Departments & Courses

OVERVIEW

As a college preparatory school, Fordham Prep requires the study of foreign languages as an integral part of its curriculum. This begins for all students in freshman year with a classical language. While the majority of freshmen take Latin, a select number of qualified students are invited to study Ancient Greek in their first year. Selection is based upon entrance exam scores. Students who perform well in Latin 1 may begin Greek after freshman year.

Students with previous experience in Latin have the option of accelerating in freshman year to Latin 2 or Latin 2 Honors. The opportunity for students to complete three or four years of Latin and/or Greek is a feature that makes Fordham Prep distinctive in the Metropolitan area, and has been a hallmark of the Prep's curriculum since 1841.

Chairperson: Stephen Distinti

GOALS

The Classics curriculum is designed to help the student learn the languages, cultures and histories of Ancient Greece and Rome, thereby helping him to understand and relate to the roots of Western Civilization. In our Classics courses, students are given the opportunity to explore the debt of English to Latin and Greek in vocabulary and language structure, and to develop into well-rounded young men with a sense of the traditions and values of the past and the ability to integrate these into their own lives.

After the required course in Latin or Greek in freshman year, a student may elect to continue his studies in Latin and/or Greek for two or three more years. Many of our students choose to continue the study of a classical language; some take both Latin and Greek.

NOTABLE

• The opportunity to take a three or four-year sequence in Latin and/or Greek and present an impressive classical language background to a prospective college.
• Preparation for college language courses.
• College-level texts and programs.
• Opportunity for students with previous language experience to advance to a higher level.
• Preparation for the SAT Subject Test in Latin.
• Advanced Placement Latin.
• A four-year program in Ancient Greek.

COURSES OFFERINGS

• Greek Honors 1, 2, 3, 4
• Latin 1, 2, 3, 4
• Latin Honors 2, 3
• Latin 3 Advanced
• Latin Prose & Poetry Honors
• Advanced Placement Latin

OVERVIEW

The English Department is dedicated to assisting the student to be literate and articulate in his language, and to be prepared for a demanding college curriculum. Students are challenged to be life-long readers and learners, to evaluate information critically, to speak effectively, to appreciate language, to nurture independent thinking and to achieve excellence in writing. Students must qualify for entrance into Honors, Advanced, and Advanced Placement courses. 

Chairperson: Paul Lauber '08

English Honors 1, 2, 3
Through a series of activities and projects, the students are introduced to their linguistic imagination. They learn to understand the English language, to control it, and to appreciate it. Genres explored include the short story, the novel, poetry, drama, speech, intensive paragraph writing, critical papers, and the term paper. Texts include novels, plays, short stories, poems, a grammar & style reference book and a vocabulary book. 

English 2 Advanced
Designed for the motivated student, the Honors and Advanced classes begin with an introduction to the world of reading with ten major works, supplemented with appropriate short stories, drama and poetry. Class discussion and written assignments focus on the structures of narrative and an author’s options in manipulating the reader’s imagination. Students are required to read closely and think critically about selected works. English 2 Advanced presents a significantly enriched version of the sophomore curriculum, emphasizing greater depth of understanding. AP classes are offered to qualified students in junior and senior year. 

AP English Language & Composition
Designed for the motivated student, the Honors and Advanced classes begin with an introduction to the world of reading with ten major works, supplemented with appropriate short stories, drama, and poetry. Class discussion and written assignments focus on the structures of narrative and an author’s options in manipulating the reader’s imagination. Students are required to read closely and think critically about selected works. English 2 Advanced presents a significantly enriched version of the sophomore curriculum, emphasizing greater depth of understanding. AP classes are offered to qualified students in junior and senior year.

SENIOR YEAR ELECTIVES

• The Graphic Novel
• The Quest Motif in Literature Honors
• Short Story
• Writing for the Media
• Writing Seminar Honors: Fiction, Personal Non-Fiction, Poetry, Story Telling Across Genre
• Advanced Placement English Literature &Composition

NOTABLE

• The sequence of honors courses begins in freshman year.
• Honors and Advanced courses are available to all who qualify.
• Advanced Placement Programs in Language and Literature.

