Upper School Course Catalog 2018 - 2019

TVT Upper School Course Guide | 2018-2019 2018 | 2019

1

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

GRADE 9 GRADE 10 GRADE 11 GRADE 12

ATHLETICS CIF Sport, Physical Education, Team Manager, Cheerleading, ISPE
2 years or 4 seasons
of a CIF sport Art, Film, Music, Journalism
VISUAL PERFORMING
ARTS English 9 or English 10 or English 11 or English 12 or
1 Year AP English AP English
English 9 Honors English 10 Honors Language and Literature and
ENGLISH Composition Composition
4 Years
Elective descriptions are found at the end of each departments’ course listing
ELECTIVES
4 Years Level placements made by Hebrew and Spanish Department

FOREIGN LANGUAGE (Studesnts who opt out of Hebrew, in their Freshman to Junior year, must enroll in another language and a
3 Years Jewish Studies elective or enhancement. Seniors who opt out of Hebrew, must enroll in a
Jewish Studies elective or enhancement in addition to Jewish Studies 12.)
HISTORY/
SOCIAL SCIENCE Western Global Conflicts of Semester courses (choose 2):
4 Years Civilization or the 20th Century or • Government
Honors Western AP European History • AP US Government
JEWISH STUDIES Civilization or • AP Comparative Government
4 Years AP Psychology
Economics
MATH • America and Vietnam
3 Years
(through Algebra 2) Year-long course
SCIENCE • AP European History
3 Years
(2 lab sciences) Jewish Studies 9 Jewish Studies 10 or Jewish Studies 11 Jewish Studies 12

SERVICE LEARNING or AI Jewish Studies
9/10
AI Jewish Studies
9/10

By placement of Mathematics Department

Biology or Chemistry or By Science
Biology Honors Chemistry Honors department
recommendation

100-hour requirement over four years

2 TVT Upper School Guide

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY EXPLANATION OF ELECTIVE COURSE OFFERINGS

Tarbut V’Torah admits students of any race, color, TVT offers a broad assortment of elective courses.
national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, We are able to do this by offering select electives
programs, and activities generally accorded or made every other year. When students build their four-
available to students at the school. It does not year academic plan with their college counselor in
discriminate on the basis of race, col- or, national and preparation for upper school, close attention should
ethnic origin in administration of its educational be paid to the curriculum guide. With careful planning,
policies, admissions policies, scholarship programs, a student will be able to avail themselves of all
and athletic and other school-administered programs. possible elective courses throughout their upper
school experience.
EXPLANATION OF GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Tarbut V’Torah (TVT) students’ graduation
requirements exceed top university expectations.
Most students in Grades 9- 12 may take up to eight
courses: English, History, Math, Science, Hebrew,
Jewish Studies, and two electives. Many students
choose to use one of these elective periods to
double up on an academic subject in which they
are passionate.

The term elective is used to describe any courses
taken above and beyond departments’ graduation
requirements (e.g., AP Biology, Journalism or AP
Psychology). Course offerings may change to
accommodate interest and enrollment. The dual
Jewish Studies and General Studies curriculum helps
students hone their critical thinking skills as well as
make deep connections between the academic and
the personal. Unless otherwise noted, “successful
completion” of a course is shown by earning a grade
of C– or higher.

TVT Upper School Course Guide | 2018-2019 3

ATHLETICS § TEAM MANAGER

DEPARTMENT PHILOSOPHY TVT recognizes that there are a number of ways for
a student to be involved in and benefit from athletics
Physical activity, whether individual or organized, as part of their education. Being a team manager
can have a tremendously positive impact on a involves the student in the team through score
student’s wellbeing. The department promotes the keeping, practice set-up, videotaping, equipment
development of leaders, team players and lifelong management, and other responsibilities. Students
learners. Other goals include the following: may sign up to be a team manager to fulfill a season
of sport credit for the graduation requirement.
• To provide physical activity essential to
optimum growth and development § INDEPENDENT STUDY PHYSICAL EDUCATION
(ISPE)
• To provide a wide range of sports/activities
that will contribute to the pursuit of a lifelong • Independent Study Physical Education
healthy lifestyle provides students an opportunity to receive
Athletics/PE credit outside of TVT. This course
• To provide opportunities for physical, mental, is for the following students:
and social development through teamwork,
strategizing, conditioning, practices, and • Students that are state or regionally
competitive games ranked athletes.

• To provide a learning environment to • Students participating in an advanced
strengthen work ethic, accountability, sport/activity we are not currently offering.
sportsmanship, and discipline
• Students with medical conditions.
• To provide opportunities for individual
sports/activities The student will participate in the sport/activity for a
minimum of eight hours per week. In addition, the
Competition melds together physical potential and student will participate in a minimum of four
capabilities in a positive, meaningful way. Neither competitions for the semester.
winning nor losing is at the heart of the class, but
rather building character, self-confidence, along with § CIF SPORTS
physical and mental stamina. The student is expected
to put forth real effort and to participate with passion Fall Winter Spring
and purpose. Our goal is not to identify winners but to Cross Country
make winners of students on and off the field or court. Girls Tennis Boys Soccer Baseball
Girls Volleyball
§ PHYSICAL EDUCATION Girls Soccer Boys Tennis

The course will emphasize physical conditioning, Boys Basketball Golf
knowledge of muscle groups, appropriate stretching
techniques and basic knowledge of team and Girls Basketball Softball
individual sports. Content will focus on the five
components of a healthy lifestyle; cardio- vascular, Cheerleading
muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility,
and body composition. Students will gain a
working knowledge of wellness, fitness and
lifestyle management.

TVT Upper School Course Guide | 2018-2019 4

ARTS § 3D DESIGN/CERAMICS

DEPARTMENT PHILOSOPHY This course introduces the fundamentals of three-
dimensional design and will ask students to construct
The Tarbut V’Torah Visual and Performing Arts and question visual relationships. Emphasis will be on
Department provides students the ability to marry developing an understanding of the basic elements of
ideas to action. Whether learning to dance, play music, design: line, plane, volume, mass, movement, shape,
make a film or a piece of visual art, the discipline of form, space, value, texture, and color. Students will
taking an idea to its artistic conclusion is paramount. look closely at design organizational principles such
Students are challenged at all skill levels through trial as proportion, repetition, rhythm, emphasis, balance,
and error, collaboration, revision and execution. The symmetry, and hierarchy. A range of materials (paper,
most up to date technology and state of the art facility cardboard, clay, plaster, wire, and found object) and
allows students exposure to what is being used by processes (constructing, modeling, carving, casting,
industry professionals. The skills learned through this and fabricating) will be utilized to introduce a variety
process can be applied to all aspects of life. The of approaches to 3D problem solving. Students will
Visual and Per- forming Arts Department determines also be introduced to 3D critical vocabulary where
student enrollment in Honors/AP classes by using the focus will be on communicating ideas and forming
following criteria: distinctions and connections through verbal and
written formats.
• Grade of B or better in a previous art class
• Portfolio Grade Level: 9-12 Prerequisite: None
• Faculty recommendation
§ INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC*
§ STUDIO ART*
The goal of Instrumental Music is to create an
This course provides fundamental art experiences ensemble of musicians capable of playing many
for the beginning to advanced high school artists. different styles and genres of music including
Students are introduced to a variety of techniques and classical, jazz, Jewish spiritual music as well as
media and learn to express visual concepts in black popular contemporary pieces. Vital aspects of this
and white as well as color. goal include:

Drawing and painting are the focus of the first • Familiarity with great instrumental music of
semester, while forays in three-dimensional design the world
take place in the second semester. Emphasis is placed
on understanding art vocabulary and on being able to • Proficiency in student’s primary instrument
effectively apply art vocabulary in reference to (proficiency in any instrument is acceptable
developing projects. Students learn to incorporate the and encouraged)
elements and principles of design with increasing
proficiency, including composition, color theory, and • Familiarity with reading music as well as
concept development. Craftsmanship, aesthetic sight reading
presentation, and innovation are stressed as they learn
to observe and interpret. Students will learn to use • Familiarity with form and harmonic constructs
drawing pencils, charcoal media, soft and oil pastels, (changes) and the working shorthand for
colored pencils, watercolor paints, collage methods, these constructs
printmaking, plaster, wire and clay. In addition,
students are introduced to artists and art history • An understanding of basic improvisation and
as a basis for realizing the relationship between how it relates to the song’s chord changes
ideas and art creation. A writing component stresses
critical thinking. Class critiques emphasize art • A working vocabulary of what is being heard
aesthetics through the comprehension of design and a critical vocabulary that will provide
assessment tools. students with the skills to analyze instrumental
Grade Level: 9-12 music intelligently
Prerequisite: None
• A willingness to assert oneself musically
without fear of disapproval

Grade Level: 9-12
Prerequisite: None

* This course is approved by the University of California 5
Course Availability: It is important to note that a course may not be offered in a given year due to low course enrollment.

