ADRIFT: THE USA IN THE 21ST CENTURY US2850
(Offered first semester) (1 SEMESTER/0.5 credit) Grade 12

PREREQUISITE: Completion of United States History I US2310 and United States History II US 2410. 

If there’s one thing that those on both the political left and right might be able to agree on, it’s that the last three decades have been marked by painful, bitterly divisive events and alarming trends. A partial chronicle of recent American history would include: 3 presidential impeachments, the attacks of September 11th 2001, two bruising (and arguably unnecessary) wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Great Recession, the January 6th insurrection, widening economic inequality, the opioid epidemic, bitter debates about human and civil rights, declining life expectancy, an extremely challenging and divisive pandemic, and a divisive Trump second term. How did our country become so angry, so polarized and so divided? Why does the United States seem to be adrift? This one-semester course attempts to answer these crucial questions about contemporary America.

ADV CS: DATA SCIENCE & MACHINE LEARNING US0767
(Offered second semester) (1 SEMESTER/0.5 credit) Grades 10-12
PREREQUISITE: Computer Programing I, Computer Science 100 or Computer Science 200

In this Computer Science elective course, students will build upon introductory Python programming skills; they will apply them in data science contexts, including data visualization, machine learning, and natural language processing. Students will turn real world data sets into visualizations in order to tell a story, and train machine learning models to make predictions of future observations. This course will be taught in a project-based learning environment, and the semester will conclude with a final project of the student’s choice; the project will demonstrate a more in-depth technical understanding and real life application of one of the topics covered during the semester.

ADV CS: WEB DEVELOPMENT US0746
(Offered first semester) (1 SEMESTER/0.5 credit) Grades 10-12
PREREQUISITE: Computer Programing I, Computer Science 100 or Computer Science 200

In this computer science elective course, students will design and build websites in an iterative, feedback-focused, and project-based learning environment. Students will build upon introductory computer programming skills and will learn the basics of web development including HTML, CSS, Flexbox, and JavaScript. They will also come away with an understanding of gitHub and be able to publish their websites for the world to see. This course will conclude with a final project where students partner with a “client” and build a robust, user experience-focused website to fill an existing need.

ADVANCED FRENCH I: CONVERSATION & CULTURE US4090
(1 year/1.0 credit) Grades 9-12
PREREQUISITE: Completion of French III, or a prior advanced French course, and consent of department.

La conversation et la culture: This advanced course is designed for students who have completed the first three years of our French program. We will engage in an analysis of cultural texts and media resources representing a diverse selection of Francophone voices and practice advanced conversational techniques. Students will write film critiques and complete a combination of AP-level equivalent comprehension exercises along with a grammar review and a series of special projects. Cultural phenomena and current events will be discussed to build listening comprehension and awareness of socio-historical trends in a Francophone context. Students will receive daily conversational prompts to refine their speaking skills and prepare them for undergraduate coursework. Assessments will include written exercises, grammar tests, cultural projects, and individual presentations. 

ADVANCED FRENCH II: FRANCOPHONE FILM & MEDIA US4095 *subject to enrollment*(1 year/1.0 credit) Grades 9-12
PREREQUISITE: Completion of Advanced French I and consent of department.

Les médias et le cinéma francophones: Our highest-level French course will examine themes of diversity and belonging through analyses of contemporary media, film, and literary sources. The films, TV shows, current events, podcasts, and cultural texts under discussion will broaden students’ perspectives on important issues and ongoing political and social tensions in the Francophone world while inviting a more complex and multilayered understanding of la Francophonie. Students will be introduced to French film terminology and a collection of critically acclaimed, award-winning movies from different eras. Journalistic and literary passages will accompany our explorations of film themes. Students will write reflections and deliver personal commentary on a daily basis in French. During the year, students will build listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills through a series of advanced activities, projects, and impromptu conversations which will prepare them for the rigor of higher-level courses at the college level. Assessments will include tests, short papers, group projects, and individual presentations. 

ADVANCED SPANISH IV: CONTEMPORARY TOPICS US4252
(1 YEAR/1.0 credit) Grades 11-12
PREREQUISITE: Teacher placement and completion of Spanish III US4231 or Spanish in Context.

Advanced Topics in Spanish focuses on the analysis of narratives, short stories, podcasts, film and poetry from the Hispanic World.  This course requires a high level of engagement with intellectually challenging material and an interest in developing advanced-level language skills.  In the first semester, students will explore and deepen their knowledge of a wide range of cultural themes about the Spanish-speaking world. In the second semester students examine key topics related to the history of Spain. The course places emphasis on developing advanced proficiency in the four basic skills: speaking, reading, listening comprehension and writing. Students develop their writing through analytical and creative compositions, and they hone their oral expression through in-depth discussions of the topics and texts.  

ADVANCED SPANISH V: LATIN AMERICAN LITERATURE & HISTORY US4257
(1 YEAR/1.0 credit) Grades 11-12
PREREQUISITE: Teacher placement and completion of Advanced Topics in Spanish US4251.

This course introduces students to Latin American literature, film and visual art in its geographic and socio-historical context, from the chronicles of the Conquest to representations of contemporary life in Latin America’s megalopolises. Students will read poetry, testimonials, short stories, novels and plays by major Latin American authors and will consider Latin American and Latino cultural production in light of armed conflict, migration, gender roles, class struggle, popular culture and social upheaval. Students will strengthen their language skills through discussion, close readings of the texts, analytic essays, presentations, creative writing and performance.  

ADVANCED CALCULUS I US5490
(1 YEAR/1.0 credit) Grade 12
PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of Precalculus or Advanced Precalculus and consent of the department.

This course will continue the study of limits begun in Advanced Precalculus and Precalculus and develop a full treatment of differential and integral Calculus. Rules for calculating limits and derivatives will be covered extensively, with an additional focus on implicit differentiation, related rates of change and optimization problems. Integration will be treated as both the inverse of differentiation and as a process for solving for the area under a curve, with extensions to volumes and surfaces. Techniques of integration, including numerical approximation methods for definite integrals, will be emphasized. There will also be a study of rates (in and out), along with an introduction to differential equations. A graphing calculator is an essential tool and will be used throughout the course. Due to the amount and depth of material covered, this course meets 6 days per 8-day cycle with homework. This class may be taken concurrently with another Math class.

ADVANCED CALCULUS I & II US5495
(1 YEAR/1.0 credit) Grade 12
PREREQUISITE: Completion of Advanced Precalculus with an A and consent of the department.

This course will continue the study of limits begun in Advanced Precalculus and develop a full treatment of differential and integral calculus. This course is designed to be challenging and moves at an exceptionally fast pace. While it covers much of the same material as Advanced Calculus I, it goes into greater depth and complexity on some topics. It also includes additional topics. These topics include: additional methods of integration, arc length, series approximations, Euler’s Method, and calculus with polar and parametric functions. A graphing calculator is an essential tool and will be used throughout the course.  Due to the amount and depth of material covered, this course meets 6 days per 8-day cycle with homework. This class may be taken concurrently with another Math class. 

ADVANCED FIT: INTERVAL TRAINING US9637
(Offered both semesters to 11th/12th) (1 SEMESTER/0.25 credit)

Get ready to experience cardio and strength training in a variety of intervals! This class will expose you to both cardiovascular exercise and resistance training by incorporating intervals of moving around the fitness room using a variety of equipment. This class will also include outdoor components.