COURSE OFFERINGS

English 1, 2, 3

English Honors 1, 2, 3

English 2 Advanced 

The Graphic Novel

The Quest Motif in Literature Honors

Short Story

Writing for the Media

Writing Seminar Honors: Fiction, Personal Non-Fiction, Poetry, Story Telling Across Genre

Advanced Placement English Language & Composition

Advanced Placement English Literature & Composition

OVERVIEW

The mathematics curriculum at Fordham Prep prepares students for higher-level studies in mathematics. The department’s objectives include helping students learn to improve their problem solving and critical thinking skills, acquire valuable organizational skills, and use modern technology in their math studies in order to become more self-reliant, confident, accurate, and consistent. Students are encouraged to learn how to use their time productively both at school and at home.  
 

Chairperson: John Verlezza '94

NOTABLE

Each entering freshman may be offered Algebra or Geometry based upon his knowledge of Algebra and his entrance exam scores. Students have the opportunity to qualify for honors and advanced courses. There are two Advanced Placement courses: Calculus AB and Statistics. Though students are required to take three years of math, most continue with a fourth-year elective math/computer science course. Math classes meet every day of our 6-day cycle.

COURSE OFFERINGS

Algebra 1

Geometry

Geometry Honors: 9, 10

Algebra 2-Trigonometry

Precalculus: 11, 12

Precalculus Honors: 10, 11

Calculus

Calculus Honors

Calculus 2 Advanced

AP Calculus AB: 11, 12

Statistics Honors

AP Statistics

Intro to Computers

Computer Science Honors

OVERVIEW

Through the study of grammar, and vocabulary, students are given the tools necessary to achieve proficiency in a foreign language. The faculty hopes this experience will encourage each student to grow in awareness of and openness to diversity. 

Within the general context of learning at Fordham Prep, the student has the opportunity to integrate his language learning experience into his own personal value system, and to come to appreciate the diversity of human linguistic, cultural, moral, aesthetic, and social relationships.

Chairperson: Russell Baker

SEQUENCE

Students at the Prep are required to take four years of language, completing a three-year sequence in one language. During freshman year, all students study either Latin or Ancient Greek. Beginning in sophomore year, there are different options open to each student.

A student may continue his classical language; continue his classical language and begin French, German, Italian, Mandarin Chinese, Spanish or the other classical language; drop his classical language and choose French, German, Italian, Mandarin Chinese, Spanish, or the other classical language.

NOTABLE

• Five foreign languages offered 
• Opportunity for students to qualify for advanced level courses
• Seniors can continue language studies at Fordham University at no additional cost
• Advanced Placement Programs in Chines Language, Spanish Language and Literature
• Use of Rosetta Stone to supplement the curriculum 

COURSE OFFERINGS

French Honors 1, 2, 3

German 3 Honors

Italian 1, 2 
Italian Honors 2, 3, 4

Mandarin Chinese Honors 1, 2, 3
AP Chinese Language-Culture

Spanish 1, 2, 3
Spanish Honors 2, 3
AP Spanish Language-Culture
AP Spanish Literature-Culture 

OVERVIEW

Fordham Prep requires each student to complete four years of physical education. Classes in physical education are structured to enhance student awareness of the benefits of life long physical fitness. The Prep’s program emphasizes the relationship of physical activity to the physical, mental, social and emotional needs of its students. 

Students learn a variety of individual and team sports. Emphasis is placed on motor skill development as well a knowledge of the rules and strategies involved in each sport. Fundamentals of each sport are stressed in the lower grades. The Prep provides excellent facilities for its students, including two gyms, an athletic field located directly behind the school and use of Fordham University’s tennis courts, indoor pool, and new turf field. 