TVT Upper School Course Guide | 2018-2019

§ DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY* § FILM PRODUCTION*

This course is designed to give students a thorough This course allows students to develop a hands-on
understanding of traditional art and photography working knowledge of all stages of short film
techniques through the use of a digital camera and production. Using the modern film industry as a
computer. Students begin by learning how to operate model, students play the roles of producer, writer,
the basic features of their digital camera as well as director and actor to produce one or more festival
learning the fundamental elements of artistic style short films over the course of the year. The first
composition. For the bulk of the coursework, students semester of the course focuses primarily on the study
explore the modern digital darkroom. Using in-depth of creative writing and narrative structure as students
hands-on study of Adobe Photoshop as well as other learn techniques for brainstorming, creating original
image manipulation software, students learn stories as well as interpretations and adaptations of
techniques for visual self-expression through existing stories. Students then develop those ideas
digital illustration. into finished screenplays. The second semester
focuses on the technical production of the films,
Grade Level: 9-12 including production design, set construction,
Prerequisite: None directing, acting in and shooting the films. At the end
of the year, the films are screened as part of the TVT
§ INTRODUCTION TO FILM Film festival. The two-hour long festival takes place in
an actual movie theater, friends and family are invited.
Students learn to analyze narrative fiction as well as
the aesthetic and cultural valuing of film as an artistic Grade Level: 10-12
medium. Students view films of various genres Prerequisite: Introduction to Film and
selected from the American Film Institute’s top 100 teacher recommendation
greatest films. Viewing the films by decade allows
students a deeper understanding of each film’s
historical and cultural context. We place particular
emphasis on analysis of narrative structure and
creative writing. Students view up to 4 classic films per
month in class. Each film is preceded by a classroom
lecture/discussion about the film’s historic, cultural
and artistic significance. Students study the deeper
technical architecture of film and the way in which
films are written and created.

Grade Level: 9-12
Prerequisite: None

* This course is approved by the University of California
Course Availability: It is important to note that a course may not be offered in a given year due to low course enrollment.

6 TVT Upper School Guide

ENGLISH personal reading, learning word attack skills such as
analogies and classical roots, and studying grammar
DEPARTMENT PHILOSOPHY and mechanics sharpen personal communication
skills and prepare students for the SAT and ACT.
The English program at TVT provides arenas in which
students’ natural curiosity about the world can be Grade Level: 9
safely explored. In examining the many important Prerequisite: None
questions that texts raise about the nature of the
individual, communities, and conflict, students § ENGLISH 9 HONORS*
graduate with a greater capacity for compassion, an
understanding of multiple perspectives, and a deep The difference between English 9 Honors and English
appreciation of the many answers literature affords us 9 is that the honors students have a greater volume of
to the question: What does it mean to be human? reading and analytical writing and are required to work
more independently. Honors students are expected to
In order to achieve this goal, students are taught have mastered the five-paragraph essay upon arrival
interpretive strategies that are transferable across into this class. English 9 Honors broadens students’
texts: ways of understanding character, point of view, historical, social, cultural, literary, and personal
setting, and other heuristics that enable students to consciousness by exploring literature from around the
discover and respond to the complex ideas that world and from different eras. Core reading includes
literature poses, in addition to understanding their own novels and short stories as well as poetry and may
habits of mind. include such authors as Homer, Shakespeare, Huxley,
Achebe, Marquez, and Kafka. Writing instruction
The writing program is designed so that students teaches writing as a process that involves thinking,
understand that writing is both a process and a planning, composing, revising, editing, and sharing.
product, a way of saying something but also a means Writing assignments are varied and focus on
of discovering what they truly believe. Students are developing students’ reflective and analytical voices.
exposed to various genres, such as short stories, Vocabulary and grammar study are also important
drama, poetry, and non-fiction pieces in consideration parts of the course; mastering vocabulary from core
of various rhetorical strategies a writer might employ. and personal reading, learning word attack skills such
Students use these pieces as mentor texts from which as analogies and classical roots, and studying
they find their own authentic voices, and in- stead of grammar and mechanics sharpen personal
merely consuming information and culture, they communication skills as well as prepare students for
become creators of literature and writers of the SAT I and SAT II.
their own destinies.
Grade Level: 9
§ ENGLISH 9* Prerequisites: Completion of English 8 with a grade of
A- or better, writing sample, teacher recommendation
English 9 broadens students’ historical, social, cultural,
literary, and personal consciousness by exploring
literature from around the world and from different
eras. Core reading includes novels, short stories, and
poetry from a variety of cultures and time periods.
Writing instruction teaches writing as a process that
involves thinking, planning, composing, revising,
editing, and sharing. Writing assignments are varied
and focus on developing students’ reflective and
analytical voices.

The main goal of the English 9 writing curriculum is
the mastery of the analytical essay. Vocabulary and
grammar study are also important parts of the course.
Mastering vocabulary from core and

* This course is approved by the University of California 7
Course Availability: It is important to note that a course may not be offered in a given year due to low course enrollment.

TVT Upper School Course Guide | 2018-2019

§ ENGLISH 10* § ENGLISH 11*

In this course, students read from a variety of plays, Students continue to expand their critical reading,
novels, poems and short stories and consider the writing, and thinking skills as well as their social and
themes that help illuminate the human condition and political awareness through literature that parallels
our own personal journeys. Core British, European, and their study of American history. Core reading includes
Jewish Literature texts help students explore the novels, plays, short stories, and poetry, and authors
development of the English language. English 10 such as Hawthorne, Twin and Fitzgerald. Students
challenges students to expand their critical reading, continue their exploration of major literary and
writing, and thinking skills as well as social, political, philosophical movements. Writing assignments aim to
and personal awareness through literature that sharpen the skills of close reading, documentation,
augments their study of European history. Writing literary analysis, and comparison/contrast. Students
assignments aim to sharpen the skills of close reading, continue to broaden their vocabulary from core and
literary analysis, argumentation, comparison, and recreational reading and from etymological study.
narration as well as to promote thoughtful reflection. Usage mechanics, timed writing, and sentence skill
Ultimately, the goal of this course is to increase practice continue to prepare students for their college
student confidence in writing skills and familiarity with entrance exams (ACT and SAT). Students also read
literature as students prepare for college (and the four outside reading books throughout the year.
SAT) in the coming years.
Grade Level: 11
Grade Level: 10 Prerequisite: English 10 or English 10 Honors
Prerequisite: English 9 or English 9 Honors
§ ENGLISH 12*
§ ENGLISH 10 HONORS*
In English 12, students build on their critical reading
Honors English students have a different reading list, and writing skills. A thematic unit of study of drama
and a greater volume of reading and analytical writing, culminates with a senior play production. Texts may
from their English 10 counterparts. Honors English include Shakespeare’s Hamlet or Othello. Novels,
students are required to work more independently. short stories, poetry, and drama are explored. Real
English 10 Honors challenges students to expand their world writing projects, including resume building,
critical reading, writing, and thinking skills as well as cover letter writing, and interviewing skills are
social, political, and personal awareness through addressed. This college-level course provides
literature that augments their study of European students with opportunities to write about a variety of
history. Core reading includes representative authors subjects and to demonstrate an awareness of
from British, European and Jewish literary traditions. audience and purpose in writing. Ultimately, the goal
An increased reading of poetry intends to develop of this course is to increase student confidence in his
both appreciations for the genre as well as familiarity or her writing skills—and familiarity with literature—in
with its technicalities. Writing assignments aim to advance of the journey to college next fall.
sharpen the skills of close reading, literary analysis,
argumentation, comparison, and narration as well as Grade Level: 12
to promote thoughtful reflection. Students continue to Prerequisite: Completion of three years of English
broaden their vocabulary from core and recreational
reading.

Grade Level: 10
Prerequisite: Completion of English 9 or English 9
Honors with an A- or better, writing sample, teacher
recommendation

* This course is approved by the University of California
Course Availability: It is important to note that a course may not be offered in a given year due to low course enrollment.

8 TVT Upper School Guide

ADVANCED PLACEMENT ENGLISH ELECTIVES

§ AP ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND COMPOSITION* § YEARBOOK *

The AP English Language and Composition course is Students learn how to work independently and in
designed to help students become skilled readers teams to produce the Upper School/Middle School
and writers of prose written in a variety of rhetorical yearbook. This entails deciding on the theme of the
contexts. Both their writing and their reading should yearbook, making sure as many students as possible
make students aware of the interactions among a are included in pictures and text. Students engage in a
writer's purposes, audience expectations, and subjects variety of tasks, such as creating computer-generated
as well as the way generic conventions and the layouts, taking pictures, and writing captions. Students
resources of language contribute to effectiveness in learn many aspects of journalism as well, and
writing. This college-level course provides students demonstrate leadership, teamwork, problem solving
with opportunities to write about a variety of subjects skills, and effective communication. Photography is a
and to demonstrate an awareness of audience and major component of yearbook. Students must take
purpose in writing. The overarching objective in this photographs of in- school and afterschool activities.
course, as well as most first-year college-level writing Students must be prepared to meet deadlines.
courses, is to enable students to write effectively and Following the completion of the year- book and its
confidently, both at college and later in their delivery to the publisher, students will do an individual
professional lives. project to further enhance their skills.

