Curriculum—At a Glance

HUMANITIES DEPARTMENT

While the specific texts studied and written projects assigned may vary from teacher to teacher, the Humanities Department is dedicated to creating a comprehensive and cohesive curriculum. The Humanities courses are taught in sequence from the ninth to the twelfth grade. We have designed the sequence to provide students with the broadest possible knowledge base, which will form a strong foundation for post-secondary studies. The Humanities department also offers the opportunity to alternate the Humanities III and IV courses with the AP programs of Language and Literature. Electives such as writing, drama, and journalism are offered as well.

• Humanities I (9th grade)--This course provides ninth grade students with the opportunity to explore the formative periods of civilization on several continents. Representative readings are drawn from drama, epics, historical writing, philosophy, and more. Primary focus is placed on the study of mythology and the oral tradition.
• Humanities II (10th grade)--Students study the relationship of American literature to the other arts, history, religion, science, technology, and architecture of the United States from European contact to Post-Reconstruction.
• Humanities III (11th grade)--This course is designed to develop knowledge and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the United States. Students will study the history, art, literature, dance, and music of a variety of ethnic groups, including Native American, African American, Irish American, Jewish American, Hispanic American, and Asian American.
• Humanities IV (12th grade)--ln this final year of the program, the graduating seniors will be engaged in literature, art, music, and dance which have developed during the rapidly changing social, political, and technological conditions of the twentieth century. Students will examine the impact of technology on consciousness and culture as they prepare themselves for the challenges of the 21st century.

SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT

The aim of the Social Studies Department at SWW is to help students to develop an awareness of current social and political issues as well as a sense of the interconnectedness of the world events past and present. The department offers the required courses for graduation from the District of Columbia Public School System: World Geography, DC History, World History, US History and US Government. In addition, the department offers AP US History, AP US Government, Street Law, Constitutional Law and Psychology as electives.

FOREIGN LANGUAGE DEPARTMENT

The Foreign Language Department assists students in becoming fluent in the target languages of Spanish and French. French and Spanish I are the first level of the two-year foreign language requirement for DCPS. While learning the language, students are exposed to different cultures thus broadening their horizons. SWW offers French and Spanish at the high school level; however, while using the city as a classroom, our students are able to take classes at the university level. The University of the District of Columbia, Howard University and George Washington University have been very generous with their facilities. SWW students participate in an annual foreign language programs, including Amigos de las Americas program, which provide opportunities for students to further their studies abroad.

MATHEMATICS DEPARTMENT

The Mathematics Department at SWW consists of four teachers offering courses which meet not only the graduation requirements of DCPS but the diverse needs of our students: Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, Advanced Math, Pre-Calculus, and Calculus. For students in Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II and Advanced Math that need additional tutorial support, problem-solving (foundation) courses are offered. Students are encouraged to take a mathematics course each year. Students who take Calculus in 10th grade or 11th grade may be eligible to enroll in math classes at George Washington University. The SWW Mathematics Department makes every effort to meet the needs of our students through teacher assistance and volunteer tutoring services.

ART DEPARTMENT

The SWW Art Department offers courses in the art experience, drawing, pottery, fundamentals of film, visual arts seminar and photography techniques. The art department produces an annual video yearbook that can be viewed on cable 25. The visual arts are also integrated into the Humanities program with art history, museum trips and studio experiences. SWW students also participate in the National Art Honor Society, the Corcoran Art Membership Program, the Conserving Our Legacy contest, exhibit locally (Sumner Museum, Superior Court, and Representative Eleanor Holmes Norton’s office) and have received numerous awards and accolades for their accomplishments.

MUSIC DEPARTMENT

The Music Department provides classes for academic requirements and career direction. There are partnerships with the Washington Opera, the Choral Arts Society, the National Cathedral Choral Society, the Kennedy Center Education Department, and the Washington Performing Arts Society. The SWW choir performs in citywide programs and collaboration with the DC Music Center for instrumental instruction is currently being negotiated.

SCIENCE DEPARTMENT

Each student has unique needs, talents, and interests; therefore, the SWW has developed innovative teaching strategies and an alternative educational environment that enhance academic, emotional, social, and physical growth. The Science Department offers Environmental Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and higher-level science courses taught on the university level. In keeping with the concept of using the city as a classroom, the department uses many sites to support the program: Gelman Library, (technology resource), Martin Luther King Library (research projects), University of D.C. (chemistry/physics labs), Natural History Museum (chemistry/biology), Museum of History & Technology (physics/chemistry), Air & Space Museum (physics), National Zoo (biology), National Aquarium (biology), Botanical Gardens (biology), GWU campus (botany).