Campbell Hall Advanced Inquiry (CHAI)

List of 14 items.

• CHAI Art History Honors: Global Approach

  Course Description

  This college-level course is a survey of the development of artistic expression throughout history and from around the world. Students learn how people have responded to and communicated their experiences through art making by exploring art in its historic and cultural contexts. Students engage with forms and content of works of art as they research, discuss, read, and write about art, artists, art making, and respond to interpretations of art. Students develop critical analysis skills and make thematic connections among global traditions, which allows students to develop a profound understanding of representative works of art from diverse cultures, including fundamental information that places these works in context and reveals relationships among them. The curriculum includes the exploration of major museums in Los Angeles, both in class field trips and in required independent visits. This course integrates academic content with industry knowledge through the examination of various professional areas such as museum studies, art conservation, art evaluation, connoisseurship, and market trends. (Grades 11-12)
  
  

  Rationale

  Without the confines of preparation for the AP exam, this course allows for truly profound understanding of works of art within historical and cultural contexts. The curriculum provides greater opportunities for in-depth critical analysis of artworks as well as more meaningful study of art historical periods and artists. Furthermore, the course affords the ability to investigate current issues in collection, evaluation, and market trends in addition to learning about careers in the arts, thus integrating academic content with industry knowledge.

• CHAI Biology Honors

  Course Description

  This course is designed for students who have successfully completed the introductory biology course and would like to continue their study of the life sciences at an accelerated pace. The course is comparable in complexity and depth to a first-year university biology course with a significant emphasis on inquiry-based laboratory experiments. Students will build on foundational knowledge and be provided with a more in-depth study of the biological sciences as they examine systems at the biochemical, molecular, and cellular levels to better understand how components and processes influence organisms at every level of organization. They will be exposed to a rigorous lab program that will teach them to use sophisticated laboratory equipment including biotechnology tools, probes, and computer modeling programs. Emphasis will be placed on scientific research, experimental design, and the dissemination of results in the form of lab reports, posters, and oral presentations. Laboratory experiments will engage students in complex, quantitative investigations that necessitate the use of statistics, graphical analysis, and spreadsheet calculations. Scientific writing and communication of results in various mediums will be a keystone to the course. Students will be required to develop original questions and to design experiments to test their hypotheses culminating in an independent research project. (Grades 10-12; prerequisite if taken in grade 10: concurrent enrollment in Chemistry Honors and science department approval)
  
  

  Rationale

  The AP Biology course is limited by the weeks of review required before the AP exam as well as the connection of the content to human biological systems. Additionally, labs are limited to those dictated by the College Board in order to prepare students for the exam. This course alleviates the need for the review period and allows students time for more inquiry-based, long-term experiments where they can further refine their research skills and techniques while building their written and oral communication in the sciences. Additionally, students will spend more time in the field of biotechnology and molecular biology and will take on independent science projects at the end of the year.

• CHAI Chemistry Honors

  Course Description

  This course takes a rigorous academic approach to college-level inorganic chemistry and also provides an introduction to quantum mechanics, molecular orbitals, phase diagrams, colligative properties of aqueous solutions, transition metals, and coordination chemistry. The course will include inquiry-based lab experiments where students will design many of their own lab setups and spend significant time investigating concepts. Effective written and verbal communication will be emphasized throughout the course and come in the form of lab reports, in-class presentations, and class discussions. In addition to unit assessments, students will have the flexibility to choose a topic of their interest to investigate for a long-term project that will demonstrate their understanding of the concepts through written work and in-class presentations. (Grades 11,12; prerequisite: prior completion of, placement into, or concurrent enrollment in Precalculus with Trigonometry Honors or higher)
  
  

  Rationale

  Due to the nature of the AP Chemistry curriculum, a significant amount of time is spent reviewing material and studying for the AP test. De-emphasizing this test preparation allows students to gain instructional time, which will be used to increase opportunities for inquiry-based, student-designed lab setups, long-term projects, and the introduction of topics in nuclear and organic chemistry.