Grade Level: 11 Grade Level: 9-12
Prerequisites: Completion of English 10 or English 10 Prerequisites: None
Honors with an A– or better, writing sample, teacher
recommendation § WRITING WITH STYLE
(FALL SEMESTER COURSE)
§ AP ENGLISH LITERATURE AND COMPOSITION*
This one-semester elective course will provide
AP English is an accelerated, literature-based course, students with a variety of opportunities to practice
which uses writing as the primary mode of writing with style and confidence. Students will study
assessment and introduces students to college level a variety of model texts, primarily nonfiction, and will
scholarship involving careful reading and critical complete numerous short writing assignments
analysis of imaginative literature. Focus includes the designed to master a range of skills crucial for
historical placement of works as well as features of developing an individual voice in their own writing.
genre, literacy of Western tradition, rhetorical analysis, Students will be trained to write clearly and concisely,
and sentence style and correctness. In addition to and they will be provided with a toolkit of stylistic
writing about each major work of literature under devices to add interest to their writing. Topics covered
study, students produce essays on poetry, drama, and will include sentence and paragraph structure, tone,
non-fiction. The texts and assignments, especially diction, passive and active voice, finding and
concentration on the timed essay, help prepare developing appropriate supporting examples, and
students for the College Board AP English Literature strategically using figurative language to make
exam. The texts and level of inquiry are equivalent to a arguments more compelling. Though many of these
college freshman humanities course. topics are touched on in regular English classes, we
will be exploring them in more depth and helping
Grade Level: 12 students develop an appreciation of individual style in
Prerequisites: Completion of English 11, English 11 writing. This course is appropriate both for talented
Honors, or AP Language and Composition with an A– or writers who want to hone their skills and struggling
better, writing sample, teacher recommendation writers who want to improve.

Grade Level: 9-12
Prerequisite: None

* This course is approved by the University of California 9
Course Availability: It is important to note that a course may not be offered in a given year due to low course enrollment.

TVT Upper School Course Guide | 2018-2019

FOREIGN LANGUAGE: § HEBREW 1*

HEBREW LANGUAGE & LITERATURE Upper School Hebrew 1 is for students with no
previous experience reading, writing or speaking
DEPARTMENT PHILOSOPHY Hebrew. During this year of study, students will learn
250 high frequency Hebrew words and expressions.
The TVT Hebrew department is driven by the belief A major focus of this class is to give students the skills
that mastery of Hebrew will allow students to better and confidence to read, write and understand very
understand the History, culture and traditions of the basic Hebrew conversations. Communication at this
Jewish people. Proficiency in Hebrew will help to level revolves around familiar topics using phrases
foster a strong sense of belonging to the Jewish that have been practiced and memorized. By the
people, will help to cultivate strong ties with the State end of Hebrew 1, a student will successfully be able
of Israel and will help to ignite student commitment to to introduce him/herself, to greet others, to answer
lifelong Jewish learning. Yes/No/Who/What/When/Where questions with
one-word answers. During the year, students use
While TVT’s Hebrew program emphasizes the Ulpan Or’s Hebrew alphabet study kit and a book
four major language acquisition skills of listening, enti- tled “My First Hebrew Experience, units 1-10.”
speaking, reading and writing, priority is placed on Students emerge from Ulpan Hebrew with the
Hebrew speaking. In order to achieve the aim of knowledge that they too can master the Hebrew
conversational mastery, TVT’s Hebrew scope and language and with the desire to continue their
sequence is based on ACTFL’s (American Council for Hebrew studies at a higher level.
the Teaching of Foreign Languages) designations for
speaking proficiency. § HEBREW 2*

TVT Emphasis on Hebrew Speaking is most clearly Hebrew 2 is for students who have previously taken
shown in two ways: Hebrew 1 (Ulpan) or for students who enter TVT with
at least 2 years of Hebrew language learning. During
1. TVT has recently adopted the Ulpan Or this year of study, students will increase their active
curriculum to serve as the backbone of our vocabulary by an additional 250-300 words and
Hebrew program. Ulpan or uses technology to expressions that are essential for everyday
focus on Rapid Language Acquisition conversations. Communication at this Novice Low/
Novice Mid-level revolves around familiar topics using
2. TVT revisits the same monthly themes during phrases that have been practiced and memorized. By
each year of Hebrew learning, emphasizing the end of their 2nd year of Hebrew, students will
new learning requirements based upon ACTFL successfully be able to enter and exit a conversation,
“can do” designations. The monthly themes ask simple one-to-two-word questions, answer
are as follows: questions with simple expressions or memorized
phrases and offer basic information about themselves
• Sept.: Food at a food store: Requesting, and others. During the year, students will complete
Searching, Receiving, Purchasing units 1-3 in the workbook entitled “Kitah Aleph,” and
students will master the use of the infinitive verb form
• Oct: Directions – asking/offering (binyan paal) using an Ulpan Or book entitled “Verb
Infinitives.”
• Nov./Dec.: Eating, ordering, creating,
serving food

• Jan/Feb.: Doctors visit, finding an expert

• March/April: Airplane Security
(El Al in particular)

• May: What will I do this summer?
A date to the dance.

* This course is approved by the University of California
Course Availability: It is important to note that a course may not be offered in a given year due to low course enrollment.

10 TVT Upper School Guide

§ HEBREW 3* § HEBREW 5 HONORS*

Hebrew 3 is for students who have previously taken Hebrew 5 is for students who have previously taken
Hebrew 2. During this year of study, students will Hebrew 4 at TVT. This is an honors class that most
increase their active vocabulary by an additional likely will include a mixture of Middle and High School
400-500 words and expressions that are essential for students. During this year of study, students will
everyday conversations. Communication at this transition from past exposure to modified Hebrew
Novice High level highlights a student’s ability to materials to authentic language experiences.
exchange information about familiar topics using Communication at this Intermediate Mid-level
phrases and simple sentences. By the end of year highlights a student’s ability to participate in
3, students will be able to receive and ask for simple conversations using a series of sentences, employing
directions, to offer and ask for personal information, the necessary linking words and logical, sequential
to use a combination of pictures, graphs and verbal flow. By the end of Hebrew 5, students will be able to
commentary to provide information and to interact handle social interactions in everyday situations by
in familiar everyday situations. During the year, asking and answering a variety of questions.
students will complete units 4-7 in the workbook Additionally, students will be able to guide a
entitled “Kitah Aleph,” and students will extend their conversation from inception to completion, to talk
knowledge of the infinitive verb form beyond binyan about daily tasks and to express personal preference.
paal to cover all five main verb groups. Lastly, During the year, students will begin focusing on their
students will read and discuss Ulpan-Or’s use of the past tense as they study and strive to
interactive Newspaper (lowest level). reproduce authentic Israeli dialogues. These
dialogues will be supplemented by short Hebrew
§ HEBREW 4* stories produced by the company “Gesher.” Lastly,
students will read and discuss Ulpan-Or’s interactive
Hebrew 4 is for students who have previously taken Newspaper (intermediate level).
Hebrew 3 at TVT. During this year of study, students
will solidify and make active the vocabulary learned § HEBREW 6 HONORS*
during the past. Communication at this Intermediate
Low-level highlights a student’s ability to participate in Hebrew 6 is an honors class intended for students
conversations using simple sentences. By the end of who have previously taken Hebrew 5 at TVT. During
Hebrew 4, students will be able to express wants and this year of study, students will gain confidence with
needs when in a familiar situation. Additionally, a authentic language production through repeated
student will be able to offer a confident response to a exposure to radio programming, short lectures and
query, answering factual questions based upon news headlines/bulletins. Communication at this
familiar information. During the year, students will Intermediate High-level highlights a student’s ability to
complete their mastery of speaking in the present offer valid descriptions of events and the ability to
tense as well as how to use prepositions to create begin talking about events and experiences in various
more sophisticated sentences. Students will study and time frames. This level of Hebrew learning begins
strive to reproduce Hebrew dialogues and well as exposing students to unexpected situations and asks
interact with near authentic materials. Lastly, students students to use their language in order to resolve a
will read and discuss Ulpan-Or’s interactive problem that requires a multi-step solution. By the
Newspaper (intermediate level). end of year 6, students can ask for and act upon
changing information and can talk about others with
passion and conviction. During the year, students will
master their usage of the past tense verb in all 5
binyanim. Students will base their conversations and
discussions around an Ulpan Or workbook entitled,
“That’s Life”. These dialogues will be supplemented
by 1-2 Hebrew novellas produced by the company
“Gesher.” Lastly, students will read and discuss Ulpan-
Or’s interactive Newspaper (intermediate level).

* This course is approved by the University of California 11
Course Availability: It is important to note that a course may not be offered in a given year due to low course enrollment.