Chairperson: Robert McLaughlin 

INTRAMURALS

Students at Fordham Prep are given every opportunity to participate in intramural activities after school. The basket ball program runs Monday through Friday from 3 - 4 pm.

PHYS. ED & HEALTH

The Phys. Ed & Health curriculum at Fordham Prep is covered during freshman year with the Guidance Department supplementing the curriculum relating to personal health. Health courses are designed to meet physical, emotional and social needs with the understanding that essential attitudes and beliefs are being developed during this adolescent period. 

COURSE OFFERINGS

Health/PE

PE/Strength & Fitness

Physical Education

OVERVIEW

The mission of the Department is “to inspire students to find God in all things through study, reflection, and action within the Roman Catholic tradition.” To that end the curriculum challenges each student to grow in his respect and appreciation not only of his own faith and values, but also of the faith and values of others.

As students gain knowledge in the history, beliefs, and moral standards of the Catholic tradition, they are assisted by the faculty in developing their own religious identity based on their personal convictions and free response to God’s grace which leads toward greater love and service to others.

Chairperson: TBA 

FRESHMAN YEAR - FAITH & REVELATION

The first year of the Religious Studies curriculum fosters the search for a greater understanding of what it means to both believe in God and be in relationship with God.

1st Semester: Christ in Scripture As new members of a community of faith, students explore what it means to be in relationship with God. Students receive a general knowledge and appreciation of sacred scripture, and through their study of the Bible they encounter the living word of God, Jesus Christ. Students are also aided by an examination of the life of St. Ignatius, the founder of the Jesuits, and explore central concepts of Ignatian spirituality that they apply to their personal faith life and the life of the Fordham Prep community.

2nd Semester: Christology: Who is Jesus? Students are introduced to the mystery of Jesus Christ, the living word of God, the second person of the Trinity, and grow to understand that Jesus Christ is the ultimate revelation to us from God. In learning about who Christ is, the students, like St. Ignatius before them, also learn who Christ calls them to be. 

SOPHOMORE YEAR - THE MISSION OF CHRIST AND THE CHURCH

In the first semester, students explore God’s promise of salvation by exploring in depth the passion, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and the implications of the Paschal Mystery for the Christian life. In the second semester, students examine the origin, structure, and mission of the Catholic Church, and the role the Church plays in the life of the Christian.

JUNIOR YEAR - LIVING THE CHRISTIAN LIFE: SACRAMENTS AND MORALITY

In the junior curriculum our subject matter - living a sacramental and moral life in Christ - invites us to take a faith-filled and scholarly look at how the Spirit of Jesus Christ has been made manifest in history, and how that Spirit enables us to live lives of virtue and justice. In the first semester we examine the Sacraments as transformative encounters with Jesus Christ. The Eucharist, as source and summit of the Catholic life, will receive special attention. We will also connect our understanding of the Sacraments to the Ignatian insight that "God can be found in all things," and reflect on how God's presence can be discerned in our personal experience.

The second semester looks in particular at the moral dimension of our individual and communal experience. Our study flows from the central biblical claim that all people are made in the image and likeness of God, and that we are called to live lives in which the dignity of all people is recognized, protected, and promoted. Students are introduced to general Catholic moral theology with topics including virtues and character, moral rules and principles, conscience and discernment, and how a more just and loving world might be created. We will use that theology to grapple with the great ethical challenges of our time.

SENIOR YEAR - FAITH & MORALITY ELECTIVES

The senior-year curriculum attempts to synthesize the three-year foundation in Scripture, Christology, Sacraments, and Church History by focusing on the journey of life in faith. Seniors study the relational aspects of the Christian vocation in three specific areas: the response in love to self (psychology), the response in love to others (morality), and the response in love to God (spirituality). Each section views this common core through a particular lens. 

The areas of concentration offered are listed below. One concentration is required of each senior. 