ADVANCED LATIN IV US4126
(1 Year /1.0 credit) Grades 9-12
PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of Latin III US4103 and consent of department.

This full year course covers an array of literary works each semester. Authors and works are selected based on students’ level of ability and interests. Typically, works from Cicero, Livy, Ovid, and Virgil are read with units supporting each genre or subject, including non-classical and neo-Latin.

ADVANCED MANDARIN IV US4348
(1 YEAR/1.0 credit) Grades 10-12
PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of Mandarin Chinese III US4331 and consent of department.

This course enhances language skills with a specific focus on collaborative projects and the presentational, interpersonal, and interpretive modes. Students actively participate in speaking and writing independently with an emphasis on collaborative projects. The curriculum extends to include the exploration of more complex grammar and sentence structures and includes writing and performing in various scenarios. There is a focus on speaking projects, skits, and performances. Listening and reading skills improve through the use of authentic materials including feature films and documentaries that support cultural and historical understanding. Students explore diverse Chinese-speaking cultures in relation to their own experiences. Evaluation is based on language competency assessed through quizzes, tests, presentations, and projects in addition to homework, class participation, and effort.

ADVANCED TOPICS IN CONSTITUTIONAL LAW US2870
(Offered first semester) (1 SEMESTER/0.5 credit) Grades 11-12

The Constitution isn’t settled law -- it’s a living battleground of power, rights, and interpretation that shapes our everyday lives. This course explores current events and present-day controversies in the U.S. Constitution's structure, functions, and fundamental rights. Through inquiry and debate, we will discover how power is both distributed and limited in American governance, how individual liberties are both protected and threatened, and how competing theories of legal doctrine shape how courts and public institutions interpret the law. Students will debate enduring issues such as free speech, press, and religion; the right to keep and bear arms; the rights of criminal defendants; disputes over the right to privacy; tensions in the continued fight for the rights of disfavored or marginalized groups; and the on-going realities of discrimination based on race, class, and gender in the United States. The course follows current events and evolving legal controversies in a rewarding and stimulating seminar setting, where students apply their learning to current cases before U.S. courts as they develop legal acumen, logical thinking, rhetorical skills, and collaboration. Special focus is placed on constitutional issues with particular resonance for students and young people. Guest speakers of the Chicago legal community and beyond regularly join class to shed light on our inquiry and offer modern perspectives on important constitutional problems. 

ALL THE WORLD’S A BOOK US1465
(Offered second semester) (1 SEMESTER/0.5 credit) Grades 11-12

After reading Shakespeare’s King Lear, one college student wrote, “There is nothing in the whole world that is not in this play. It says everything, and if this is the last and final judgment on this world we live in,then it is a miraculous world. This is a miracle play.” Is there a book says everything—or as close to it as one might get—about the whole world? And what would it be like to read only that one book—closely, slowly—over the course of a semester? What would happen to us as individual readers—and to us as a community of readers—if we invested deeply in a single work of great literature?

The text we’ll read this semester is Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy.

AMERICAN LITERATURE US1315
(1 YEAR/1.0 credit) Grade 11

This course invites students to participate in the richness and variety of American language, literature, and culture. It begins with aspects of the American character, emphasizing the development of collective habits and the persecution individuals suffer when they challenge those habits. Following our global work in Grade 10, in Grade 11 we study and listen to the work of some of America's distinctive literary authors, writing our own poetry, prose, and drama suggested by the ideas and strategies of these works. Another concern of the course is the problem of belonging in America.  We look at poetry, fiction, drama, film, and essays that explore the search for meaning, humor, and dignity in a land that makes us feel our difference.

Works studied may include various nonfiction works (Native American speeches; articles; videos; essays by Hurston, Solnit, Kimmerer, Davis, Douglass, Baldwin, Bourne, Biss, and Thoreau); Beloved, Something Wicked This Way Comes, The Great Gatsby, Buried Child, The Crucible, There There, Fun Home, If Beale Street Could Talk, and Trash; short fiction by Cisneros, Baldwin, Kernan, and Hawthorne; and poetry by Wheatley, Harjo, Dickinson, Cullen, Whitman, McKay, Hughes, Diaz, Corressi,  Hoagland, and the Hansell visiting poet.

ANIMATION I US7363
(Offered second semester) (1 SEMESTER/0.5 credit) Grades 9-12

This course explores the ability of 2D animation software to create the illusion of motion from a series of still images. Based on the core concepts of visual storytelling, students investigate the transition from static to dynamic in the context of narrative structure. Walk cycles, lip sync and stop-motion principles are explored. Software used includes Adobe After Effects, Adobe Animate, and Adobe Character Animator.

ANIMATION II US7367
(Offered second semester) (1 SEMESTER/0.5 credit) Grades 9-12

This course explores the ability of 2D animation software to create the illusion of motion from a series of still images. Based on the core concepts of visual storytelling, students investigate the transition from static to dynamic in the context of narrative structure. Walk cycles, lip sync and stop-motion principles are explored. Software used includes Adobe After Effects, Adobe Animate, and Adobe Character Animator.

APPLIED ALGEBRA US5020
(1 YEAR/1.0 credits) Grade 9

This course will explore first-year Algebra topics through both applied and algorithmic problems as well as the study of fundamental mathematical questions. An emphasis of an applied course is the connections between mathematics and its real-world applications. This class is appropriate for students who have not previously studied or need to strengthen their understanding of the introductory ideas of algebra. Topics covered include real numbers and algebraic expressions, linear functions, linear graphs and functions, systems of linear functions, exponents, polynomial functions, quadratic functions, rational expressions and equations, radical expressions and equations, etc. After completing this course, most students will take Applied Geometry.

ARCHITECTURE II US7533
(Offered both semesters) (1 SEMESTER/0.5 credit) Grades 9-12

This class introduces skills, techniques and concepts that create a robust foundation for the understanding of architectural principles. Students will create 3D models of existing buildings, generate 3D models based on basic floor plans, and design their own unique structures digitally. Concepts in design, critique and critical thinking will be explored.

ART STUDIO I US7380
(Offered both semesters) (1 SEMESTER/0.5 credit) Grades 9-12

Find your creative muse! This self-directed course introduces a variety of 2D and 3D techniques, materials, and conceptual approaches to making art. Students will practice how artists use the design thinking process to independently generate their own ideas and create art using personally meaningful themes. Students develop their artistic voice through making choices about subject matter, working methods and media. Exposure to a diverse selection of artists will inspire creative practice. Flex period attendance may be required on a case-by-case basis.

ART STUDIO II US7395
(Offered both semesters) (1 SEMESTER/0.5 credit) Grades 9-12

Find your creative muse! This self-directed course introduces a variety of 2D and 3D techniques, materials, and conceptual approaches to making art. Students will practice how artists use the design thinking process to independently generate their own ideas and create art using personally meaningful themes. Students develop their artistic voice through making choices about subject matter, working methods and media. Exposure to a diverse selection of artists will inspire creative practice. Flex period attendance may be required on a case-by-case basis.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE US0800
(Offered second semester)(1 SEMESTER/0.5 credit) Grades 11–12 

Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping the landscape of work, creativity, and communication. This course invites students to engage with AI as a powerful collaborative partner while maintaining their own unique voice and agency. We will explore the conceptual foundations of how models function – examining algorithms, datasets, and patterns – and develop practical expertise in prompt engineering as a form of precise communication. In keeping with Parker’s commitment to responsible citizenship, class time includes seminar-style discussions on the ethical and societal implications of these emerging tools. Assessment emphasizes the transparency of the human-AI collaboration, culminating in a student-designed capstone project that integrates technical skill with creative inquiry.