TVT Upper School Course Guide | 2018-2019

§ HEBREW 7 HONORS* § HEBREW 9 HONORS

Hebrew 7 is an honors class intended for students Hebrew 9 is currently the highest level of Hebrew at
who have previously taken Hebrew 6 at TVT. During TVT. This 100% immersion course covers 10 units in
this year of study, students will gain confidence with the Advanced-Mid Ulpan Or workbook. This class will
higher level authentic media production through also be tasked with creating Hebrew introductions to
repeated exposure to radio, film and TV programming. each holiday that can be used in the Lower School
Communication at this Advanced Low-level highlights Hebrew program. Ulpan Or materials, such as the
a student’s ability to participate in conversations that high-level Hebrew newsletter, will be supplemented
go beyond their own everyday life and experience, by one gesher-style book, ten short stories and one
using hypothesis, supposition and other strategies of original Hebrew novel.
empathy to express their emotions. By the end of
Hebrew 7, students will be able to compare and SPANISH LANGUAGE & LITERATURE
contrast, and organize how they talk about and
describe others so that there is an internal logic to the DEPARTMENT PHILOSOPHY
sentences they string together. Additionally, advanced
low students can verbally negotiate a familiar situation Students who complete the full curriculum, Spanish 1
with an unexpected complication and use their through 4 and AP, will be able to write, analyze texts,
language skills to resolve conflict. and speak the language. Our overall objective in the
Spanish department is to support and motivate the
During the year, students will master their usage of students to continue learning the Spanish language
the future tense verb in all 5 binyanim. Students will and culture as well as prepare them to be open and
base their conversations and discussions around the engaged to new cultures. We use structured grammar
2nd part of an Ulpan Or workbook entitled, “That’s methods, encourage critical thinking, provide
Life”. These dialogues will be supplemented by 1 sentence structure practices, include cultural research
“Gesher” book and one short Hebrew novel. Lastly, presentations, design dialogue presentations, and
students will read and discuss Ulpan-Or’s inter- active incorporate total physical response (TPR) so that
Newspaper (Advanced level). students are able to learn in multiple modalities.

§ HEBREW 8 HONORS * § SPANISH 1*

Hebrew 8 is a 100% immersion- based honors class Spanish 1 is a comprehensive beginning course
intended for students who have previously taken in which the student achieves facility in all
Hebrew 7 at TVT. Communication at this Advanced aspects of listening, understanding, speaking, writing,
Mid-level highlights a student’s ability to effectively and reading of the first-year lessons. Idiomatic
persuade and convince others by expressing opinions expressions and verb conjugations are stressed in
and beliefs with supporting evidence. Students at this addition to other grammatical concepts. Hispanic
level are also able to express them- selves in various history and civilization are introduced in conjunction
times frames about subjects beyond their area of with customs as a supplement to the text.
expertise, sharing a conceptual knowledge of cause
and effect. During the year, students will master their Grade Level: 9-12
usage of the passive tense verb in all 5 binyanims. Prerequisite: None
Students will base their conversations and discussions
around an Ulpan Or workbook entitled, “Advanced
Stories. These dialogues will be supplemented by
several short Hebrew stories, one Hebrew novel and
the advanced Ulpan Or Newspaper. Students at TVT’s
highest Hebrew level with also take part in a
culminating “Lost in Israel” project. With only $350, a
High school student lost in Israel must find food, a
place to live, a job and maybe even a few friends.
These projects will be filmed and shown to TVT
towards the end of the year.

* This course is approved by the University of California
Course Availability: It is important to note that a course may not be offered in a given year due to low course enrollment.

12 TVT Upper School Guide

§ SPANISH 2* § SPANISH 4*

Spanish 2 begins with a general review of Spanish 1 Spanish 4 is conducted in Spanish and is an advanced
and quickly advances to a more complex level course that prepares the student for the Spanish
development of the four major skills: listening, SAT 2 and Advanced Placement Spanish. This course
speaking, reading, and writing. A proficiency-oriented focuses on proficiency and active communication in
and integrative approach to teaching permits students Spanish through advanced grammar study, writing,
to progress from controlled practice to more lecture, and classroom discussion. The student will
meaningful practice, and ultimately, open-ended develop fluency in spoken and written Spanish by
activities in the four major language skills. Cultural studying various genres of literature and poetry.
awareness is included at every learning stage by Vocabulary acquisition, idiomatic fluency, and natural
means of articles, lecture, and audio-visuals. expression are broadened through additional outside
Authenticity of expression is emphasized so that the readings, magazines, and newspapers. Classroom
students develop a sense of social and contextual presentations, reporting, and writing on current events
appropriateness. High frequency and high interest and various cultural interests provide for the
vocabulary is placed in a context that is culturally development of a higher degree of competency in
realistic, as well as meaningful and interesting for listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The course
students. The indicative as well as the subjunctive content will reflect interests that are shared by
moods are studied and reinforced in paragraphs and students and teacher and will include topics on film,
oral discussion. The students are expected to speak theater, art history, and contemporary issues. Frequent
Spanish at an appropriate level, during class. compositions improve ability to compose expository
passages with fluency and accuracy of expression.
Grade Level: 9-12 Intensive language study further expands proficiency
Prerequisite: Spanish 1 in realistic communication, critical thinking, and
interpretation.
§ SPANISH 3*
Grade Level: 11-12
Spanish 3 begins with an extensive review of Spanish Prerequisites: Spanish 3
2, bridging necessary gaps. Various opportunities
encourage and motivate the students to develop ADVANCED PLACEMENT
fluency and accuracy in the four major skills of
speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Students use § AP SPANISH LANGUAGE*
as much real-life and “active” vocabulary for constant
reinforcement and communication, and they progress This course is designed to be comparable to
in developing functional Spanish. The approach to this advanced level (fifth and sixth semester or the
course is proficiency-oriented and integrative, with the equivalent) college/university Spanish language
four skills and culture reinforcing one another in a courses. It seeks to practice skills in listening, reading
spiraling fashion. Situations that are relevant to the comprehension, and oral expression as well as to
students and high-frequency vocabulary motivate the provide a foundation in Spanish language grammar
students to initiate and participate in active composition. This course seeks to help students
communication. Short stories and poems further develop the following: the ability to comprehend
expand student interest and serve as stimuli for formal and informal spoken Spanish; the acquisition of
student-centered oral and written communication and vocabulary and the mastery of structure so as to allow
critical thinking skills. the easy, accurate reading of newspaper and
magazine articles, as well as of modern literature in
Grade Level: 10-12 Spanish; the ability to compose expository passages;
Prerequisite: Spanish 2 and the ability to express ideas orally with accurate
fluency. The course prepares students for success on
the AP Spanish Language Exam. Throughout the
course, the grammatical component of the language
will be reviewed and tested using different
approaches.

Grade Level: 11-12
Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation

* This course is approved by the University of California 13
Course Availability: It is important to note that a course may not be offered in a given year due to low course enrollment.

TVT Upper School Course Guide | 2018-2019

HISTORY & SOCIAL SCIENCE Upon successful completion of the course, students
will be able to:
DEPARTMENT PHILOSOPHY
• Demonstrate an understanding of historical
The goal of the history department is to develop chronology by mastering the knowledge of
inquiring, knowledgeable and informed young adults historical narrative of Western Civilization from
who are also critical thinkers, critical readers, and the Renaissance to the early Modern Era.
effective communicators. Along these lines, our vision
is to provide students with both the knowledge and • Interpret and apply data from
skills needed to prepare them for the academic rigors original documents.
of college and their futures as life-long learners. By
creating connections between past and present, the • Use historical data to support generalizations
department also aims to develop within our students a and interpretations.
greater awareness of their place and role within local,
national, and global communities. • Effectively use analytical skills of evaluation,
cause and effect, and comparison.
§ WESTERN CIVILIZATION*
Grade Level: 9
Western Civilizations is an exciting introduction to the Prerequisites: Two of the following:
turning points that have shaped the early modern 1. previous history class with a grade of A- or higher
world. This course focuses on the cause and effect of 2. passing History Dept. placement assessment, or
political, economic, religious, social, and artistic 3. teacher recommendation
aspects of European history, while developing higher-
level reading, writing and thinking skills. Students will § GLOBAL CONFLICTS OF THE 20TH CENTURY *
deepen their knowledge of history through the
examination of numerous primary and secondary Students begin the course with a survey the
sources as well as through class activities and nineteenth century, to provide context, and explore
discussions structured to foster independent learning. European diplomacy from 1870 up to the causes and
Students in this course are expected to come to class course of the war to end wars. The Russian
excited to learn history and participate in both group Revolutions of 1917, Russian civil war, and the role of
and independent learning opportunities. Lenin will be evaluated. The years 1918- 1939 will be
examined exhaustively, and the challenges to
Grade Level: 9 democracy in Italy, Germany, and Spain will be
Prerequisite: None considered. The causes, course, and consequences of
World War Two will be studied, and close with a
§ HONORS WESTERN CIVILIZATION* thorough analysis of the breakup of the Grand Alliance
and the origins and spread of the Cold War. The
Honors Western Civilizations is an exciting course concludes by examining the spread of the
introduction to the turning points that have shaped Cold War in Europe and Asia.
the early modern world. This intensive course
focuses on the cause and effect of political, Grade Level: 10-12
economic, religious, social, and artistic aspects of Prerequisite: Successful completion of previous
European history, while developing higher-level history class
reading, writing and thinking skills. Students will
deepen their knowledge of history through the
examination of numerous primary sources such as
Machiavelli’s “The Prince”, Papal decrees, and
paintings from the Dutch Golden Age, as well as a
variety of analytical secondary sources. Students in
this honors course are required to complete
numerous written essays, participate in class
discussions and be responsible, independent learners.

* This course is approved by the University of California
Course Availability: It is important to note that a course may not be offered in a given year due to low course enrollment.

