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Senior Houses: Thematic Studies 12

Seniors at the School of Environmental Studies examine topics and issues surrounding interactions between humans and environments. They grapple with the question, How then, shall I live?

Our previous year’s juniors are given priority for our senior class. However, if space is available, new students can join SES as a senior at the beginning of the new school year. As with junior year, all house studies are performed in an integrated, interdisciplinary environment. Instead of taking three separate classes in English, social studies and environmental science, students take one class–Thematic Studies 12 (House).

Lessons are often team-taught by your house teachers. Individual house teachers blend their expertise to create a rich, real-world set of learning experiences for students.

Course of Study

Senior curriculum is a three-trimester study of human impacts on and relationships with the natural world. Each trimester’s material is chosen to take advantage of the Minnesota seasons to immerse students in the environment. Specifics within each major study vary with the news and events of the year.

Overall Question: How then, shall I live?

Fall: Considering the dynamics of diversity, how can we manage for what we value?
Winter: What is the impact of human systems on environmental health?
Spring: Sustainability considered, how then, shall I live?
 
 

In addition seniors can select to participate in AP Environmental Science, AP Human Geography, and AP Literature as part of their Thematic Studies coursework.

Senior Summer Letter