• CHAI English Language and Composition Honors

  Course Description

  In Advanced Inquiry English Language and Composition, students read a sequence of challenging texts in American literature in order to develop the skill of rhetorical analysis. It is through rhetorical analysis that students learn to identify the argument, purpose, and audience of any given text, along with the means by which it was constructed—in the interplay of structure, narrative perspective, diction, and tone, for example. To do this, students acquire a vast vocabulary in rhetoric (e.g. rhetorical strategies, modes, appeals, devices) and argumentation, and learn to identify these terms and concepts through careful reading and annotation of each of the works we read. In learning to identify and appreciate the rhetorical, argumentative, and narrative strategies at play in any given work, students arrive at more intimate, sophisticated understandings of the things they read, the workings of the human language, and, significantly, our American intellectual and cultural heritage. They also learn to apply this knowledge and skill set to their own writing in order to communicate effectively and deliberately in any context. (One of the following is required for Grade 11: American Literature and Composition OR CHAI English Language and Composition Honors)
  
  

  Rationale

  By removing the need for AP multiple choice and essay test preparation, more time for authentic inquiry is gained; students will be enabled to conduct a more rigorous, focused study of a particular author, genre, or movement during the school year, and teachers will be more free to select books that reflect a wide array of literature and nonfiction.

• CHAI English Literature and Composition Honors

  Course Description

  The Advanced Inquiry English Literature and Composition Honors course engages students in the careful reading and critical analysis of various genres of literature. Students will explore the ways in which authors use different genres to work through ideas and deliver their ideas. Some genres and forms that we will engage in are the play, noir literature and film, the war story, magical realism, fantasy, and science fiction. Also fundamental to the course is in-depth analysis of writing, examining how writers use language to shape thoughts and emotions. Students are expected to read difficult works of literature carefully, to discuss those works in class, and to write frequently, both in and out of class. In addition to refining students’ analytical thinking skills, this course is structured to improve technical skills, vocabulary, grammar, and writing voice. Because classes are discussion-based, students are expected to participate in conversation to advance their own learning, and that of their classmates. (One of the following is required for Grade 12: English 12 OR CHAI English Literature and Composition Honors)
  
  

  Rationale

  By removing the need for AP multiple choice and essay test preparation, more time for authentic inquiry is gained; students will be enabled to conduct a more rigorous, focused study of a particular author, genre, or movement during the school year, and teachers will be more free to select books that reflect a wide array of literature and nonfiction.

• CHAI Environmental Science Honors

  Course Description

  This course is designed as the equivalent of a one-semester, introductory college course that includes both laboratory and field investigation components. Emphasis is placed on inquiry and the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze environmental problems both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving and/or preventing them. This course will also emphasize scientific writing and communication. Major topics of study include biogeochemical cycling, land and water use, pollution, climate change, population ecology and human population dynamics, energy resource use and management, and environmental legislation. (Grades 11, 12; prerequisites: Biology or Biology Honors and Chemistry or Chemistry Honors, no more than one grade of C+ or below in a regular class or C or below in an advanced-level class at the end-of-year marking period immediately preceding enrollment in the course)
  
  

  Rationale

  The AP Environmental Science course includes four weeks of review for the nationally administered exam. This course alleviates the need for review and instead concentrates on inquiry as a primary driver for longer-term laboratory activities, collaborative, service-oriented field work, and additional emphasis on climate change research, California water resources management, and Los Angeles specific pollution studies.

• CHAI Human Geography Honors

  Course Description

  This course provides an introduction to the systematic study of the patterns and processes that have shaped human beings’ understanding, use, and alteration of the Earth’s surface. Students employ a variety of methods including concepts and landscape analysis to examine human social organization and its environmental consequences. They also learn about the methods and tools geographers use in their statistical analysis, scientific observation, and writing. (Grades 11, 12)
  
  

  Rationale

  The change to CHAI Human Geography will provide the opportunity to utilize a more inquiry-based model than is currently offered under the AP model. Students will be tasked with generating their own research questions meant to spark critical investigation. Closer examination of the nature of evidence will be provided, allowing students to research the ways in which evidence is created, identified, curated, and accepted or rejected. These practices will alleviate the need for the lengthy, broad review sessions that are currently required for the AP test and, in doing so, will provide students with more time for project-based learning.