14 TVT Upper School Guide

§ GOVERNMENT* (Semester Course) war and antiwar movement into perspective. Nixon’s
extension of the war, the fall of Saigon, and a study of
This course provides an understanding of the the long and short-term consequences of the Vietnam
foundations, growth and changes of the American War for both Americans and the Vietnamese conclude
democratic system. A study of the United States the class. The course will combine short readings
Constitution generates information about the drawn from both primary and secondary sources,
legislative, executive and judicial branches of lecture, documentary films, and discussions to provide
government at the national, state, and local levels. multiple perspectives and basis for a deepened
Students will understand the system of checks and understanding of this highly significant part of history.
balances under our Constitutional system. The course
closely examines the electoral process and the Grade level: 11-12
formation of public policy. Political activism will be Prerequisites: Successful completion of one of the
encouraged through following and participating in an following: 20th Century Global Conflict, AP European
election process. Major rights and freedoms will be History or US history.
discussed and civic responsibility will be explored.
Current events are addressed continuously in the ADVANCED PLACEMENT
context of our studies.
The culmination of the semester is a unit on § AP EUROPEAN HISTORY*
comparative political systems. Community service
activities will be a required component of the class This course prepares students for the Advanced
along with position papers on current topics. Placement test in European History and also is
designed to satisfy intellectual curiosity about an
Grade Level: 11-12 influential and dramatic part of world history. Students
Prerequisites: None study Europe from the Renaissances to present day.
The complexity of readings, deep level of analysis and
§ ECONOMICS* (Semester Course) rigorous pace of the course provide accelerated and
motivated students a college-level experience. In
This course is designed to introduce students to the addition to the class lectures, discussions and tests,
basic economic concepts and terms necessary for the students will be expected to do considerable reading
understanding of financial structures. This course of historical texts and primary source documents and
focuses on economic and political issues, such as writing of essays both in-class and as homework.
trade, development, security, foreign aid, and
international business. Students use economic and Grade Level: 10-12
political models and theories to analyze, predict, and Prerequisites Two of the following: (1) previous history
develop solutions to world problems. Students are class with a grade of A- or higher, (2) passing History
required to read excerpts from books, magazines, Dept. placement assessment, or (3) teacher
journals, and newspapers in order to understand the recommendation
current world financial situation. Time is dedicated to
personal budgets, investment strategies, and financial § AP UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT AND
planning for college. This course is also offered as an POLITICS* (Semester Course)
honors course.
This course prepares students for the AP Government
Grade Level: 11-12 test. Units covered include the Constitutional
Underpinnings; Political Beliefs and Behaviors; Political
§ AMERICA AND VIETNAM: 1945-1975 Parties, Interest Groups, and Mass Media; Institutions:
(Spring Semester Course) Congress, Presidency, Bureaucracy, Courts; Public
Policy; Civil Rights and Civil Liberties. Students receive
This course will begin with Vietnam in the early considerable practice with the timed essay.
20th century, focusing on French colonialism and
the development of Vietnamese nationalism to Grade Level: 11-12
provide context for a discussion of the first Indochina Prerequisite: Two of the following:
War and growth of US involvement in Vietnam. 1. previous history class with a grade of A- or higher,
The complexities and significance of geopolitics in 2. passing History Dept. placement assessment, or
Southeast Asia during the Cold War, escalation of the 3. teacher recommendation
American-Vietnamese war and American military
policy are scrutinized to put our study of the ground

* This course is approved by the University of California 15
Course Availability: It is important to note that a course may not be offered in a given year due to low course enrollment.

TVT Upper School Course Guide | 2018-2019

§ AP COMPARATIVE GOVERNMENT AND INNOVATION ELECTIVES
POLITICS* (Semester Course)
I@TVT offers programs that encourage students
This course is designed for students wishing to learn to execute deep skills deeply and to bring the
more advanced concepts about governments around lessons of these pro- grams to broader communities
the world. This course introduces students to of learning locally, nationally and globally. These
fundamental concepts used by political scientists to programs encourage students to become role
study the processes and outcomes of politics and models for adventurous learning by rewarding
public policy in a variety of country settings. Content experimentation, self-direction and risk-taking.
will include the study of China, Great Britain, Iran, While I@TVT programming has its private focuses,
Mexico, Nigeria, and Russia and how politics, it is by its nature publicly-facing, presented to
institutions, and behaviors shape these nations. Course communities in public settings and critiqued in
work is equivalent to a college introductory course in public contexts like recitals, jams, festivals, league
Comparative Government and Politics. play and charrettes. I@TVT programming integrates
diverse disciplines in a coherent, fresh whole
Grade Level: 11-12 that isn’t represented by a traditional class or
Prerequisite: Two of the following: program and trains teachers to become more
1. previous history class with a grade of A- or higher, effective at engaging the learning modalities most
2. passing History Dept. placement assessment, or effective with 21st century learners and brings
3. teacher recommendation teachers and administrators together to improve
teaching and learning.
§ AP PSYCHOLOGY*
§ COMPUTER PROGRAMMING WITH MATLAB
This course prepares students for the AP Psychology
exam. An underlying theme of the course is the Students will develop computer programming skills in
importance of understanding objective, empirical the language called Matlab. The software is an easy to
methods of collecting and interpreting data, including learn, versatile code that is an industry standard
a basic knowledge of descriptive and inferential utilized by engineers. Students will develop robust
statistics. In addition, students must be able to programs to solve exercises in mathematics and
understand and critique descriptive, predictive, and science involving the manipulation of numbers.
experimental research methods, and most, if not all, Initiating the creation of programs through pseudo
topics should be linked to the type of research code will provide the logic involved of matrix
methodology that supports or produces them. concepts, input/output statements, for and while
Students should be aware of the logically permissible loops, if and else if statements, built in functions, self-
appropriate inferences, conclusions, and written functions to illustrate applications to
generalizations that can be made based on the Engineering topics. Students will also develop
research method used or statistical analysis applied. Model-Based Design skills utilizing the Simulink
Additionally, students relate information to the major software that is developed by Math Works to work
psychological themes, including nature/nurture, with Matlab. The software is a graphical programming
continuity/discontinuity, change/stability, environment for modeling, simulating and analyzing
idiographic/nomothetic, mind-body interactions, and dynamical systems.
homeostatic (opposing process) regulation.
Perspectives include psychoanalytic, behavioral,
cognitive, humanistic, biological, and social-cultural.

Grade Level: 10-12
Prerequisites: Biology and previous history class with a
grade of B+ or higher.

* This course is approved by the University of California
Course Availability: It is important to note that a course may not be offered in a given year due to low course enrollment.

16 TVT Upper School Guide

§ ENGINEERING AND SCIENCE RESEARCH I § ENTREPRENEURSHIP, DESIGN, AND SELF*

In this course students will implement the systems “Genius is the ability to make the most mistakes in the
engineering process to develop objectives, define shortest amount of time.” - Steve Blank, Stanford
requirements, and plan the construction of material University “This looks exciting and scary let’s do it!”
solutions for structural related projects (i.e. bridges,
buildings, etc). This course will include, but is not How do these two statements make you feel? If they
limited to, the following concepts: vectors, exponential intrigue you, even excite you, this course might be for
and logarithmic equations and functions, graphs of you. Do you have a start-up mentality? What does it
trigonometric functions, trigonometric equations. mean to innovate? What are the personal qualities I
Project management principles will also be have that enhance my ability to work in teams to solve
incorporated for students to experience controlling complex problems? What problems exist in the world
cost, schedule, and performance criteria. Analysis and that demand my unique skills and deep commitment?
coding will be performed utilizing the Matlab software In this course, you will discover the answers to these
suite. No prior experience with any of the above questions by learning what entrepreneurship is. You
material is required. will learn this by doing entrepreneurship. You will
collaborate with peers to develop the skills you will
Grade Level: 9-12 need to become a transformational change agent in
Prerequisite: None our local community. You will practice entrepreneurial
skills in creative problem-solving labs that will test
§ ENGINEERING AND SCIENCE RESEARCH II your critical thinking, communication, collaboration
and risk-management. You will read about the work of
In this course students will implement the systems the great 20th and 21st century entrepreneurs. You
engineering process to develop objectives, define will create prototypes that you will turn into valid
requirements, and plan the construction of material solutions to real problems through your hard work.
solutions for electrical/electronic projects. This course Finally, you will work with real people in the real world
will include, but is not limited to, the following with real problems and collabo- rate with them to find
concepts: vectors, exponential and logarithmic answers to their pressing challenges.
equations and functions, graphs of trigonometric
functions, trigonometric equations, polar coordinates. Grade: 9-12
Project management principles will also be Prerequisite: None
incorporated for students to experience controlling
cost, schedule, and performance criteria. Analysis and § MUSIC COMPOSITION AND PERFORMANCE*
coding will be performed utilizing the Matlab software
suite. No prior experience with any of the above This course provides students the opportunity to learn
material is required. the mechanics of writing music including but not
limited to: songwriting, film scoring, arranging and
Grade Level: 10-12 improvisation. The course is open to all qualified
Prerequisite: Engineering and Science Research I instrumentalists and/or vocalists.

