CULTURAL STUDIES & PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT
| Grade 9 | Grade 10 | Grade 11 | Grade 12 | |
| Required | Health, Mind and Body | Filosofía* or Ética* | ||
| Electives | Religión Católica | Confirmación Católica, Filosofía 2, Life 101 | ||
|
Mindfulness, or Spiritual Traditions, |
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* For students enrolled in the Colombian Bachillerato
_______________________________________________SUPPLIES______________________________________________
* Writing tools and notebook as needed.
__________________________________________COURSE DESCRIPTIONS______________________________________
HEALTHY MIND AND BODY 9
AFE104 0.5 credit
This course is designed to assist students in obtaining accurate information, and encourage lifelong positive attitudes and behaviors, related to their personal health and character development. Students will develop skills and knowledge allowing them to take responsibility for their own health status as well as their cognitive, emotional, and behavioral dispositions. Students build their sense of self, learn to interact positively with others, and develop their ability to think critically and creatively.
This is a required course for 9th grade students.
No prerequisite
FILOSOFÍA 11 - 12
AFE224 0.5 credit.
El ser humano se caracteriza por desear entender el mundo que lo rodea y por intentar comprenderse a sí mismo. Esta curiosidad nos lleva a formular preguntas y a tratar de encontrar respuestas en muchas fuentes: la ciencia, la religión, la literatura, el arte. La Filosofía, como otros saberes, durante siglos, ha tratado de responder a esas preguntas y en la clase, los estudiantes tendrán la oportunidad de explorar las grandes debates y las importantes reflexiones que se han generado sobre esas preguntas cotidianas, que definen lo que somos como cultura y como individuos: ¿es posible alcanzar eso que llamamos felicidad?, ¿somos realmente libres?, ¿la ciencia y la religión son incompatibles?, ¿qué son el bien y el mal?, ¿qué nos hace diferentes de los otros animales?, ¿existen acciones completamente desinteresadas?, ¿necesitamos ser gobernados? Además de reflexionar sobre estas ideas, los estudiantes podrán constatar su vigencia y pertinencia y, así mismo, tomar una posición informada sobre sus propios valores, estilos de vida y comportamientos.
Please note that for students in the Colombian program, Ética or Filosofía are a required course in 11th or 12th grade. Prerequisite: successful completion of Spanish 9, 10, or 11. This course is taught in Spanish.
ÉTICA 11 - 12
AFE220 0.5 credit
La clase de Ética constituye una introducción a los conceptos, problemas, teorías y debates fundamentales de la reflexión filosófica acerca del obrar humano. Se utilizarán fuentes primarias para hacer un recorrido por las principales teorías éticas, el contexto en el que se plantean y la concepción de hombre y de sociedad que tienen en su base. Esto les permitirá no sólo acercarse a los temas propios de la ética, sino comprenderla dentro del contexto de la reflexión filosófica y como un intento de ofrecer un fundamento racional al actuar humano. Además de realizar un recorrido histórico, los estudiantes reflexionarán sobre los principales temas y debates de la ética contemporánea, sus antecedentes, implicaciones y principales consecuencias.
Please note that for students in the Colombian program, Ética or Filosofía are now a required course in 11th or 12th grade. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Spanish 9, 10, or 11. This course is taught in Spanish.
CONFIRMACIÓN CATÓLICA 11 -12
AFE310 0.5 credit
Este curso busca preparar al estudiante, que libremente se inscribe en la catequesis, para recibir el sacramento de la Confirmación. El proceso de formación espiritual se desarrolla bajo la doctrina de Fe de la Iglesia Católica, que lo/la capacita para comprender la madurez de la vida religiosa, la aceptación y apertura a un proyecto de vida anclado en los valores del evangelio de Jesucristo, y la transformación interna y externa que suscita en la vida de un creyente recibir la completa efusión del Espíritu Santo.
This course is taught in Spanish. No prerequisite
MITOLOGÍA: GRECIA Y ROMA 9- 12
AFE123 0.5 credit.
En busca de la esencia mágica de los orígenes, este curso propone un recorrido por la mitología clásica, de cercano Oriente y Egipto en las que se explorarán las interpretaciones que dieron diferentes culturas a las interrogantes más profundas del ser humano, como la creación, la inmortalidad, las pasiones, los orígenes de las enfermedades y la desgracia, para analizar los valores humanos y sociales reflejados en sus héroes y dioses, que conformaron la identidad de estos pueblos sembrando las bases de sus principios éticos, morales y de búsqueda de trascendencia. Del mismo modo nos acercaremos a los lugares que imaginaron para sus dioses y los muertos, así como a las visiones que tuvieron del fin del mundo mediante catástrofes cósmicas. Los personajes de los diversos relatos mitológicos, dioses, demonios, monstruos hechiceras y espíritus, han conservado su magia y encanto durante milenios, reflejando anhelos, deseos y miedos del espíritu humano.
