Noble and Greenough School Course Catalog

All Class VI students are required to take World Geography. Class VI World Geography explores the world in two phases. The first examines global issues and develops course-specific skills that will help students as they explore regions of the world in the second phase. These skills include building an adequate geographic vocabulary, developing accurate map reading and design skills, briefly surveying the earth's geologic history, covering the earth's climate and vegetation regions, examining world population and environmental concerns, and explaining governmental and economic concepts. In the second part of the course, the focus turns to the culture, history, and physical features of various regions. During this time, students will also plan their own extensive around-the-world trip from February to May. The course finishes with a three-week interdisciplinary (Geography/Science) unit in May that culminates with an Alternative Energy Project that includes the active participation of all Class VI students.

All Class V students are required to take Civics. Class V Civics introduces students to the study of citizenship as well as the political and economic systems of the United States. Centered on reading assignments from a variety of sources, the course also uses computer simulations, debate, mock trials, video, individual and group projects, Web sites and position papers to enrich and enliven the learning experience. It is a highly interactive class. Skill development includes active reading, note taking and writing, critical and evaluative thinking, thesis articulation and public speaking. The students also write a major paper in the spring, in which they are asked to examine and evaluate a series of Supreme Court decisions concerning specific and often controversial topics from U.S. society. The course also makes connections with United States History, current events and geography.