§ ENGINEERING AND SCIENCE RESEARCH III Those taking the class will need to operate some
recording software i.e. garage band, logic, pro tools
In this Engineering Course students will implement the etc. Students will also need to be able to run some
systems engineering process to develop objectives, type of notation software such as Sibelius or Finale.
define requirements, and plan the construction for Students will produce original music which will be
material solutions to meet a customer’s needs. Project recorded and pressed for limited release. Participants
management principles will also be incorporated for will also prepare all material original and other- wise
students to experience controlling cost, schedule, and for performances in and outside of school. Students
performance criteria. Analysis and coding will be will be required to be available for participation in
performed utilizing the Matlab software suite. No prior TVT Film Festival.
experience with any of the above material is required.
Grade Level: 9-12
Grade: 10-12 Prerequisite: Audition & teacher approval
Prerequisite: Engineering and Science Research I

* This course is approved by the University of California 17
Course Availability: It is important to note that a course may not be offered in a given year due to low course enrollment.

TVT Upper School Course Guide | 2018-2019

§ WEBSITE DESIGN AND JOURNALISM* JEWISH STUDIES

This Advanced Institute Course is by application and DEPARTMENT PHILOSOPHY
teacher approval only. In this course, students with
writing experience will be challenged to create a web- The goal of Tarbut V’Torah’s Jewish Studies
based, multi-media newspaper, The Lions' Pride. With Department is for students to create an authentic
a rich tradition of paper publications at TVT, the Lions' Jewish self. To do so, Jewish studies classes ask
Pride has recently adapted to modern times by going students to investigate Jewish ways of belonging,
paperless. www.tvtlp.com is the site for TVT student living, thinking, creating, responding, (re)acting and
news online and is fully developed and maintained by interacting. Along the way, Jewish studies classes
creative TVT students. In this course, 9-12th graders balance Jewish literacy and Jewish skills to enable our
with an eye for news investigate, question, research, graduates to enter college with the Jewish “know
and draft articles on a variety of subjects including how” to participate, energize and enrich Jewish life
world news, politics, religion, entertainment, within their community of choice.
technology and more. On a monthly basis, students
edit and post multiple AP style articles including § JEWISH STUDIES 9: WAYS OF BELONGING
feature articles and Op/Ed pieces, to a website. Basic
website development, web page layout skills, graphic Ninth Grade Jewish Studies explores the essential
design skills, website page configuration, article question of “Who’s a Jew?” through the lens of blood,
categorization, and simple website coding are taught. belief and behavior. The course is structured as
Students are challenged to take their own follows:
photographs and to learn camera operations and
Photoshop basics such as resizing images. Using • Behavior: Through a close reading of the Book
social media, students will be challenged to market of Ruth (mostly in English) students will
their website in new and innovative ways. investigate the role that behavior plays in the
historical definition of “Jewish.”
Grade Level: 9-12
Prerequisite: None • Belief: For 1/3rd of the year, students will
investigate 5 key questions of Jewish theology
and hear how 5 guest speakers answer these
questions as well. These theology lessons will
culminate with the writing of a personal
theology paper (to be archived and revisited
during senior year).

• Blood: What role does Jewish ancestry play in
determining one’s Jewishness? Through the
creation of a family film, students will explore
their Jewish roots. Students will also
investigate how the “Who’s a Jew” debate
plays out among the various Jewish
denominations and within Israel today.

Students will emerge from this class with a personal,
nuanced understanding of the variables used to
answer this age-old question and with the ability to
textually support their personal definition of “Who’s a
Jew.”

Grade Level: 9
Prerequisite: None

* This course is approved by the University of California
Course Availability: It is important to note that a course may not be offered in a given year due to low course enrollment.

18 TVT Upper School Guide

§ JEWISH STUDIES 10: WAYS OF LIVING, § JEWISH STUDIES 12: SENIOR SEMINAR: WAYS
THINKING AND CREATING OF (RE)ACTING AND INTERACTING

Tenth Grade Jewish Studies is the year when TVT As students prepare themselves to leave the TVT
students are introduced to serious Talmud study cocoon, twelfth grade Jewish Studies focuses on how
for the first time. Through the study of thematic our Jewish Identity and practice influences the way
units like Lost and Found, Overreaching, and the we act and interact with the larger world. Throughout
Stubborn and Rebellious Child, students will begin the year, students will hear guest speakers offer their
to understand why Talmud study is the “Jewish personal theology as students are challenged to
proving ground” for rigorous, critical and creative formulate and ultimately present their own theology
thinking. Through exposure to the “Talmud’s greatest to the larger TVT community. Twelfth Grade Jewish
hits,” students will be able to appreciate the Talmud Studies also explores the non-Jewish religious world
as the ultimate repository of Jewish ideas and ideals. that students will face as they leave TVT. Developing
Students will emerge from this class with an a sophisticated understanding of Jewish sexuality,
appreciation of the Talmud as Judaism’s ethics and citizenship will help our students navigate
quintessential “pluralism poster child.” towards the Jewish ideal in the world beyond TVT.
Lastly, twelfth Grade Jewish Studies will focus on the
Grade Level: 10 skills of how to “Do Jewish and Live Jewish” in an
Prerequisite: None environment where living Jewishly requires intention,
commitment and “Jewish know-how.” Subjects in this
§ JEWISH STUDIES 11: WAYS OF RESPONDING area will include:

Eleventh Grade Jewish Studies is devoted to the • How to Kasher a kitchen
spiritual and factual preparation for our end of year • How to create and lead your own
Poland/Israel trip. Guided by the essential question,
“How have Jews reacted and responded to their Passover Seder
historical journey from powerlessness to power,” • How to make your own challah.
students will explore the history of both the Holocaust
and the formation of the State of Israel. By the end of • How the anatomy of different prayer services
the first semester students will be able to articulate varies across different
the causes of and the world response to the denominations/traditions.
Holocaust. We’ll end the semester by exploring the
long lasting theological, political and social effects of • How to give tzedakah
the Holocaust. By the conclusion of our semester of • How to talk about Israel like you mean it.
Israel study, students will have explored the • How to write a dvar torah
development of Zionism and the continual attempts
towards peace. They will leave the course with the Grade Level: 12
ability to intelligently and persuasively articulate Prerequisite: None
Israel’s right to exist in the present and future.
JEWISH STUDIES ELECTIVES
Grade Level: 11
Prerequisite: None § ONLINE JEWISH STUDIES CONSORTIUM

In order to expand our JS elective offerings,
TVT is proud to partner with the Online Jewish
Consortium for our 2nd year and offer the following
course options:

• Introduction to Jewish History
• Mussar: Practical Ethics for Living a

Meaningful Life

• History Makers of Israel

Successful completion of any of these courses
course requires a minimum of 2.5 hours of online
engagement each week. These classes are overseen
by Rabbi Light. Students are taught and assessed by
their online teacher.

Grade Level: 9-12
Prerequisite: None

* This course is approved by the University of California 19
Course Availability: It is important to note that a course may not be offered in a given year due to low course enrollment.

TVT Upper School Course Guide | 2018-2019

JEWISH STUDIES ENHANCEMENT § AI JEWISH STUDIES 9/10: FROM
DISAGREEMENT TO REBELLION
In registering for this option, you are (Year 2 in 2-Year Cycle)
committing to fulfill a minimum of 10 units in:
AI Jewish Studies 9/10 explores the concept of
1. Jewish Scholarship, dispute and rebellion from the biblical times to the
2. Jewish Leadership, pre-sent. By looking closely at Korakh’s rebellion, the
3. Jewish Community Involvement, and/or sin of the Golden Calf and the audacity of the
4. Jewish Skill Development. Daughters of Zelophehad, students will gain a sense
of the Torah’s stance on the rebel. Through an
You will meet with the Associate Director of investigation of the classic debates of Hillel and
Jewish Life in August to create your plan. Shammai, the mishnayot concerning the Stubborn and
Rebellious Child, and the life of the Talmud’s favorite
ADVANCED JEWISH COURSES OFFERED heretic, Alisha Ben Abuya, students will understand
THROUGH THE SAMSON CENTER FOR the rebel as change agent. Student will juxtapose
JEWISH LIFE AND LEARNING these ancient examples of rebels and rebellions with
daily “rebel of the day” presentations. Students will
Additional Course Expectations: emerge from this class with an understanding of a
“Jewish Way” to argue as each class participant
• Greater Hebrew emphasis during text study commits to becoming a “rebel with a cause.”
components of classes
Grade Level: 9-10
• Student presentation during Limmud
TVT – focusing specifically on the conflict of LEARNING CENTER
Jewish law and either the Shoah or Israel.
DEPARTMENT PHILOSOPHY
• Dvar Torah presentation at
TVT Board meetings Students can elect to take a Learning Center Period
for organizational support and academic assistance.
• Accelerated pace of coverage This course meets during the school day. Learning
Center Periods are offered every A-H period. Students
work with learning specialists and learn ways to
improve organizational skills, test taking skills, and
receive assistance with assignments and projects as
needed. Open to Grades 6-12, course is non-graded,
can be repeated.

* This course is approved by the University of California
Course Availability: It is important to note that a course may not be offered in a given year due to low course enrollment.