BEAUTY AND THE BODY US1455
(Offered second semester) (1 SEMESTER/0.5 credit) Grades 11-12

In her personal memoir, Lucy Grealy writes, “Beauty, as defined by society at large, seemed to be only about who was best at looking like everyone else.” If this is true, how does the literature that surrounds us help us to reinforce or reject this idea? In this course, we will consider what images and texts have shaped our society’s narrative of what makes someone beautiful. Using critical works, essays, memoir, novels, and visuals, we will approach each text with a critical, intersectional lens, asking ourselves how these messages are still relevant (or not) today. Students will respond in myriad ways, including written analysis, creative responses, and other multi-genre projects.  

Possible works include Lucy Grealy’s Autobiography Of A Face, Franz Kafka’s Metamorphosis, Claudia Rankine’s Citizen, Carmen Maria Machado's Her Body and Other Stories, and Melissa Fabos’s Girlhood.  Additionally, we’ll study visual texts, including films, advertisements, and television. 

CERAMICS & SCULPTURE I US7761
(Offered both semesters) (1 SEMESTER/0.5 credit) Grades 9-12

Imagine, design, build! In this course students will learn to artistically manipulate 3D materials to create sculptural and functional forms. Available materials include clay, plaster, wire, cement, cardboard, paper, fabric and more. A variety of construction skills can be explored including modeling, carving, sewing and assemblage as well as ceramic clay handbuilding methods and throwing on the pottery wheel. Global sculptors and potters will serve to inspire students’ design and production choices. Flex period attendance may be required on a case-by-case basis.

CERAMICS & SCULPTURE II US7766
(Offered both semesters) (1 SEMESTER/0.5 credit) Grades 9-12

Imagine, design, build! In this course students will learn to artistically manipulate 3D materials to create sculptural and functional forms. Available materials include clay, plaster, wire, cement, cardboard, paper, fabric and more. A variety of construction skills can be explored including modeling, carving, sewing and assemblage as well as ceramic clay handbuilding methods and throwing on the pottery wheel. Global sculptors and potters will serve to inspire students’ design and production choices. Flex period attendance may be required on a case-by-case basis.

COMPUTER SCIENCE 100 US0780
(Offered both semesters) (1 SEMESTER/0.5 credit) Grades 9–10

Computer Science 100 is one of two course options that fulfill the Upper School Computer Science graduation requirement. Students enroll in either Computer Science 100 or Computer Science 200 based on the grade level in which they take the course.

Computer Science 100 introduces students to core programming concepts and computational modes of thinking used to frame and solve problems. Students learn how to design, write, and debug computer programs while developing foundational skills in logic, problem solving, and systems thinking.

Topics include variables, decision statements, loops, lists, and functions, as well as basic algorithms and the iterative process of program development. Instruction emphasizes hands-on learning and structured practice, with pacing and support tailored to the academic and developmental needs of younger high school students. Throughout the course, students create interactive projects using the Python programming language.

This course fulfills the Upper School Computer Science graduation requirement.

COMPUTER SCIENCE 200 US0790
(Offered both semesters) (1 SEMESTER/0.5 credit) Grades 11–12

Computer Science 200 is one of two course options that fulfill the Upper School Computer Science graduation requirement. Students enroll in either Computer Science 100 or Computer Science 200 based on the grade level in which they take the course.

This course introduces core programming concepts and computational modes of thinking used to frame and solve problems, with instructional approaches designed for the academic skills and independence typical of upperclassmen. Students learn to design, write, and debug computer programs while developing skills in logic, problem solving, and systems thinking.

Topics include variables, decision statements, loops, lists, functions, and basic algorithms, explored through project-based and increasingly open-ended work. Students are expected to take greater ownership of their learning, collaborate with peers, and iterate on their designs. All programming work is completed using the Python programming language, with an emphasis on creating interactive projects.

This course fulfills the Upper School Computer Science graduation requirement.

CONCERT CHOIR US8116
Meets during Arts Ensemble 2, 4, 6, 7
(1 YEAR/0.5 credit) Grades 9-12
PREREQUISITE: Audition

Concert Choir is an advanced elective choral experience for singers in Parker’s Upper School Choir program. This course is for qualified students who have expressed interest in learning challenging choral skills and difficult works of music. Singers in Concert Choir will study a diverse choral repertoire offering increased harmonic challenges as well as opportunities for deep thematic, historical, and cultural discussion. Attendance at evening concerts, MX performances, and festivals are mandatory in order to earn credit for this class.  

CREATING SHORT FILMS I US7970
(Offered first semester) (1 SEMESTER/0.5 credit) Grades 9-12

Create short films! Students will learn various styles and techniques of video production through the creation of a series of short films and documentaries. Pre-production will involve planning and preparation. Field production gives students experience with shooting, lighting and interview techniques. Post-production involves editing, graphics and audio. This class uses state-of-the-art equipment and software to create professional quality short films.

CREATING SHORT FILMS II US7990
(Offered first semester) (1 SEMESTER/0.5 credit) Grades 9-12

Create short films! Students will learn various styles and techniques of video production through the creation of a series of short films and documentaries. Pre-production will involve planning and preparation. Field production gives students experience with shooting, lighting and interview techniques. Post-production involves editing, graphics and audio. This class uses state-of-the-art equipment and software to create professional quality short films.

CULTIVATING CURIOSITY: SENIOR SEMINAR US0050 *Pass/Fail issued for grade
(1 YEAR/0.50 Credit) Grade 12

This year-long interdisciplinary senior seminar will create and operate Parker’s first student-run podcast: “The Spark.”  The class will learn how to interview people about their varied curiosities and then how to share those conversations via the podcast.  During Parker’s 125th anniversary year, the course aims to nurture intimacy and build community by cultivating curiosity about curiosity as we explore these and other broad overarching questions:

What are you and other people curious about?  What thoughts and emotions lie within the spark that ignites people’s wonderings? In everyday life, how and why do people explore or avoid their curiosities?  What aspects of personality and society expand or inhibit such exploration?  What risks and joys do people experience as they consider asking questions and gathering information about matters that stir their curiosities?  How does inquiry into curiosity shape the construction of knowledge in the arts, humanities, natural and social sciences?  Are there shared or essential themes that shape what people want to know and learn about? How is the exploration of curiosity both a conscious and unconscious process? How do dreams and daydreams serve the exploration of curiosity?

Students will have opportunities to learn from professionals who conduct interviews in their daily work regarding how their interviewing methods help them ask people about their lives, interests, views and curiosities, how to listen deeply to the answers people provide, and how to notice what wonderings are evoked within themselves as they reflect on what they have heard.

DEIB PRACTITIONER SEMINAR US0025
(1 YEAR/0.50 Credit) Grade 12

The DEIB Practitioner seminar focuses on unpacking the concepts of identity, diversity, equity, and belonging. Students will have opportunities to reflect on their own identities through experiential activities. Students will learn different dialogue facilitation skills and workshop-building skills. In their planning and implementation of DEIB experiences, they will also develop their skills in networking, public speaking, and event planning.

