learn to analyze texts; develop a significant and focused controlling idea; construct well-organized paragraphs to advance the argument or narrative; use sources effectively; and write and speak with clarity, creativity, and eloquence. They will write and revise frequently and will receive regular commentary on their writing.

Major Takeaways:

This class instilled a love for creative writing and effective communication of new ideas. I got to discuss the writing styles of classic American authors and give a presentation on my independent research on hereditary wealth and the politics of inheritance in America to a large audience.

Read:

Alice Walton: From Walmart Heiress to “Wal-art” Philanthropist

Course Description:

Designed to advance skills in spoken and written Mandarin Chinese. Grammatical structures, vocabulary, and pronunciation.

Major Takeaways:

I completed both Elementary and Intermediate levels of Mandarin in continuation of the three years of study I completed during high school. I have studied both spoken and written forms of Mandarin, as well as Chinese history and customs. Learning the Chinese language has allowed me to better appreciate current Chinese culture & calligraphy, opening up exciting career opportunities in international affairs and US-China relations.

Course Description:

Introduction to theory in social science, review of the major theoretical constructs of the 19th century and application in modern social science.

Major Takeaways:

I gained a modern understanding of sociological theories and explanations. I engaged with current themes and trends in sociological thought through a combination of essays, discussions, and exams.