20 TVT Upper School Guide

MATHEMATICS MATHEMATICS PLACEMENT

DEPARTMENT PHILOSOPHY Because success in mathematics depends on
students sequentially mastering material, TVT
TVT mathematics department aims to instill habits of Mathematics takes course placement very
mathematical thinking that will prepare students for seriously. Placements are decided in concert with
further inquiry in math and to attain the computational the department using the prerequisites for each
skills needed for everyday life. Students are taught to course and teacher recommendation.
approach mathematics from multiple perspectives,
including numerical, graphical, and symbolic. In Placements for students are completed during
addition to simply satisfying the metrics of each the Semester 2 preceding each academic year. All
course, the teachers focus on student discovery placements are provisional and require that students
through individual explorations. Students are maintain their level of work through the end of the
encouraged to form learning groups that offer a school year.
natural context for practicing mathematical
communication. Our students are not just highly Courses at the level of Algebra 2 and above require
skilled, but also demonstrate enthusiasm and a graphing calculator. Students may purchase any
clear understanding. device that is approved for use by the College Board
(generally these devices are standalone calculation
The goal of TVT Mathematics is for all students to devices that do not have QWERTY keyboards). The
study mathematics successfully at a pace and depth department recommends the Texas Instruments
appropriate to their individual needs. The program is TI-83 Plus.
flexible in that it provides the challenge and interest
necessary for those who want a sound mathematical
background on which to base further study while
satisfying the needs of students for whom
mathematics is not their primary orientation. To this
end, TVT Mathematics offers different tracks of
courses to its students.

The chart below shows the anticipated sequencing of
mathematics at the high school level. Some students
may follow slightly different paths. For those that do, the
student and the department chair meet to create an
individualized plan of study which may include courses
taken at both TVT and area colleges.

College Preparatory College Preparatory College Preparatory Honors Track
Track 1 Track 2 Track 3

Grade 9 Algebra 1 Geometry Geometry Geometry Honors

Grade 10 Geometry Algebra 2 Algebra 2 Algebra 2
Grade 11 Algebra 2 FST* or Trig Trig Honors
Financial Math* Pre-calculus Honors
Pre-calculus

Grade 12 FST* or Pre-calculus Calculus, AP Calculus AB,
Financial Math* AP Calculus AB, or AP Calculus BC, or

AP Statistics AP Statistics

* This course is approved by the University of California * Offered every other year.

Course Availability: It is important to note that a course may not be offered in a given year due to low course enrollment.

TVT Upper School Course Guide | 2018-2019 21

§ ALGEBRA 1* § ALGEBRA 2/TRIGONOMETRY*

Algebra 1 develops the mathematical background Algebra 2 develops the mathematics background
necessary for all subsequent mathematics courses. necessary for successful entry into Functions,
Students build on their numerical proficiency as they Statistics & Trigonometry, Financial Algebra,
encounter symbolic manipulation and polynomial Pre-calculus, or AP Statistics. Students review and
arithmetic. Substantial units include linear and extend their mastery of elementary algebra through
quadratic equations, factoring, algebraic fractions work with polynomials and rational functions and are
and radicals. Basic graphing in the Cartesian plane is introduced to exponential and logarithmic functions
also covered. and their graphs from both algebraic and graphical
perspectives. Students also work with basic
Grade Level: 9 trigonometric functions and their graphs.
Prerequisite: Pre-Algebra, Accelerated Pre-Algebra, or The course is built around problems that help
AoPS Pre-Algebra students understand mathematical ideas and
relationships through applications. Graphing
§ GEOMETRY* calculators are required for this course. The
department recommends the Texas Instruments
The emphasis in this course is problem solving TI-83 Plus calculator.
strategies, graphing, conjecturing, explaining,
proving and spatial visualization. Students Grade Level: 10-11
encounter polygons and three-dimensional figures, Prerequisites: Geometry or Geometry Honors
elementary trigonometry, circles, congruence,
similarity, perimeter, area, and volume. The course § ALGEBRA 2/TRIGONOMETRY HONORS*
is built around problems that help students
understand ideas and relationships, develop practical Algebra 2/Trig Honors reinforces a student's algebra
skills, and extend ideas through challenging skills from a standpoint of functions. Students work
applications. The integration of algebra in the course toward under- standing polynomial, rational and
maintains and continues the development of transcendental functions from both algebraic and
necessary algebraic skills. graphical standpoints. The course ends with a
substantial unit on trigonometry that includes proving
Grade Level: 9-10 identities. Graphing calculators are required for this
Prerequisite: Algebra 1 or Algebra 1 Honors course. The department recommends the Texas
Instruments TI-83
§ GEOMETRY HONORS* Plus calculator.

Geometry Honors includes the study of logical Grade Level: 9-10
arguments along with a study of axioms, logical Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation and grade
reasoning, statement-reason proofs, paragraph of 90% or better in Geometry or 77% or better in
proofs, and coordinate proofs. In the development of Geometry Honors
geometric concepts, students are introduced to
challenging problems and right triangle trigonometry.
The course uses algebra where appropriate to
reinforce the skills and concepts necessary for
subsequent honors level mathematics courses.

Grade Level: 9
Prerequisite: Two of the following:
1. teacher recommendation,
2. pass Geometry placement exam with distinction, or
3. grade of 90% or better in Algebra 1 or 77% or better

in Algebra 1 Honors

* This course is approved by the University of California
Course Availability: It is important to note that a course may not be offered in a given year due to low course enrollment.

22 TVT Upper School Guide

§ PRE-CALCULUS* § PRE-CALCULUS HONORS*

This course is taught with an eye toward preparing This course is required for the student who wishes
students to take AP Calculus AB the following school to take AP Calculus BC the following school year.
year. As such, students spend extensive time studying Polynomials and rational functions are studied in-
polynomial, rational and transcendental functions depth from both a mechanical and theoretical
from algebraic, numerical, graphical and verbal standpoint. The concept of a limit is breached early
perspectives. Graphs and their transformations on in the course. From there, students complete a
receive extensive coverage. Systems of equations and rigorous treatment of exponential, logarithmic and
an introduction to sequences and series are also trigonometric functions. Sequences, series, and
covered. Graphing calculators are required for analytic geometry receive substantial treatment as
this course. The department recommends the well. Students receive extensive exposure to
Texas Instruments TI-83 Plus calculator. parametric curves and polar coordinates. Finally,
students begin the study of differential calculus
Grade Level: 10-12 from limits to derivatives of polynomial, rational,
Prerequisites: Two of the following: trigonometric and exponential functions. Derivative
1. Teacher recommendation, applications such as optimization and curve sketching
2. pass Pre-calculus placement exam, or are also covered. Graphing calculators are required
3. grade of 87% or better in Algebra 2 with completion for this course. The department recommends the
Texas Instruments TI-83 Plus calculator.
of Trigonometry packet over the summer or passing
grade in Algebra 2/Trig Honors Grade Level: Grade 11
Prerequisites: Two of the following:
§ FUNCTIONS, STATISTICS & TRIGONOMETRY* 1. Teacher recommendation,
2. pass Pre-calculus placement exam with distinction,
In this course, offered every other year, students
approach functions from a real-life perspective, learn or
the basics of trigonometry and, are introduced to 3. grade of 90% or better in Algebra 2/Trig or 77% or
elementary statistics. The class is taught with an eye
toward the student who has had difficulty in better in Algebra 2/Trig Honors
mathematics courses that focus heavily on algebraic
manipulation. Upon successful completion of this
course, students will be ready for either a basic
college level course in elementary statistics or AP
Statistics at TVT. Graphing calculators are required for
this course.

Grade Level: Grades 10-12
Prerequisite: Algebra 2

* This course is approved by the University of California 23
Course Availability: It is important to note that a course may not be offered in a given year due to low course enrollment.

TVT Upper School Course Guide | 2018-2019

ADVANCED PLACEMENT § AP STATISTICS*

§ AP CALCULUS AB* Advanced Placement Statistics is equivalent to a one-
semester, introductory, non-calculus-based college
Students complete the College Board’s AB Calculus course in statistics. Students are introduced to the
rubric which is akin to most first semester courses in major concepts and tools for collecting, analyzing and
Calculus offered at the university level. Limits and drawing conclusions from data. Topics include
continuity, derivatives—their techniques and exploring data, planning study, anticipating patterns,
applications—single variable integration, computation and statistical inference. Graphing calculators are
of areas as well as the volumes of solids of revolution required for this course. The department recommends
are covered. Among the theorems stressed in the the Texas Instruments TI-83 Plus calculator.
course are the Intermediate Value Theorem, Extreme
Value Theorem, Squeeze Theorem, Rolle’s Lemma, Grade Level: 11-12
Mean Value Theorem, and The Fundamental Theorem Prerequisites: Teacher recommendation and passing
of Calculus. Students in the course also spend about grade in Pre-calculus or grade of 90% or better in
one month reviewing for the AP Exam. Graphing Financial Math or FST
calculators are required for this course. The
department recommends the Texas Instruments
TI- 83 Plus calculator.

Grade Level: 12
Prerequisites: Two of the following:
1. Teacher recommendation,
2. pass Calculus placement exam, or
3. grade of 90% or better Pre-calculus or 77% or better

in Pre-calculus Honors

§ AP CALCULUS BC*

Students complete the College Board’s BC Calculus
rubric, which covers roughly the same material as the
first two semesters of college calculus. In addition to
the material covered in AP Calculus AB (outlined
above), the course covers the remaining basic
concepts of single variable calculus: techniques of
integration, integration in polar coordinates, infinite
sequences and series, basic calculus of vector
functions and an introduction to differential equations.
Students in the course also spend about two weeks
reviewing for the AP Exam. Graphing calculators are
required for this course. The department recommends
the Texas Instruments TI-83 Plus calculator.

