Topics/2009

USAD Curriculum Topics
1998 • 1999 • 2000 • 2001 • 2002 • 2003 • 2004 • 2005 2006 • 2007 • 2008 • 2009 • 2010 • 2011 • 2012

The curricular theme for 2008–2009 will be Latin America, with a particular focus on Mexico in certain subject areas. Following is some general information on the topics in each of the subject areas.

The 2008-2009 USAD logo.

Super Quiz

The Super Quiz™ topic will be An Introduction to Evolutionary Biology. The Super Quiz Resource Guide will include readings on such topics as the historical development of evolutionary theory, Darwin’s voyages and work in Latin America, natural selection, speciation, mutation, gene flow, genetic drift, and evolutionary developmental biology.

Art

The art curriculum topic will be An Introduction to the Art of Mexico.

Pieces

• Olmec Figure Sitting with Spread Legs
• Standing Female (Jalisco) and Standing Female (Ancient Michocán)
• View of the Street of the Dead Showing the Plaza of the Moon and the Pyramid of the Sun
• Tikal: Temple of the Giant Jaguar
• Mosaic Skull and Jaw
• Codex Huejotzingo (Painting 5)
• Untitled (Our Lady of Guadalupe)
• Don Juan Joachín Gutiérrez Altamirano y Velasco
• From Spaniard and Black, Mulatto
• Shawl
• Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral
• Valley of Oaxaca
• La Calavera Catrina
• The Flower Carrier
• Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera
• Figure in Illuminated Doorway

Economics

The economics curriculum will cover fundamentals of economics, including general topics in macro- and microeconomics and international trade and global economic development. The economics curriculum will also include a thematic section focused on the economy of Mexico.

Language and Literature

The language and literature curriculum will include critical reading, one novel, and six shorter works. The featured novel will be Bless Me, Ultima by Rudolfo Anaya.

Short works

• Sonnets 27 and 28 by Sor Juana de la Cruz
• The Ruby by Ruben Dario
• La Extranjera (The Stranger) by Gabriela Mistral
• United Fruit Co. by Pablo Neruda
• The Switchman by Juan Jose Arreola
• Painting To Survive by Mario Vargas Llosa

Math

The math curriculum will cover topics in the fields of general math, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and differential calculus.

Music

The music curriculum will focus on the music of Latin America. The curriculum will include a companion CD, featuring fourteen listening selections.

Songs

• Copal Offering to the Four Directions
• Kyrie
• Sol-fa de Pedro
• Campo
• Sinfonia India
• Sensemayá
• Las Mañanitas
• Jocotan - Small Marimba
• Aria
• Scherzo
• Verano Porteno
• Samba Urbano
• Los Jilacatas
• Brand New Cha Cha Cha

Social Science

The social science curriculum will focus on the history of Mexico.