There are so many interesting classes that are available at Harriton, which makes course selection a difficult time for many. Not only are there great art and music courses, but also many English and social studies electives. In this article, we point out five electives that are so unique, that they deserve a shout-out.

1. Creative Expression and Performance- The Acting Studio

This is a course that develops performance and acting skills, but can also improve public speaking and presence skills. Throughout this course, the student works with movement, voice, character study, and audition techniques. After building these fundamentals, they will apply these skills to more advanced things, such as monologue and scene work. Although this course may seem like it’s only for those who want to pursue acting, this is listed as an English course, so it would provide credit and life skills in a fun way.

Similar Courses: IB Theatre, Theater Arts

2. Child Development

There is no other course like this at Harriton. In this class, the student will do a complete study of children from birth to age 5. These years are some of the most important in a human life, for they affect who the child is going to be in life. The course goes through the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development of children. Students visit a nursery school every week, and are able to see their ‘specimens’ in the flesh. This class goes over brain development, health, and so much more. This is a great course for students interested in Health, Medicine, Psychology, and even Public Health.

3. Landscape Architecture/Horticulture

This course incorporates architecture, planting/ gardening and science!

The LMSD Planning Guide (LMDPG) describes the course as one that focuses students on ”planning the appropriate use of land and designing the best environment based on an understanding of natural and cultural site characteristics, human need, and sound aesthetic and technical competence”.

In this course, the students learn all about botany and soil science,

while combining this information with knowledge of site design, land use, and residential planning. The classes use the greenhouse for projects, and develop great skills that can take them anywhere. Those interested in sustainability, the environment, architecture, horticulture, and landscaping would be well served to take this course.

4. Modern History Through Media

This history elective that is fun and intriguing. Do you like movies? Do you like history? Then this is the perfect course for you! Only for 11^th and 12^th graders, this course teaches about the influence of all types of media. The class will analyze magazines, movies and newspapers to learn about what was going on from the beginning of the 20^th century to the present day. Students will also create their own examples of media to observe how media affects world affairs. This class is great for those who enjoy journalism and politics, as well as history.

5. Music Technology and Production

Did you know that Harriton has a state of the art music lab? That’s where this course takes place. Students learn how to create music on the computer with Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) and many other technologies. Students also explore sequencing, scoring, looping, sampling, composing/arranging music, printing, and on site recording. This course provides full sized electronic keyboards and desktop Apple computers. This is a project-based course that is fun and interesting, but it is recommended that students have a basic knowledge of the keyboard. This is a great course for students that are into creating their own music, editing tracks, or even making a mix tape…

Similar Courses: Electronic Piano Lab

These electives are all extremely diverse and interesting. They provide the opportunity to step out of one’s comfort zone or go in depth on a specific topic. However, these are not the only electives out there, and there are so many more that are exciting and informative. The descriptions of all of the electives can be found on the LMSD website. Hope this helps with the tough decisions!