• CHAI Modern World History Honors: Global Issues and the Search for Justice

  Course Description

  This college-level course requires students to investigate how individuals, groups, and societies make decisions; how they act in response to complex, global issues; and how these actions can have far-reaching implications. The course employs a case study approach that encapsulates multiple perspectives and provides students with an opportunity to understand issues through in-depth inquiry, deliberation of their own positions, engagement with diverse sources of information and technologies, and collaborative and constructive problem-solving activities. The course emphasizes patterns of development in the world’s major civilizations and the consequences of the interactions among them. Themes include cultural and intellectual trends, revolution, the power of the individual, developments of political culture and organization, the impact of technology, strategies of power acquisition, change and dissent, and changing systems of social structure, power, and identity. Throughout the course, efforts are made to tie the study of the past to its consequences in the world today and to the central question around which the course is structured: How does the study of world history help us understand the world today? (One of the following is required for Grade 10: Modern World History and Geography: Global Issues and the Search for Justice OR CHAI Modern World History Honors: Global Issues and the Search for Justice)
  
  

  Rationale

  In order to engage successfully with others in 21st century society, students must have an understanding of complex world issues and interdisciplinary perspectives and also be prepared with the proper tools. The AP European History curriculum that this course replaces does not offer a global perspective, and the amount of content required for students to prepare for the AP exam limits the exposure to contemporary issues and global citizenship. By eliminating the need to prepare for the AP exam, students are able to expand their inquiry and dedicate more time to discussion, research, revision of writing, collaboration, problem solving, and presentation skills. Teachers can focus more on assessing students on what they can do with what they know rather than how much they know at any given time and will help them build the skills needed to live and work in an increasingly connected world. This curriculum will prepare students to engage actively in a much wider range of global issues; develop research, writing, and presentation skills; foster creativity and flexibility; and understand the impact of human choices.

• CHAI Physics with Calculus Honors

  Course Description

  This college-level course takes a rigorous academic approach to Classical Mechanics as well as select topics in Electricity and Magnetism (E&M). Throughout the course, calculus is used as an analytical tool to solve realistic problems. Each unit includes a significant amount of time working on hands-on projects and labs. The course features multiple comprehensive projects that integrate relevant engineering concepts into the curriculum including 3D-printed rocket design, fabrication, and analysis; balsa wood bridge design, fabrication, and analysis; and a series of independent E&M projects. This course emphasizes scientific writing and communication in the form of lab reports, in-class presentations, short reflection papers, and class discussions. The class is designed to engage students to move beyond the textbook to real-life applications while gaining experience with high-tech tools (3D printers, high speed video, and more) and becoming more proficient at technical writing and communication. (Grades 11, 12; concurrent enrollment in or prior completion of AP Calculus)
  
  

  Rationale

  Due to the nature of the AP Physics curriculum, a significant amount of time is spent reviewing material and studying for the AP test. De-emphasizing this test preparation allows students to gain approximately 10 weeks of instructional time, which will be used to increase the amount of time spend on labs and hands-on activities as well as introducing some topics in Electricity and Magnetism into the curriculum.

• CHAI Psychology Honors

  Course Description

  As global conversations regarding psychological disorders have become more commonplace and socially accepted, so does the need to analyze them in a historical, biological, and socio-cultural context. By integrating applied psychology into the curriculum of this course, students will have the opportunity to explore the many aspects of psychopathology and develop micro and macro practical approaches to addressing the challenges associated with psychological disorders and substance abuse. The course will also cover the rudimentary aspects of developmental psychology, research methods, neurobiology, behaviorism, cognition, motivation and emotion, and the numerous ways that these subject areas connect to psychological disorders.(Grades 11, 12; prerequisite: no more than one grade of C+ or below in a regular class or C or below in an advanced-level class at the end-of-year marking period immediately preceding enrollment in the course. Students with an A- average of their Trimester 1 and 2 grades in Psychology may enroll in the course.)
  
  

  Rationale

  The transition from AP Psychology to CHAI Psychology Honors provides Campbell Hall students the opportunity to develop their own academic theory; through the scientific method, students will scaffold autonomous research based on their original thoughts in a manner that is not sustainable in the less flexible AP curriculum. Furthermore, the areas of psychopathology and substance abuse, two subjects that students regularly have expressed strong interest in, will be studied in greater detail than in the more restrictive AP curriculum. The CHAI Psychology Honors course will allow students to engage in greater exploration of their own areas of interest through a longitudinal, project-based learning approach rather than adhere to the timeline of the AP curriculum at the expense of deeper and more meaningful learning.