This course is taught in Spanish
MINDFULNESS 9 - 12
AFE410 0.5 credit
“Mindfulness is about being fully awake in our lives. It is about perceiving the exquisite vividness of each moment...” Jon Kabat-Zinn
In a troubled and fast-paced world like the one we live in, we tend to be fully occupied and continually entertained. It is difficult to notice the amount of stress that we are under and, therefore, the need to become truly present becomes more imperative. In the Mindfulness Course, students will learn how to pause and diminish their inner speed in order to connect with themselves and with their bodies in increasingly deeper ways. They will see how the practice of Mindfulness can help them improve their concentration, insights, academic performance, learning, social interactions, and much more. Students will learn practical exercises that can be implemented in their daily lives which will enable them to deal with stress and conflict in much better ways and have more stable, productive, and richer lives. As such, the course will be highly experiential and daily practice perhaps the most important component. Students will learn how this seemingly simple practice has transformed millions of lives for thousands of years, why there is so much research being done on this topic today, and why it’s becoming so widespread and essential in our contemporary world. The curriculum will mirror widely acclaimed coursework in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction and Mindfulness essentials. The historical context of mindfulness and meditation throughout the ages will be explored. The mounting clinical research regarding Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction will also be studied. A variety of mindfulness experiences and practices will be introduced and developed. Ongoing discourse and personal reflection will be prompted throughout the course.
No prerequisite.
INDEPENDENT STUDY 9-12
0.5 credit
This class provides students with a space and an opportunity to complete upcoming assignments. Students will be assessed on their ability to set and meet goals using the Character for Life standards, particularly those related to Self-Management and Responsible Decision Making. This course would be open to students who fit the following profile(s):
LATIN AMERICA: THEATER, ARTS & CULTURE 11-12
0.5 credit
This course is a review of the cultural life of the Latin American continent, using the arts as the axis of this investigation. It opens a possibility to connect with our identity and history as a territory whose similarities are important to observe through artistic and cultural expression. Studying the art and culture of Latin America opens up a possibility for us to locate ourselves as individuals in a context whose borders need people who can produce knowledge and reflection.
CATHOLIC RELIGION/RELIGIÓN CATÓLICA 9-10
AFE120 0.5 credit
Este curso busca brindar al estudiante la oportunidad de lograr una mejor y mayor calidad de vida católica integrándolo en la sociedad con un buen espíritu de servicio promoviendo una mejor relación con Dios para que la vivencia de su religión se de en un ámbito de la vida diaria. Esto se logra a través de diferentes actividades como: debates, mesas redondas, juegos, películas, lecturas de la Biblia y otros textos.
This course is taught in Spanish. No prerequisite.
FILOSOFÍA 2 11 -12
AFE226 0.5 credit
El curso de Filosofía II busca ofrecer a los estudiantes la posibilidad de profundizar en los temas y debates centrales de la Filosofía Moderna y Contemporánea (siglos XVI a XXI). La metodología propuesta para esta clase es la del Seminario Alemán. Consiste en leer, estudiar, discutir e intercambiar experiencias sobre un tema en particular, puede ser una obra, un grupo de obras, un autor o un grupo de autores. Esta metodología promueve la investigación colectiva, la participación activa en la discusión y busca mejorar las habilidades de escritura y lectura en español.
Prerequisite Successful completion of Filosofía
This course is taught in Spanish
SPIRITUAL TRADITIONS 9 -12
AFE106 0.5 credit
This course explores the spiritual traditions of some of the world’s major religions. Ancient religious traditions and their influence on history, art, culture, and society will be studied. The focus will be on seeking commonalities and how beliefs develop creativity, health, spirituality, and a sense of purpose. The core of this course is dedicated to the study of some of the following religions: Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Chinese religious traditions including Confucianism and Taoism, Judaism, and Islam. Some philosophers and psychologists who address these topics will also be explored. Students will examine the spiritual dimension and determine how these teachings help individuals to grow. Students will delve into ethical concepts such as personal growth, social justice, environmental awareness, and peace. In addition, students will analyze whether some of these teachings may be applicable in their daily lives in order to make the earth a better place in which to live.