Students plan and co-facilitate three LifeKit sessions (either 9th grade or 11th grade) with another student in the course. These sessions will be supported by Ms. Prahl, Director of DEIB. Students in the course also plan a Re-Orientation Day workshop for the Upper School. During the second semester, the class determines their DEIB-focused project.

DIGITAL ART STUDIO US7329
(Offered second semester) (1 SEMESTER/0.5 credit)
Prerequisite: any of the following: Animation, Architecture, Creating Short Films, Graphic Design with Photoshop, or Creating Historical Documentaries

This self-directed digital art workshop gives students the time, space, and tools to explore their creative voices through original digital projects. Students can design and produce a wide variety of work such as short films, animations, vlogs, podcasts, digital music, websites, posters, 3D printed objects and any other media they can imagine using the video lab’s professional software and equipment. Through a structured creative process, students move from idea development and planning in pre-production, to hands-on creation during production cycles, and finally refining and publishing shareable work in post-production.

DISCRETE MATHEMATICS  US5385
(Offered first semester/0.5 credit) Grades 11-12
PREREQUISITE: Consent of the department.

This course is a one-semester overview of several topics within the wide-ranging field of discrete math, which deals with countable, non-continuous mathematical structures. Topics studied will depend in part on student interest, and may include graph theory, number theory, combinatorics, probability, logic, game theory, and voting theory. Heavy emphasis will be placed on collaboration and non-routine problem solving. A graphing calculator will be a tool that will be used throughout the course.  Due to the amount and depth of material covered, this course meets 6 days per 8-day cycle with homework. Students that desire a thorough coverage of this content should consider taking Advanced Topics I and II.   This class may be taken concurrently with another Math class.

DRAMA AS LITERATURE US1581
(Offered first semester) )(1 SEMESTER/0.5 credit) Grades 11-12

Drama as Literature is a course that will provide a survey of the wide range of dramatic literature and will explore plays as both literary texts and live performances.  Students will read, perform, and analyze a number of plays, from classical to more experimental and contemporary works; discuss the context that gave rise to the plays and the various approaches to staging them, as well as exploring how plays have changed and evolved over time; create a set and design costumes for a scene or play; stage a scene from one of the plays we read; write and direct an original one-act play; and attend a live performance.  We will read works by several of the playwrights in this list: Samuel Beckett, Martin McDonagh, Tom Stoppard, Lorraine Hansberry, Bruce Norris, Henrik Ibsen, Lucas Hnath, Sarah Ruhl, Lynn Nottage, and David Hwang, among others.  

EXPERIMENTAL GAME THEORY US5510
(Offered second semester/0.5 credit) Grades 11-12
PREREQUISITES:  Successful completion of Algebra II and Geometry and consent of the department.

Ever wonder why rock-paper-scissors is impossible to master, or how card players know when to bluff?  Want to understand the strategy behind penalty kicks, the psychology of negotiations, or why cooperation is so hard even when everyone would benefit?  In this course, you’ll learn the mathematics of strategic thinking by actually playing games - from tic-tac-toe and card games to auctions and voting simulations.  You’ll discover why rational people sometimes make seemingly irrational choices, how to predict your opponent’s moves, and when randomness is your best strategy. Game theory isn’t just about games - game theory is the science behind economics, politics, evolution, and everyday decisions.  By the end of this course, you will see the hidden strategies behind decision-making in everyday life activities.  A willingness to think critically and problem solve is all you need!  This class can be taken concurrently with another Math class.

FASHION LAB I US7733
(Offered both semesters) (1 SEMESTER/0.5 credit) Grades 10-12

In this course students will learn how to create wearable garments. Students will be exposed to and practice fundamental skills including machine and hand sewing, garment construction and alteration, fashion/costume design and figure drawing. Students will draw inspiration from contemporary, historical and multicultural fashion/costume resources. Individually chosen projects may range from the traditional to the experimental. Flex period attendance may be required on a case-by-case basis.

FASHION LAB II US7751
(Offered both semesters) (1 SEMESTER/0.5 credit) Grades 10-12

In this course students will learn how to create wearable garments. Students will be exposed to and practice fundamental skills including machine and hand sewing, garment construction and alteration, fashion/costume design and figure drawing. Students will draw inspiration from contemporary, historical and multicultural fashion/costume resources. Individually chosen projects may range from the traditional to the experimental. Flex period attendance may be required on a case-by-case basis.

GUITAR STUDIO I US8548
(Offered second semester) (1 SEMESTER/0.5 credit) Grades 9-12

Guitar Studio is a course designed for beginning and intermediate guitarists seeking musical growth and structure. Students will study and prepare appropriately-selected repertoire to rehearse and perform with a small class. They will receive feedback and instruction in a group-lesson setting. The teacher will work with students on guitar technique, rhythmic fundamentals, notation, structuring practice, core repertoire, and performance strategies. Throughout the semester, students will study music from a variety of genres, including music from nearly every continent. Students will grow as musicians and performers and engage in the universal language of music as guitarists. Enrollment is limited to 10 students.

IMPROVISATION & ACTING  II US6226
(Offered second semester) (1 SEMESTER/0.5 credit) Grades 9-12

Improvisation & Acting I & II are acting modules with a curriculum design that is deliberately experientially-based, allowing for process to take center stage. Students experience the building blocks of theatre through ice breakers, trust exercises, imagination sequences, breathing and posture technique, vocal work, memory work, and team exercises. They also explore text through scene study which culminates in a process-based, in-class scene showcase. For the second half of the semester, students delve into the world of improvisation, learning to create scenes, dialogue and characters without a pre-written script. They hone their listening skills and spontaneity, and they gain a deeper understanding of their characters and motivations. Finally, using Jacques Lecoq's technique for creating a container from the outside-in, students are tasked to select a rockstar and research their body language, traits, mannerisms, walk, and essence. The objective is to study and emulate the selected subject as closely as possible to find nuance and accuracy in delivery.?This culminates in a process-based rockstar showcase at the end of the semester, with an online platform where viewers can vote for their favorite performance.

INTRODUCTION TO DANCE AND MOVEMENT US6700
(Meets during Arts Ensemble 1,3,5,8)
(1 YEAR/0.5 credit) Grades 9-12

The primary goal of the introductory dance course is to deepen the individual appreciation for movement as well as knowledge for dance by emerging the students into a world where athleticism and artistic vision meet. The student will develop their kinesthetic sense through the implementation of classic dance technique, different styles of dance and the investigation of movement. This learning will occur by developing their technique, utilizing improvisation tools and investigating the choreographic processes. The examination of vocabulary, history and new tendencies in dance are vital to achieve the goals of this course. The class intends to provide each student with knowledge and application in various dance styles with strong emphasis in terminology, proper alignment, anatomy, musicality, expression, aesthetic, dance history and technical proficiency. Students will be introduced or rediscover disciplines such as ballet/floor barre, jazz, Latin, Caribbean-African, hip-hop/commercial, and partnering.

INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED DANCE US6660
(Meets during Arts Ensemble 2,4,6,7)
(1 YEAR/0.5 credit) Grades 9-12
PREREQUISITE: Audition.