• Christian Quest for Social Justice
• Philosophy of Religion
• Psychology Through the Eyes of Faith
• Men & Masculinity
• Seminar Honors
• Theology of Sport
• World Religions 

OVERVIEW

Fordham Prep offers a strong science program to prepare students to excel in today’s highly technical society. Students take a three-year science sequence, but many students take a fourth year of science. All our science courses are geared to prepare graduates for further study of science at the college level.

The goal of the Science Department is to equip the student with the ability to discipline his thinking along the lines of scientific investigation. This skill is stressed in the science courses as an advantage to the well-rounded individual. The study of science is one of the best ways to train the mind to work in a logical fashion.

The courses are rigorous and demanding since academic excellence is the goal. Science students are encouraged to ask questions, make accurate observations, draw their own well-informed conclusions, and ask new questions.

Chairperson: Anthony DiFato '99

CURRICULUM

Students have the opportunity to qualify for honors and advanced placement courses each year. In addition, students may take more than one science course in a year.

NOTABLE

• Nine laboratories: 3 Biology, 3 Chemistry, 3 Physics.
• Greenhouse
• Honors courses available in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Biochemistry, and Biological Anthropology.
• Advanced Placement courses available in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics.
• All science courses involve extensive laboratory investigation.
• The opportunity to take more than one science course each year.

COURSE OFFERINGS

Biology
Biology Honors
AP Biology

Chemistry
Chemistry Honors
AP Chemistry

Physics
Physics Honors
AP Physics 1

Aeronautical Science

Biochemistry Honors

Biological Anthropology Honors

Engineering Science

Forensic Science

OVERVIEW

The Social Studies curriculum is designed to expose the student to Western Civilization and culture, the history and culture of other peoples, mankind’s achievements and failures, and the principal ideas that have molded Western, Asian, and African man. The curriculum is also designed to stimulate the student to think for himself as he analyzes and draws conclusions from a variety of primary and secondary sources.

Students enjoy different assignments, including family histories, cooperative learning, stock market games, research papers, and mock trials. The department continues to explore the needs and interests of the students while maintaining a rigorous academic curriculum.

Finally, the department seeks to prepare students to be independent, forward-thinking participants, actively involved in the 21st century. Faculty members encourage tolerance by exposing students to diverse cultures and values, and invite them to embrace the Jesuit ideal of being men for others.

Chairperson: Matthew Bobo

COURSE OFFERINGS

Global Studies 1, 2

Global Studies Honors 1, 2

U.S. History

U.S. History Honors

Economics Honors

Pre-Law/Great Constitutional Issues

AP European History

AP U.S. Government & Politics

AP Macroeconomics

AP Psychology

AP U.S. History

AP World History: Modern

NOTABLE

• Six Advanced Placement courses: European History, Macroeconomics, Psychology, U.S. Government & Politics, U.S. History, World History: Modern
• Honors courses beginning in freshman year

OVERVIEW

Central to the Visual and Performing Arts education at Fordham Prep is the objective that students understand what goes into a work of art from conceptual, technical, and cultural points of view; and how, in the spirit of cura parsonalis, these help contribute to the makeup of a well-rounded person.

The Arts curriculum is designed to enable students to understand and appreciate how a work of art is created and viewed. The curriculum’s design stimulates growth through self-discovery and self-expression. Students’ skills develop through practice and appreciation of techniques. Classes are structured in tandem with students’ needs in subsequent years. 

Chairperson: Michael Weldon '86 

COURSES OFFERINGS

Studio Art 1, 2

AP 2-D Art & Design

AP Art History

History of Jazz

AP Music Theory

Architectural Drawing

Computer Graphics & Web Design

Fundamentals of Acting

Fundamentals of Music

Liturgical Choir

Vocal Music

Band Methods

Jazz Ensemble

Jazz Ensemble Honors

Orchestra

NOTABLE

• A three-year sequence or one-year electives
• Hands-on experience
• Exposure to computer art
• Student Orchestra
• Portfolio preparation for college
• Advanced Placement course: AP Art History
• Member of NYSSMA