Curriculum Overview

Click on subject headings above for specific course descriptions.

Arts: Visual and Performing Arts

St. Andrew's-Sewanee has long enjoyed a strong reputation for its arts programs. All Upper School students must complete an arts course for graduation. Classes are demanding in scope and expectation. Students are able to pursue instrumental, vocal and dance studies through private lessons using instructional resources available through the University of the South. Students also may audition for the orchestra and other ensembles as well as theatrical and dance productions at the university.

English

Writing and critical reading are essential elements of the English curriculum. Students are expected to demonstrate their ability to write a coherent essay through the Junior Essay experience. English 12, a course taken by all seniors, is taught at a level comparable to AP English. Each year approximately 10% of the senior class takes the English Literature AP exam. One semester humanities electives are offered as need and interest dictate and incorporate frequent analytical writing assignments.

History/Social Sciences

Students are required to complete the following three history courses or their equivalents graduation: World History I (Western civilizations), World History II (Eastern civilizations), and U.S. History. All classes make extensive use of original documents and regular analytical writing assignments including document-based essays. Students complete a major research paper in the second semester. One-semester electives available to juniors and seniors involve a significant number of analytical papers and other writing assignments and use original documents, anthologies and film in exploring the course topics.

Language

Two years of study in the same language (Chinese, French, Latin, or Spanish) at the upper school level are required for graduation. The modern language classes, Chinese, French and Spanish, are conversation based and generally conducted in that language beginning with the first year classes. Students may continue study in the same language through the fifth year.

Mathematics

All students must successfully complete Algebra I, Algebra II and Geometry to meet graduation requirements. The majority of students will complete four or five years of mathematics prior to graduation. Courses beyond Algebra II include Algebra III, Statistics, Math Analysis, Graph Theory, Trigonometry, and Calculus.

Religion

Introduction to Religious Studies is a world religions course taught at college level for all seniors. The purpose of the class is to consider religion and ethics as phenomena common to humanity. The definition and function of religion and ethics are the central concerns of the course. Students read a variety of sacred texts and commentary. In addition to several short analytical papers, as a final project each student formulates a personal creedal statement articulating their own spiritual views.

Science

All science courses are laboratory based and emphasize observational and laboratory skills over rote memorization. Science offerings include Conceptual Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and one semester electives in Environmental Studies and Geology. Advanced Chemistry and Advanced Biology are full year courses taught at the AP level and offered in alternate years.

Electives

Elective courses vary from year-to-year depending on student interest and faculty interest and expertise. Recent courses include Classical Drama, Ancient Philosophy and Rhetoric, Geology, Ancient Greek History, Political Action, Studies in Non-Violence, Societal Change in America: 1960-1975, and Financial Mathematics.

Advanced Courses

In addition to the courses listed above, qualified students may take college courses for free and for credit at the nearby University of the South. In recent years, students have used this opportunity to take courses in Anthropology, Art History, Chemistry, Computer Science, Digital Art, Economics, French, German, History, Japanese, Latin, Math, Music, Physics, Political Science, Russian, Sculpture, Spanish, Theatre and Women's Studies.