The primary goal of the continuing dance course is to deepen the individual appreciation for movement as well as knowledge for dance by emerging the students into a world where athleticism and artistic vision meet. The students will develop their kinesthetic sense through the implementation of classic dance technique, different styles of dance and the investigation of movement. This learning will occur by developing their technique, utilizing improvisation tools and investigating the choreographic processes. The examination of vocabulary, history and new tendencies in dance are vital to achieve the goals of this course. The class intends to provide each student with knowledge and application in various dance styles with strong emphasis in terminology, proper alignment, anatomy, musicality, expression, aesthetic, dance history and technical proficiency. Students will be introduced or rediscover disciplines such as ballet/floor barre, jazz, contemporary modern, Caribbean-African, hip-hop/commercial, and partnering.

Objectives: The objective of the course is to create a training stage for the student with the intention of advancing their technical vocabulary, choreographic skills and artistic voice. The course also intends to progressively deliver new skills and knowledge that will allow the student to design and build on their previous experience. This course should be an ever-changing environment that exercises the philosophy.

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS US2530
(Offered first semester) (1 SEMESTER/0.5 credit) Grades 10-12

This one-semester elective course, open to 10th through 12th grade students, explores international relations, including the role of the United States in world affairs from the Monroe Doctrine to the Trump Doctrine, and how the current administration in the White House is impacting U.S. foreign policy. Important questions in this course are: what is the international order and how is it evolving; what are the global challenges facing the U.S. today; and how does the government make foreign policy decisions in response? Students will learn “the language” of foreign policy, key people and institutions, and major theories of international relations necessary to understand the world today. We will examine issues of global significance: cyber warfare, climate change, nuclear proliferation, human rights, ethnic and religious conflict, and diplomacy versus the use of military. A significant emphasis of this course is therefore on understanding current events. Students are expected to research and write expository essays on former and current policies and research and write policy proposals. Students will also prepare role-plays and formal debates, engaging in lively and respectful discussion as a way to deepen our understanding of foreign relations issues and offer possible solutions. Chicago is the host to many forums on international relations and we may arrange to attend a speech or a panel discussion by experts, and when possible we will have a guest speaker visit the class. This elective course is ideal for students interested in broadening their understanding of the world they are inheriting and seeking to improve, and developing their critical thinking, speaking and writing skills.

INTRODUCTION TO SPANISH US4272
(1 YEAR/1.0 credit) Grades 9-12

This course is designed for students who have never had prior experience with the Spanish language. Introduction to Spanish will teach you the basic structure of the language, and develop your speaking, listening, reading and writing skills.  Students will practice carrying on simple conversations on familiar topics related to daily life. In addition to the textbook, workbook, and companion website, students will be exposed to a broad range of cultural materials and audio-visual aids.  Engagement in the daily class activities and careful preparation of the homework are key to developing the language skills that are appropriate for this level. Upon successful completion of this course, students will be placed in Fundamentals of Spanish or Spanish II.

LOGIC & MATHEMATICAL REASONING US5500
(Offered first semester/0.5 credit) Grades 11-12
PREREQUISITES:   Successful completion of Algebra II and Geometry and consent of the department.

Welcome to Logic & Mathematical Reasoning! This course will transform the way you think about problems, arguments, and decision-making. You'll learn the formal language of logic—the foundation of mathematics, computer science, and critical thinking. We'll start by building your skills in analyzing statements and constructing proofs, then dive into exciting applications: designing digital circuits, solving mind-bending puzzles, understanding how computers think, and spotting logical fallacies in everyday arguments. Whether you're interested in programming, law, data science, or just want to sharpen your reasoning skills, this course will give you powerful tools to analyze complex problems and communicate your ideas with precision and clarity. Get ready to see logic everywhere—from the technology in your pocket to the arguments in the news!  This class can be taken concurrently with another Math class.

MANDARIN I US4312
(1 YEAR/1.0 credit) Grades 9-12

Mandarin I emphasizes the development of students' communication skills in the Chinese language, covering Pinyin, radicals, character writing, typing, basic sentence structure, and topics related to daily life. Performance-based activities enhance speaking and writing skills while listening and reading skills are cultivated through authentic materials. Students explore Chinese-speaking cultures, draw comparisons to their own experiences, and appreciate diversity through music, food, cooking, customs, holidays, and movies. Evaluation is based on language competency assessed through quizzes, tests, presentations, and projects in addition to homework, class participation, and effort.

MANDARIN II US4322
(1 YEAR/1.0 credit) Grades 10-12
PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of Mandarin Chinese I US4311 and consent of department.

In Mandarin II students continue to refine their communication skills, including character writing, typing, sentence structures, and topics related to daily life. Performance-based activities progressively enhance speaking and writing skills fostering increased independence. Listening and reading skills are developed through authentic materials, enabling students to interpret basic information and recognize key details in familiar contexts. Students explore Chinese-speaking cultures, draw comparisons to their own experiences, and appreciate diversity through music, food, cooking, customs, holidays, and movies.  Evaluation is based on language competency assessed through quizzes, tests, presentations, and projects in addition to homework, class participation, and effort.

MANDARIN III US4332
(1 YEAR/1.0 credit) Grades 10-12
PREREQUISITE: Successful completion of Mandarin Chinese II US4321 and consent of department.

In Mandarin III students maintain their focus on communication skills, incorporating grammar and ongoing development of reading and writing skills. Performance-based activities enable independent speaking and writing in familiar situations. Listening and reading skills see further improvement, emphasizing literal comprehension and an increasing emphasis on inferential understanding. Students explore Chinese-speaking cultures in new contexts, drawing comparisons to their own experiences. The appreciation for diversity is enriched through engagement with music, food, cooking, customs, holidays, and movies. Evaluation is based on language competency through quizzes, tests, presentations, and projects, in addition to homework, class participation, and effort.

MEDIA, POLITICS, AND THE WORLD NOW US2955
(Offered second semester) (1 SEMESTER/0.5 credit) Grade 11-12

In a world where every headline becomes a debate and every post becomes a position, being able to read, think, and argue across differences is a real power skill. This course is built for upperclassmen who want to stay plugged into what’s happening right now -- in politics, culture, media, and the ideas shaping the future -- while learning how to talk about it in ways that are sharp, informed, and persuasive.  Students will read and discuss contemporary journalism from across the ideological spectrum, timely reporting on breaking stories, and cultural criticism that captures how people actually live, argue, and change in the 21st century. This is a seminar-style class in which students help shape each day’s conversation by bringing in questions, articles, reactions, and controversies -- no pre-set “right” answers and no scripted discussions (and no tests! no papers!). Some days we may be unpacking a developing news story, a viral controversy, a cultural trend, or a political realignment; other days we may zoom out and ask what all of it means for democracy, identity, power, and the future. If you like to read what smart people are really saying, debate enduring ideas that actually matter, and make sense of the chaos of the modern world, this class gives you the space to do so -- seriously, thoughtfully, and with a sense of humor.

