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Upper School Curriculum

  • 500 Level: Advanced (ADV)
  • Interdisciplinary Studies
INT 500 • ADV Thesis
Grades: 11, 12
Full-Year
PREREQ: ADV Research; successful application to ADV Thesis

In Advanced Thesis, students cultivate the skills and discipline necessary to conduct academic, independent research of choice in order to produce and defend a scholarly academic paper. Advanced Thesis allows students to deeply explore a topic, problem, issue or idea of individual choice and interest. Students design, plan and implement a year-long investigation to address a research question. Through this inquiry, they further the skills they acquired in ADV Research (formerly ADV Global Inequalities) by learning and utilizing appropriate research methods; employing ethical research practices; and accessing, analyzing and synthesizing information. Students reflect on their skill development, document their processes and curate the artifacts of their scholarly work through a process and reflection portfolio. The course culminates in an academic paper of 4,000–5,000 words — accompanied by a performance, exhibit or product when applicable — and a presentation with an oral defense.

Students who successfully complete ADV Thesis will receive a Thesis Scholar distinction on their transcript. 

  • Grade 11
  • Grade 12