Politics Archives - Beaver Country Day School

Financial Algebra

Interests: Business, Law, Math, Politics

Ever wondered, "How do I create a budget?" or "What's the secret to mastering debt?" Want to unravel the mysteries of taxes and insurance, and discover the keys to paving your way through college expenses? In this course, you will be using skills you have previously learned in Integrated Math 3 (or Algebra II) to deepen your knowledge on personal finances. Get ready to transform your understanding of money, making it not just about equations but about owning your financial future with confidence!
Students can opt to take this class at the Honors level
Prerequisites: Integrated Math 2 or Algebra 1

10th

11th

12th

Mathematics

Matrices and Linear Algebra

Interests: Business, Economics, Engineering, Financial Literacy, Math, Politics, Sports

This course focuses on the theory and techniques of linear algebra. Topics include vectors in n-dimensional space, matrix theory, systems of linear equations, vector space theory, linear transformations, eigenvalues and eigenvectors, and optimization. This course includes economics and computer science applications.

Students can opt to take this class at the Honors level

Prerequisites: Integrated Math 2 or Algebra 1

11th

12th

Mathematics

Probability and Combinatorics

Interests: Business, Engineering, Math, Politics, Sports

How likely is an event likely to happen? This is an essential question that is asked by professionals in a host of different fields. Probability helps to quantify a response, often relying on algorithms of combinatorics to count the number of favorable outcomes in a given scenario. Maybe you want to understand the efficacy of a revolutionary cancer treatment better, or think more critically about the P-values that deem a trial successful or unsuccessful. Maybe you are curious about the decision-making of professional poker players, or are interested to explore how meteorologists use this same theoretical math in their daily forecast of the weather. Maybe you see probability in sports, or combinatorics in computer science. Whatever the application is that interests you, here you will develop the advanced algorithms for counting which provide the groundwork for probability theory. In this course, you will develop an understanding of the mathematics that helps to inform the decisions we make every day. Students can opt to take this class at the Honors level Prerequisites: Integrated Math 3 or Algebra 2 and Geometry

11th

12th

Global History & Social Sciences

Black Joy: 1877-1940s

Interests: Politics, Storytelling

This course examines the period between the end of Reconstruction and the 1940s, the “nadir of race relations” in America, where racism was open, more pronounced, and sown into the American fabric. During this era, despite the realities of racial terror and violence faced by African Americans, the emergence of Black-owned businesses, the Harlem Renaissance, African-American Political Thought, sports leagues, and women like Madame C.J. Walker created a culture of Black joy and excellence during times of uncertainty. Students will explore the history, politics, economics, and culture of Black Americans whose narratives of success, power, and innovation play a role in the voice and history of shaping the United States. They will also investigate how Black joy was expressed, experienced, and celebrated during this transformative era.

10th

11th

12th

BVR-X

Socio-Economics of Sports

Interests: Business, Economics, Politics, Social Justice, Socioeconomics, Sports

Sports are everywhere! We love and support our teams. But what role do sports play in society and how do they influence it? Sports teams generate billions of dollars every year, and sports events gather huge crowds in celebration akin to religious rituals. This BVR-X course will look into the workings of different sports; their teams; their business models; their impact on society and how sports have reacted to societal changes and political movements. Part of this class will include meeting with sports experts, athletes, and investors to get an authentic understanding of their perspectives. To connect the theory to its reality, this course will also involve organizing and participating in different sports tournaments, and attending and/or watching some sports games throughout the term to learn more about sports rules and practices. Honors and standard levels

10th

11th

12th

BVR-X

English

Global History & Social Sciences

Mathematics

Modern Languages

Performing Arts

Science

Student-Directed Projects

Visual Arts

Student Directed Project – SDP

Interests: Architecture, Business, Design, Engineering, Film, Hands On, Health, Law, Literature, Politics, Psychology, Research, Social Justice, Social Sciences, Sports

A Student-Directed Project empowers students to do an in-depth exploration of a topic of interest throughout the term. The student designs, plans, and leads their research project in collaboration and with the guidance and support of a coach (faculty advisor). It allows students to delve deeper into their passion and to be the designer of their own learning. There is a wide range of Student-Directed Projects; they are multi-disciplinary, non-linear, and most importantly, student-created and led. That’s what makes them so interesting. Here are some examples of past projects:

Creating an architectural model using 3D architectural software
Through their eyes: Photo and interview series of veterans
Robosub electromagnetic linear accelerator
Acoustic pinger for Robosub
Virtual Reality game for visually-impaired persons
Creating a concept album
Dispute: Landlord-tenant board game
Multimedia journalism: Producing a podcast series
Perplex: English and Theater Study
Sensors and fiber optics: Building a fiber optic dress
Haptic technologies: Force-Feedback Virtual Reality
Applications of integrals to analytical continuation of functions

11th

12th

Global History & Social Sciences

Religions and Beliefs

Interests: History, Law, Politics, Religion, Social Sciences

Do you ever wonder why people from very different religious backgrounds might peacefully coexist, while others from mostly similar backgrounds find themselves in conflict? In this course, students will explore a wide range of belief systems, religious and spiritual ideologies, learning about the origins, practices, and adaptations over time. Investigations into how belief systems shape contemporary politics, government, and society will also be explored.

12th

Global History & Social Sciences

Advanced History: Theories of Punishment (Honors)

Interests: Criminology, Debate, Law, Politics, Psychology, Social Justice, Social Sciences

What aspects of culture and politics promote criminal justice reform? How can the United States achieve an effective justice system that protects public safety while also confronting issues related to restoration for those impacted by crime, both the victim and the accused? Is the prison industrial complex used by the government and industry to address social, political and economic challenges? In this course, students are introduced to criminology and penology. Students will examine historical trends, current programs related to reform, and examine the psychological impact and role that poverty, lack of mental health services, addiction, trauma, and education has had on the lives of incarcerated people. They will participate in forums led by people whose work or volunteerism is connected to addressing existing issues within the system and engage in field-based experiences. Students will explore topics of choice and design viable solutions.

11th

12th

Mathematics

Discrete Mathematics

Interests: Business, Law, Math, Politics, Sports

Discrete Mathematics is concerned with processes and situations that are finite and discontinuous–things that have an end, can be measured, and given a whole-number value. In this course, students will have the chance to learn a range of discrete math topics that fall outside the spectrum of traditional high school mathematics. Existence problems deal with whether or not a solution exists, counting problems explore how many solutions may exist, and optimization problems focus on finding the most favorable solution to a particular problem. Topics covered may include finite sets and partitions, enumeration, probability, expectation, random variables, and elementary number theory, with an emphasis on applications of discrete mathematics. Students can opt to take this class at the Honors level Prerequisites: Integrated Math 3 or Algebra 2 and Geometry

11th

12th

Global History & Social Sciences

Governments From Around the World

Interests: Law, Politics

How do governments of the world work together in dealing with geopolitical issues? This course will explore the various governmental systems of the world in existence today. It will also examine why democracy thrives in some areas of the world and what factors hinder it in others. Throughout the term, students will be exposed to governmental systems from all corners of the globe. Ultimately, through those explorations, students will critically engage with global contemporary issues and the challenges associated with the various governments in existence.

11th

12th

Global History & Social Sciences

Identity, Race, and Class

Interests: Debate, Identity, Law, Politics, Social Justice, Social Sciences

How have we been socialized to perpetuate stereotypes and biases toward groups of people? How do gender and identity intersect with race and class? Students will examine the work of some of the most important thinkers on race, class consciousness, and identity, and analyze the impact of those concepts on American society and their personal lives. As participants in this class, students will be encouraged to engage in authentic, individual discussions and to connect their experiences to other global voices.

10th

9th

Mathematics

Integrated Math 2: Algebra, Geometry, and Data Science

Interests: Business, Engineering, Health, Law, Politics, Required Course

Integrated Math 2 students expand their algebraic reasoning and understanding of mathematical models including quadratic equations and exponential functions. Students also explore probability and build upon their knowledge of transformations, congruence, and similarity while developing logic skills through conjecture, argument, and proof. Investigations in this course build connections between all topics covered. Prerequisites: Integrated Math 1, Algebra 1, or Foundations for Algebraic Reasoning. Offered at the Honors and Standard levels. Honors level requires departmental recommendation.