MODERN WORLD HISTORY II US2265
(Offered second semester) (1 SEMESTER/0.5 credit) Grade 10

Building on the content, skills and themes that students learn in their 9th-grade Themes in World History course, the Modern World History curriculum guides students in seeing the unfolding of the world’s history from a global and topical perspective. The course emphasizes global interactions and comparisons by combining chronological and thematic approaches. Through intensive, inquiry-based studies of events throughout modern history, students will develop relevant historical questions, analyze cause-and-effect relationships among events, synthesize historical data for the purposes of research, and demonstrate proficiency in the skills necessary for advanced historical inquiry. By focusing on a distinct topic, students have greater opportunities to examine economic, political, and cultural interactions, as well as to compare societies’ unique developments. Such an approach also ensures that students gain a sound understanding of historical thinking that is necessary for comprehending the past, but also for understanding their world today.

MUSIC HISTORY I: THRU BAROQUE US8555
(offered first semester) (1 semester 0.5 credit) Grades 9-12

To start each semester, students will learn or review music fundamentals: rhythm, pitch, and other basics. Then, we will begin the journey of music and how it influenced other art forms such as architecture, dance, the written word, and the visual arts. The first semester offering starts with the origins of music through the Baroque period. In both semester courses, students will learn musical styles and how to identify and place works into specific periods. Throughout the course, we will also discuss how politics and policies nurtured some artists, destroyed others, and even altered complete genres of music. Sprinkled throughout the class will be interactive in-class performances with artists from the Chicago area, field trips to The Chicago Symphony, The Lyric Opera as well as other performing organizations, and invitations to witness live performances by Parker’s own bands, choirs, dance troupes, and orchestras directly corresponding with class study. These extraordinary live performances will be coupled with in-class and at-home listening assignments. Upon completion of the course, the student will have examined the inspiration, obstacles, and triumphs of the standard classical and modern repertoire. It is a course that will impact how you listen to music in the car, at home, and at concert venues for the rest of your life.

MUSIC HISTORY II: THRU TODAY: US8560
(offered second semester) (1 semester 0.5 credit) Grades 9-12

To start the second semester, students will learn/review music fundamentals: rhythm, pitch, and other basics. Then, we will begin the journey of music and how it influenced other art forms such as architecture, dance, the written word, and the visual arts. For the second semester, we will have a brief overview of how we arrived at Classicism and then how Beethoven’s brilliance helped usher in every period to follow. We will then explore Impressionism, Expressionism, Barbarism, Modernism, Jazz, Ragtime, Blues, and Rock with all its subsets. As in the first semester, we will discuss how politics and policies nurtured some artists, destroyed others, and even altered complete genres of music. As in the first semester, the class will blend interactive in-class performances with artists from the Chicago area, field trips to The Chicago Symphony, The Lyric Opera as well as other performing organizations, and invitations to witness live performances by Parker’s own bands, choirs, dance troupes, and orchestras directly corresponding with class study. These extraordinary live performances will be coupled with in-class and at-home listening assignments. Upon completion of the course, the student will have examined the inspiration, obstacles, and triumphs of the standard classical and modern repertoire. It is a course that will impact how you listen to music in the car, at home, and at concert venues for the rest of your life.

MUSICAL THEATRE PERFORMANCE US6320
(Offered first semester/.5 credit) Grades 9-12

Musical Theatre Performance is a semester-long experiential course aimed at diversifying the student’s repertoire and skill set in the field of musical theatre. It is focused on the amalgamation of acting, singing, and dancing in theatrical performance through musical theatre scene study, song repertoire acquisition, and choreographic instruction. The course also aims to equip students with the necessary tools to gain confidence, learn audition technique, and hone performance ability for the musical productions on campus. Students are exposed to a variety of scenes from musicals ranging from golden-era to contemporary. They are taught how to create a character and break down songs into beats, moments, and character arcs. They also receive instruction in movement and how to incorporate dance into their repertoire and body of work as part of the increasing requirements that come with this demanding, triple threat art form. Students also work on audition technique and build up their arsenal of songs that they can use for college and professional auditions. The course is team-taught between the music, drama, and dance departments. The material learnt and honed during the semester culminates in a showcase at the end of the semester.

NEWBERRY LIBRARY AND AFROAM STUDIES US2505
(Offered second semester) (1 Semester/.5 credit) Grades 10-12

This course foregrounds a study of the diversity of Black communities in the United States within the broader context of Africa and the African diaspora. This course is an interdisciplinary course that examines the diversity of African American experiences through direct encounters with authentic and varied sources. Students explore key topics that extend from early African kingdoms to the ongoing challenges and achievements of the contemporary moment. 

Additionally, students will learn how to conduct research using primary sources found in archives across the Core Subjects of the Newberry Library: American History and Culture; American Indian and Indigenous Students; Chicago and the Midwest; Genealogy and Local History; Maps, Travel, and Exploration; Medieval, Renaissance, and Early Modern Studies; Modern Manuscripts; and Archives; Postcards; Religion. Students will travel to the Newberry Library to access primary sources within the collections. They will learn how to interpret and analyze historical documents, and gain an understanding of how primary sources influence how history is captured and told. Students will pose, answer and explore their own historical questions throughout the class and will write a 15 page paper on a primary source at the Newberry Library that focuses on the African American community. Note: Flex will be used periodically. 

NEWSPAPER PRODUCTION US1588
(1 YEAR/ 1.0 credit. This course does not count toward the four-year English requirement) Grades 9-12

NOTES: The course may be taken more than once for additional credit. Schedule: four times per week (Arts Ensemble: Days 3, 4, 7, 8). Students with conflicts during one or more of those periods will be expected to make up absences in Clubs periods or 7:15am sessions.

This workshop course is designed to aid students in the successful production of a quality newspaper, The Weekly. Students will be involved at every level of the process—from generating and pitching story ideas to reporting, writing, and editing to photography, layout, and print and online publication. The main objective is to accurately and insightfully report on the year as it is experienced by the entire JK through 12 community, with an emphasis on the Upper School, from which the newspaper’s staff is composed. Participation in the class is a requirement for being on the staff of The Weekly except with permission of the instructor. Participation is also one of various factors to be considered during appointments of staff and editors. 

ORCHESTRA US8632
Meets during Arts Ensemble 1, 3, 5, 8
(1 YEAR/0.5 credit) Grades 9-12
PREREQUISITE: Audition

Students in 9th through 12th grades who have achieved the requisite proficiency on their instruments (violin, viola, cello, bass) can participate in the Orchestra. The repertoire is chosen from the vast library of string orchestra music. The programmed music is taken from all eras of music, ranging from classical to contemporary. Performance opportunities can include MX’s and orchestra concerts. Basic music theory instruction and music history instruction related to the scheduled music is included in this class.

PEER HELPERS SEMINAR US0040 *application/interview only*
(1 YEAR/0.50 Credit) Grades 10-12

Become a Leader in Student Wellness: This graded student leadership seminar uses evidence-based curriculum to train you in peer support skills — because students turn to each other first. Students will meet for two days during the summer to learn four Core Skills: Connecting, Listening, Understanding, and Coping. During the school year, students will meet twice in an 8-Day Cycle: Days 1 (Clubs) & 6 (Civic Lab) from 10-10:40. Students will be responsible for designing and teaching three 50-minute lessons to 9th graders during Life Kit with other peers. Students will also lead school-wide wellness initiatives and serve as peer mentors and role models. Students interested in this seminar are those who want to make an impact, build leadership skills, and connect with purpose.