This course is taught in English. No prerequisite.
LIFE 101: LIVE IT, PLAN IT! 11 - 12
AFE342 0.5 credit.
This course is designed to help Juniors and Seniors prepare for their future while balancing their present teenage life. This course prepares students to make successful transitions to postsecondary destinations as they investigate specific postsecondary options based on their skills, interests, and personal characteristics. Students will examine factors that affect success while refining their skills within the academic and affective domains. Not only can there be time set-aside for college application, essay writing and support finding the right fit for university, gap year, or career path, but lessons on stress and time management that are needed when planning a future and simultaneously completely high school course work. This course will also provide time for reflection on personal and family values (Who am I? Who do I want to be? Do my actions match my values?) and where there might be internal struggles between social/familial pressures and personal authenticity and goals
This course is taught in English. No prerequisite
MITOLOGÍA CELTAS Y VIKINGOS 9 - 12
AFE122 0.5 credit
La heroicidad, el coraje, la honestidad, el respeto, la valentía, la integridad son algunos de los valores que vemos reflejados en los relatos de la mitología nórdica y que podemos aplicar en la actualidad. Este curso propone un recorrido por el código ético de los antiguos vikingos a través de sus relatos mitológicos, así como acercarnos a sus interrogantes más profundas sobre la condición del ser humano y los valores y virtudes con los que buscaron darle sentido a su existencia. Los personajes de los diversos relatos mitológicos, dioses, demonios, monstruos hechiceras y espíritus, han conservado su magia y encanto durante milenios, reflejando anhelos, deseos y miedos del espíritu humano.
This course is taught in Spanish.
HOW TO CHANGE THE WORLD 9 - 12
AFE341 0.5 credit.
The main objective of this course is to help students in the development of critical thinking skills and creativity that can help them to identify their life purpose as agents of change in society. This will be done through the study of prominent historical and contemporary figures who have managed to generate real contributions. Writers, thinkers, activists, and artists will serve as inspiration for students to apply these skills in real-life situations. Students will delve into ethical dilemmas and into concepts such as social justice, environmental awareness, and peace processes to explore practical ways to make our planet a better place to live. In this class, students will develop a Service Learning Project structured around the IPARD model (Investigation, Planning, Action, Reflection and Demonstration). Students will receive a certain number of community service hours based on their project outcomes.
No prerequisites
PROJECT GREEN CHALLENGE - 12
SSD706 0.5 credit
Are you passionate about sustainability, the environment, and social issues? Do you want to learn the latest, most relevant ways to be the change you want to see in the world? Do you want to work in teams, have fun, get out of the classroom, have guest speakers, and be part of a global movement? This semester course is centered on the powerful 30 day Project Green Challenge in October (Sem 1) or April (Sem 2). We will participate in this challenge in teams and have the possibility to go to the finals in San Francisco, CA! CNG has already sent multiple students to the finals. Project Green Challenge will inform, inspire and mobilize high school, college, and grad students worldwide. This powerful and diverse call to action features 30 days of environmentally–themed challenges to touch lives, shift mindsets, and equip students with knowledge, resources and mentorship to lead change on campuses and in communities. Through conscious living, informed consumption, and individual and collective action, Project Green Challenge (PGC) participants are challenged to envision and work toward the healthy, just, and resilient future they want to thrive in. This course can count as ½ credit in Social Studies or Character for Life.
No prerequisite.
GRANDES MUJERES DE LA HISTORIA 9-12
0.5 credit
El curso “Grandes Mujeres de la Historia”, propone desarrollar un estudio cronológico y audiovisual sobre la vida de grandes mujeres, a partir de su legado, libros, pinturas, fotografías, esculturas, películas, documentales que hablan por y de ellas. Buscando así, resaltar los aportes históricos de las mujeres y establecer conexiones con la realidad actual que permitan reflexionar sobre la discriminación que ha existido, y existe, hacia la mujer.
El curso es un recorrido por la vida de protagonistas de diversas épocas, ámbito y condición que desafiaron al destino e influyeron en el curso de la humanidad. Se explorará la influencia de algunas de las mujeres cuyas acciones cambiaron el rumbo de la historia de la humanidad. Se analizará el contexto histórico en que les tocó vivir, destacando cómo lo vivieron, contra qué se enfrentaron y por qué quedaron registradas en la memoria colectiva.
This course is taught in Spanish. No prerequisite.