ALTERNATIVE COURSES
An Alternative Course is a course designed by a student in an area of special interest. The goals, activities, and tangible products of the course are specified in the Alternative Course Contract which is completed by the student in the semester prior to the student's being enrolled in the course. This contract must present a plan for a course of study that is rigorous enough to be equivalent to a class at Seabury Hall. A student must have a mentor, who may be a faculty member or some community member skilled in the subject area. Should the member be an off-campus person, the Director of Alternative Studies will serve as an overseer of the course and a liaison between the school and the mentor. The student is responsible for designing the evaluation instruments for the course, and the mentor will do the evaluation. Quarterly report cards will be written, and letter grade will be given. Alternative courses can be academic in nature (e.g. studies in literature, history, philosophy/religion, art history, science, foreign language), or practical (e.g. career internships, large scale building or crafts projects). All non-academic, hands-on classes must include a substantial writing component. This might include a research component, process papers, or reflection papers. A time-log is a requirement in every Alternative Course. At this time, the Alternative Course option is open to seniors only.
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