ADVENTURE EDUCATION US9632
(Offered 1st semester to 11th/12th, Offered 2nd semester to 9th/10th) (1 SEMESTER/0.25 credit)

This course offers students the opportunity to develop teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership skills through engaging and dynamic indoor and outdoor activities that may include, but are not limited to, challenge courses, orienteering, hiking, knot-tying, snowshoeing, paddling sports, and geocaching. Note: some of the elements of this course are weather dependent and subject to availability.

BOX-FIT US9633
(Offered 1st semester to 9th/10th and 11th/12th) (1 SEMESTER/0.25 credit)

Burn off some energy while learning fundamental boxing techniques.  Intervals of boxing will get you lean and strong while segments of cardio will get your heart pumping. Class will include an off-campus field trip.

INDOOR SOCCER US9607
(Offered 2nd semester to 11th/12th) (1 SEMESTER /0.25 credit)

Students will improve their passing, dribbling, shooting, and strategy skills in the fast-paced game of indoor soccer. Both drills and games will be included in the curriculum.

INTRO TO FITNESS US9635
(Offered 1st and 2nd semester to 9th/10th) (1 SEMESTER /0.25 credit)

New to exercising, no worries! This class will focus on full-body workouts and cardio sessions. We will incorporate a variety of body-weight exercises to help improve strength, fitness challenges, cardiovascular endurance and flexibility.

PING & PICKLE US9639
(Offered 2nd semester to 9th/10th and 11th/12th) (1 SEMESTER /0.25 credit)

Join in on the pickleball and ping pong obsession! In this class, students will learn the intricacies of the sports of pickleball and table tennis. Students will engage in various drills and skill building, individual and partner gameplay, and class tournaments.

STEP AND MORE US9603
(Offered 1st semester to 9th/10th, Offered 2nd semester to 11th/12th) (1 SEMESTER/0.25 credit)

It’s time to increase your step count.  Let’s reach 10K steps together … Outdoor and indoor walks will be included in the curriculum, along with step bench classes, setting personal goals and more.

PRECALCULUS WITH ALGEBRA US5450
(1 YEAR/1.0 credit) Grade 11
PREREQUISITES: Successful completion of Algebra II and Geometry and consent of the department.

This course is intended to meet the needs of students who are interested in eventually studying Calculus. This course will include an in-depth study of trigonometry that builds on the student’s foundation of plane geometry and right triangle trig. Topics covered include polynomial functions, rational functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, conic sections, trigonometric functions, trigonometric identities, polar coordinates, polar functions, etc. Algebraic content that will be reinforced and then integrated into the PreCalculus curriculum will include functions, linear functions, quadratic functions, systems of equations, exponents including negative and rational exponents, polynomial functions, etc.  This class may be taken concurrently with another math class.

PROBABILITY & STATISTICS US5395
(Offered second semester/0.5 credit) Grades 11-12
PREREQUISITE: Consent of the department.

This course is a one-semester introduction to the collection, organization, analysis, and interpretation of data. Topics studied include one-variable data and the normal distribution, two-variable data and linear regression, randomness and probability, experimental design, and an introduction to hypothesis testing. Heavy emphasis is placed on conceptual understanding and reasoning. While mathematical formulas and algebraic thinking are necessary to the discipline, calculators and spreadsheets are frequently utilized as tools for computation, simulation, and working with large data sets.   Due to the amount and depth of material covered, this course meets 6 days per 8-day cycle with homework.  This class is not intended to be the equivalent of a college level Statistics course.  This class may be taken concurrently with another Math class.

QUANTITATIVE METHODS AND ANALYSIS US5520
(1 YEAR/1.0 credit) Grades 10-12
PREREQUISITES: Successful completion of an Algebra II class and consent of the department.

This course uses mathematical methods (primarily statistical methods like inference testing and regression) to answer questions related to civic health and measures of inequality using actual local and national data.  The focus of this course is on applying mathematical methods and analysis to understand currently relevant social issues, ranging from climate health to anxiety amongst teenagers to financial market performance.  Minimal coding experience is assumed, though students familiar with R or Python will be able to regularly extract and analyze real-world data sets. This class may be taken concurrently with another Math class.

READING AND WRITING ACROSS GENRES US1505
(1 YEAR/1.0 credit) Grade 9

This course asks students to explore the various forms through which writers share their passions and ideas with readers and the tools they use to achieve their desired impact. The literary genres studied include drama, poetry, fiction (novel, short story), and nonfiction (personal essay, memoir, literary nonfiction). Within each genre, students will read representative works, analyze their elements and effects, and write their own pieces. The goals of the year are to gain a deeper understanding of literary genres, to evolve as readers and thinkers, and to develop their voices as writers. Students are encouraged to consistently share their ideas and writing with each other.

Writers studied may include playwrights such as Wilson, Nottage, DeLappe, and Shakespeare; poets such as Brooks, Komunyakaa, St. Vincent Millay, Olds, Williams, Roethke, Plath, Collins, Finney, Gluck, and Young; novelists such as Chopin, Cisneros, Clemmons, Shamsie, and Steinbeck; short story writers such as Boudinot, Oates, Garcia Marquez, Mahfouz, Allende, Jackson, and Poe; and essayists such as Sedaris, Wolffe, Kingston, and Angelou.

SHAKESPEAREAN TRAGEDY US1415
(Offered first semester) (1 SEMESTER/0.5 credit) Grades 11-12

Although Shakespeare wrote comedies, histories, and other genre-bending plays, the tragedies are at the heart of his legacy. Each era finds meaning in his plays, and they speak to us, even now, with great relevance. In this course, we will study several of Shakespeare’s tragedies. As critic A.C. Bradley reminds us, “a Shakespearean tragedy is never, like some miscalled tragedies, depressing.” These are thrilling, moving, dynamic works, and that is why they have stood the test of time. We will read each play closely—and strive to see how they work together to form a larger vision of humanity. It is rare in a high school class to study one author in depth; don’t miss this opportunity to explore Shakespeare’s most timeless and enduring works in a single semester.

Possible works include Hamlet, Othello, King Lear, and Macbeth

SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP FOR SOCIETY US2960
(Offered second semester)(1 SEMESTER/0.5 credit) Grades: 10-12 

Grounded in Parker’s commitment to civic agency, the course examines how individuals and organizations can move beyond traditional service models to create sustainable, scalable change. In this dynamic, project-based course, students engage with the TIDES (Technology, Innovation, Design Thinking, Entrepreneurship for Society) philosophy to explore how design thinking and creative problem-solving can address pressing social inequities. Drawing on the school’s Civic Lab model, the curriculum emphasizes a hands-on, maker-centered approach where students move through the iterative stages of empathy, prototyping, and testing to develop tangible solutions to community challenges. By centering human-centered design and environmental sustainability, students learn to view themselves as innovative architects of change, culminating in a public presentation of their work that highlights the power of collaborative action and creative citizenship within the Parker community and the broader city of Chicago.

SPANISH IV: SPANISH IN CONTEXT US4241
(1 YEAR/1.0 credit) Grades 11-12
PREREQUISITE: Teacher placement and completion of Spanish III.

In this course students continue their study of intermediate-level Spanish, building on the structures and vocabulary that they learned in Spanish III. Emphasis is placed on conversation and discussion skills sparked by various audiovisual materials. Students will describe, react to and interpret tv shows, movies, documentaries, and podcasts from the Hispanic world, among other materials. Students will gain confidence in their ability to express ideas, navigate conversations in the target language with native speakers (TalkAbroad program), and engage with everyday cultural themes. The study of grammatical structures and vocabulary will be anchored in a textbook for Spanish learners.