Grade Level: 12
Prerequisites: Two of the following:
1. Teacher recommendation,
2. pass Calculus placement exam with distinction, or
3. grade of 77% or better Pre-calculus Honors

* This course is approved by the University of California
Course Availability: It is important to note that a course may not be offered in a given year due to low course enrollment.

24 TVT Upper School Guide

SCIENCE § BIOLOGY HONORS*

DEPARTMENT PHILOSOPHY Honors biology provides an introduction to
the principles of biology and prepares students for
Science at Tarbut V’Torah emphasizes a hands- college biology. Topics covered include, ecology,
on learning experience while engaging students in the animal behavior, evolution and the origin of life,
most current body of scientific knowledge and biochemistry, cell biology, mitosis and meiosis,
technologies. Students can choose from a diverse genetics and biotechnology, classification of
array of courses that are offered at multiple levels organisms, comparison of the three domains of life,
including, college preparatory, honors and six AP human anatomy and body systems. The laboratory
courses. As students progress through the courses, investigation component of the course emphasizes
they build on previous knowledge and skills. the scientific method and develops laboratory skills.
Graduates of the Science department are well versed The impact of biology on society and current ethical
in the Scientific Method, independent thinkers who issues are discussed throughout the course. Emphasis
can understand and solve real is placed on developing critical thinking skills and
world problems. application of knowledge. Although this course covers
the same topics as Biology, the course is more
The science department is committed to placing rigorous and the topics are covered in greater depth.
students in the level of science where they will enjoy
the learning and be successful. To meet this goal, we Grade Level: Grades 9
introduced placement tests for incoming freshman Prerequisite: Algebra 1, and meet two of the following:
and students who wish to enroll in AP Science. 1. An A in a previous science course,
These tests are designed to be an independent 2. teacher recommendation, or
measure of the skills required for these classes. They 3. placement test
will serve as part of the process for placing students in
appropriate levels of science. See below for complete § CHEMISTRY*
placement criteria.
Chemistry is designed to provide students with a solid
§ BIOLOGY* foundation in chemical principles. It emphasizes the
development of problem-solving skills and the
Biology provides an introduction to the principles of refinement of laboratory techniques. Topics of the
biology and prepares students for college biology. course include ionic and covalent bonding,
Topics covered include, ecology, animal behavior, development of atomic theory, electron
evolution and the origin of life, biochemistry, cell configurations and periodic law, atomic orbital theory,
biology, mitosis and meiosis, genetics and mole conversions, gas laws, molecular structure of
biotechnology, classification of organisms, solids and liquids, solutions, acid and base chemistry,
comparison of the three domains of life, human oxidation and reduction, electrochemistry,
anatomy and body systems. The laboratory thermodynamics, reaction rate, and basic organic
investigation component of the course emphasizes chemistry. This course is designed to prepare
the scientific method and develops laboratory skills. students for the SAT II exam
The impact of biology on society and current ethical in chemistry.
issues are discussed throughout the course. Emphasis
is placed on developing critical thinking skills and Grade Level: 10
application of knowledge. Prerequisites: Algebra 1

Grade Level: 9
Prerequisite: None

* This course is approved by the University of California 25
Course Availability: It is important to note that a course may not be offered in a given year due to low course enrollment.

TVT Upper School Course Guide | 2018-2019

§ CHEMISTRY HONORS* ADVANCED PLACEMENT

This course is a college preparatory class designed to § AP BIOLOGY*
provide students with a solid foundation in chemical
principles. It emphasizes the development of problem AP biology is an intensive study of biological principles
solving skills and the refinement of laboratory for students with strong backgrounds in biology and
techniques. Topics of the course include ionic and chemistry. It is designed to be the equivalent of a first-
covalent bonding, development of atomic theory, year college course for Biology majors. Topics
electron configurations and periodic law, atomic covered include, ecology and animal behavior,
orbital theory, mole conversions and stoichiometry, organic chemistry, cell biology, genetics,
gas laws, molecular structure of solids and liquids, biotechnology, metabolism, anatomy and physiology,
solutions, acid and base chemistry, oxidation and evolution and the classification of organisms. The
reduction, electrochemistry, thermodynamics, course is arranged around the four big ideas that tie
reaction rate, and basic organic chemistry. Although all the topics together. (1) The process of evolution
this course covers the same topics as college prep drives the diversity and unit of life. (2) Biological
chemistry, it goes into more depth and requires more systems utilize free energy and molecular building
extensive calculations and mathematics ability. This blocks to grow, to reproduce and to maintain dynamic
course is designed to be the best preparation for the homeostasis. (3) Living systems store, retrieve,
SAT II exam in chemistry. transmit and respond to information essential to life
processes. (4) Biological systems interact, and these
Grade Level: 10 systems and their interactions possess complex
Prerequisite: Algebra 1, and meet two of the following: properties. The course has a rigorous laboratory
1. An A in a previous science course, investigation component which complements the
2. teacher recommendation, or class material. Emphasis is placed on fostering
3. placement test independent learners by developing the following
skills: analysis and critical thinking, scientific writing,
§ ANATOMY AND PHYSIOLOGY* oral communication and teamwork skills.

This course will cover the structure and function Grade Level: 10-12
of major body systems such as the cardiovascular, Prerequisite: Completed Biology Honors and Chemistry
skeletal, and nervous systems. Students will study Honors concurrent, and meet two of the following:
the cells, tissues, and organs found in each system. 1. A B or better in prerequisite course,
In addition, we will look at how each system functions 2. recommendation from current science teacher, or
by itself and in connection with other systems, and 3. placement test
how diseases and injuries can negatively impact the
body. There will be a considerable amount of lab work § AP CHEMISTRY*
and students should be willing to perform dissections
of organs (heart, eye, brain) as well as an entire This course is a continuation of the topics covered in
organism (cat). honors chemistry that prepares the students for a
successful completion of the AP chemistry
Grade Level: 11-12 examination. This course will review the topics of
Prerequisite: Biology atomic theory, stoichiometry, solution chemistry, acids
and bases, and organic and inorganic chemistry. The
topics of thermodynamics, crystalline structure, re-
action kinetics, molecular geometry, and oxidation-
reduction reactions will be explored in more depth.
Students will complete the coursework and laboratory
experiments equivalent to a first-year college
chemistry course.

Grade Level: 10-12
Prerequisites: Chemistry Honors, and meet two of
following:
1. A B or better in prerequisite course
2. recommendation from current science teacher, or
3. placement test

* This course is approved by the University of California
Course Availability: It is important to note that a course may not be offered in a given year due to low course enrollment.

26 TVT Upper School Guide

§ AP PHYSICS 1* § AP ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE*

This is a year-long high school class that is the The goal of the AP Environmental Science course
equivalent to a first-semester college course in is to provide students with the scientific principles,
algebra-based physics. The course covers Newtonian concepts, and methodologies required to understand
mechanics (including rotational dynamics and angular the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify
momentum); work, energy, and power; and and analyze environmental problems both natural and
mechanical waves and sound. It will also introduce human made, to evaluate the relative risks associated
electric circuits. with these problems, and to examine alternative
solutions for resolving and/or preventing them.
Grade Level: 11-12 Environmental science is interdisciplinary; it embraces
Prerequisite: Completed Algebra 2, Pre-Calculus a wide variety of topics from different areas of study.
concurrent, and meet two of the following: Yet there are several major unifying constructs, or
1. A B or better in prerequisite course, themes. In particular the course focuses on science as
2. recommendation from current science teacher, or a process, energy conversions in ecological
3. placement test processes, the Earth as one ecosystem, the effects of
humans on the environment and environmental issues
§ AP PHYSICS C: MECHANICS AND ELECTRICITY & in a cultural and social context.
MAGNETISM*
Grade Level: 11-12
The emphasis of this course is to prepare students to Prerequisite: Biology and Chemistry, and meet two of
take and pass the AP Physics C exam. The coursework the following:
is demanding and covers the same material as a first 1. A B or better in prerequisite course,
year, calculus-based college physics course. The 2. recommendation from current science teacher, or
topics covered in the course are kinematics, Newton’s 3. placement test
laws of motion, work, energy and power, linear
momentum, circular motion and rotation, oscillations
and gravitation, electrostatics, conductors, capacitors,
electric circuits, magnetic fields and
electromagnetism.
AP Physics C requires a solid understanding of
calculus. This course emphasizes analytical and
problem-solving skills. The electricity and magnetism
portion are taught mostly in the second semester.

Grade Level: 11-12
Prerequisite: Competed Honors Pre-Calculus. AP
Calculus AB or BC Concurrent, and meet two of the
following:
1. A B or better in prerequisite course,
2. recommendation from current science teacher, o
3. placement test

* This course is approved by the University of California 27
Course Availability: It is important to note that a course may not be offered in a given year due to low course enrollment.

TVT Upper School Course Guide | 2018-2019

* This course is approved by the University of California

Course Availability: It is important to note that a course may not be offered in a given year due to low course enrollment.

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