• CHAI Race and the American Experience Honors

  Course Description

  Racial identity and racial construction have always been paradoxically both the connective tissue and the dividing walls between Americans of all backgrounds. This college-level course will place race in the foreground of the cultural and political history of the United States. Through the use of academic texts and a diverse mixture of artistic sources, students will more critically interrogate both the history of race itself, as well the way in which it functions in the United States. Students will study not only the history of the United States through the lens of race, but will be introduced to historiography and historicity as well. Instructional techniques will include Harkness discussion sessions, mini-lectures, student-led research projects, and oral history. Students will conduct their own research into any area / discipline of their choosing in order to explore the impact, function, and role of race in that field. To do so, students will utilize both standard research methods as well as engage with advanced, theory-based materials. (Grades 11, 12)

• CHAI Technology & Ethics in the Information Age Honors

  Course Description

  This course is designed to provide students a foundational study of how computers and the internet works followed by an in-depth study of the economic, emotional, social, and political implications of our world in the information age. Initial work will be focused on core technology concepts such as digital content, networks, the web, and digital security. The class will use that foundational knowledge in developing critical analyses of emergent and recent technologies. Part of this foundation will include learning the basics of computer programming and how such skills impact global and local markets. We will explore the impacts of Big Data and how corporations and governments use the information stored about us. The course culminates in an individualized, self-selected mini-capstone research project consisting of a formal research paper and presentation summarizing their research. (Grades 10-12; prerequisite: no more than one grade of C+ or below in a regular class, or C or below in an advanced-level class at the end-of-year marking period immediately preceding enrollment in the course)
  
  

  Rationale

  The nature of the College Board’s AP Computer Science Principles curriculum and its broad design prevents students from studying particular topics in depth and limits teacher feedback on Board-required specific and time-consuming performance tasks. Recovering time spent on those tasks as well as AP test preparation allows students to gain weeks of instructional and work time that will be used to deepen their knowledge and critical skills.

• CHAI United States Government and Politics Honors

  Course Description

  This course takes the interdisciplinary approach of Global Studies, tethering disparate vectors of knowledge, such as Comparative Government, Cultural Studies, and Political Economy, by parsing the complex and often interconnected patterns that orient our lives in the United States. Taking a transnational approach, units will address the notion of “Power,” who exactly gets to write, and therefore, dictate “History,” and the distinction between “human” versus “civic” rights.” Other essential questions will look into the construction of the modern, liberal subject as produced through Western-European intellectual discourse. Using this framework as a platform to investigate forms of governance, power, and sovereignty, the class will look more specifically at “theories of power” within the United States. Beyond curricular content, students will be introduced to tools for activism and praxis beyond the classroom. (Grade 12)
  
  

  Rationale

  The AP US Government and Politics course is devoted to mastery of the key, traditional concepts of American government and politics and does not necessarily provide students with opportunities to understand more deeply and to apply these concepts within and across disciplines. A revised curriculum will allow for not only an inquiry-based comprehension of the material but also the opportunity for students to apply abstract, philosophical ideas for the purposes of creative problem-solving, and seeking real, pragmatic resolutions in students’ futures of political and civic engagement.

• CHAI United States History Honors: Identity, Power, and Representation

  Course Description

  Students will examine the evolution of the ever-changing American identity: the uniqueness of what it means to be "American,” how the American experience has changed and evolved in our nation's brief time, and the many events that have shaped our “culture” and “identity.” Students will interpret, analyze, and evaluate significant American events through the use of primary and secondary sources, literary books, film analysis, presentations, and lectures/discussions. This course will incorporate a high level of analysis in looking at events and changes that have impacted our American experience. The course will engage students not only in the subject matter of United States history, government, and economics but also in its relevance and meaning to their own lives. (One of the following is required for Grade 11: United States History: Identity, Power, and Representation OR CHAI United States History Honors: Identity, Power, and Representation)
  
  

  Rationale

  The AP US History curriculum requires a significant amount of time spent reviewing the content-heavy curriculum and studying for the AP test. The change to CHAI United States History represents a more intentional pursuit of teaching a more inclusive American history curriculum and will allow students the opportunity to engage with inquiry-based research, projects, student-directed learning, and Socratic seminars as students pursue more skill-based, student-centered, and cross-curricular activities.