SPORTS AND SOCIETY US2595
(Offered second semester) (1 SEMESTER/0.5 credit) Grades 10-12

In this seminar, sports will serve as a prism to illuminate vital aspects of contemporary society including social class, consumerism, gender dynamics, ethics and race relations. Students will come to better understand change over time in the fabric of American culture and the role that sports play in modern life. Special areas of study include racial segregation and integration, the twin births of spectator sports and consumer culture, the rise of feminism, and the role of sports in childhood. The course will utilize a wide range of activities and assessments, including creating a documentary film and participating in a debate assessing the impact of sports on secondary and collegiate education. Course materials include secondary sources such as Dave Zirin's A People's History of Sports in the United States and David Remnick's biography of Muhammad Ali, King of the World. A majority of the assessments for the course are projects intended to provide students with authentic opportunities to engage in critical thinking about sport and American society.

TECHNICAL THEATRE & DESIGN SCHEDULE US6430
(Meets during Arts Ensemble Block (2x/week) + Thursdays After-School + Production Weeks)
(1 YEAR/0.5 credit) Grades 9-12

This hands-on course introduces students to the behind-the-scenes world of theatre production through a "carousel model" curriculum. The course combines theoretical design work during the school day twice weekly with practical application after school. In class, will rotate through distinct design units, including Set Design, Scenic Painting & Props, Lighting, and Sound Design. Units will include: set design & construction, scenic art & prop fabrication, and lighting & sound engineering. In addition to these units of study, students will be  required to attend weekly Thursday after school workshops to construct sets for the Fall Play and Spring Musical. For these shows, students will serve as the primary Run Crew, requiring evening availability during "Tech Week" for set installation and backstage management. The year culminates in a student-led capstone project where the class devises and executes the complete production design for the May Dance Showcase.

THE BLACK VOICE IN AMERICA US1445
(1 YEAR/1.0 credit) Grades 11-12

“And in Afro-American Literature, the question of difference, of essence, is critical. What makes a work Black?”
– Toni Morrison

“Unspeakable Things Unspoken: the Afro-American Presence in American Literature.”
– Toni Morrison

Should literature of any kind have an agenda? What makes a work “Black”? In this year-long course, students will explore various ways Black experiences in America have been, and continue to be, formally and informally documented and chronicled. Students will engage the work of Hurston, DuBois, Morrison, Naylor, Baldwin, and others to answer the aforementioned questions. Through readings, conversations with artists and scholars, community-based writing days, documentary film studies, and more, we will draw distinctions among “literatures.” By using multiple disciplines (sociological, historical, post-colonial) to examine the literature, students will be exposed to the ever-evolving ways the Black American voice serves as a unique way to reread, reframe, and rethink America and the American experience; they will respond to readings analytically, creatively, and personally. Students should plan to finish the course with an expanded knowledge of the history and legacy of Black expression.

THE CONTEMPORARY NOVEL US1625
(Offered second semester) )(1 SEMESTER/0.5 credit) Grades 11-12

This course will be an opportunity for students to read contemporary novels that offer interesting and varied windows into the world we are living in today. What makes a novel contemporary? Perhaps anything written from 2000 onward, or as recently as from the time that you were born. These novels will allow us to examine how writers explore the questions of our time—whether they be personal or political (and, most often, it’s both). Topics encountered might include structural injustice, economic difference, technological advances, familial narratives, and political regimes. Novels may include work by the following writers: Hernan Diaz, Louise Erdrich, Percival Everett, Elena Ferrante, Lauren Groff, Lily King, Kazuo Ishiguro, Daniel Mason, Ian McEwan, Jenny Offill, Richard Powers, Marilynne Robinson, Emily St. John, Miriam Toews, George Saunders, Ocean Vuong, and Colson Whitehead. 

TOPICS IN TRIGONOMETRY US5347
(Offered second semester/0.5 credits) Grade 11
PREREQUISITES: Successful completion of Applied Geometry or Geometry and consent of the department.

Trigonometry will be explored through both applied and algorithmic problems. An emphasis of an applied course is the connections between mathematics and its real-world applications. This class is appropriate for students who have already completed Algebra II and Geometry but are not taking Precalculus as a Junior. This course will happen simultaneously with the second semester of Applied Algebra II.  After completing this course, students can take Statistics or Precalculus or Conceptual Calculus.

VOCAL MUSICIANSHIP LAB  US8534
(Offered both semesters) (1 semester/0.5 credit) Grades 9-12

Vocal Musicianship Lab is Parker’s foundational course for newer and developing singers, designed to deconstruct the mechanics of music-making. This course shifts the focus from traditional ensemble rehearsal to individual skill acquisition. In the Lab, students work at a self-guided pace to build a robust musical toolkit, mastering the essentials of vocal production, sight-reading, and basic music theory (including major scales and interval recognition). While the group explores a diverse mix of folk, popular, and classical repertoire, the primary goal is musical literacy rather than public performance. Public performances are not guaranteed; instead, the Lab serves as a low-pressure, high-growth environment where students gain the confidence and technical proficiency required to advance into Parker’s performing ensembles.

WORLD LITERATURE US1405
(1 YEAR/1.0 credit) Grade 10

Around the world, across cultures, and throughout history, we tell stories. This course examines these stories, why we tell them, and how we craft them. Building on our genres work in Grade 9, we examine literature from Nigeria, India, Pakistan, Japan, France, Iran, and Greece, among other countries. We consider individual and cultural identity formation and migration, as well as cultural values, mores, norms, and transgressions. We compare and discuss the characteristics of the hero from around the world. 

Works studied may include A Small Place, The Odyssey, The Thing Around Your Neck, after the quake, Exit West, Small Things Like These, The Stories of Eva Luna, Things Fall Apart, as well as a selection of poems from around the world. Other writers may include Brian Friel, Jhumpa Lahiri, Marjane Satrapi, William Shakespeare, and Dai Sijie. 

WRITING SEMINAR US 1640
(Offered first semester) (1 SEMESER/0.5 credit) Grades 11-12 

“The only way to learn to write is to force yourself to produce a certain number of words on a regular basis” -William Zinsser

The primary focus of this class will be to give students the opportunity to write often and to engage in the critical steps of the writing process. 

Semester one, the focus of the class will be writing in with the audience in mind. Writing modes may include the personal narrative, the opinion-editorial, profile, review, photo-essay. What is it that you want to say and how do you capture the attention of your audience? Whether or not you see yourself as more of a journalistic, creative, or academic writer, writing in these various models will challenge your voice and how you express your thinking. 

Though this is a writing course, students should still plan to read widely and often. The texts explored in this course will serve as “mentor texts.” What can this piece teach me about the craft of writing? What techniques does this writer use that I can employ in my own work?  Students will keep writer’s notebooks for both brainstorming and for moving through the writing process. Students should be prepared to workshop their writing with their peers and in full-class workshops and should plan to engage in writing conferences with their teacher. Furthermore, students will study grammar and style. Students may engage in traditional grammar lessons as well as stylistic lessons tied to sentence variety, use of punctuation, rhetorical strategies, etc. Students will walk away from the course with a variety of written work to showcase their progress.