Humanities I The Role of the Artist, focuses on the relationships between individuals, artists, and societies, using case studies in Africa. The semester includes geography, cartography, ancient African civilizations, colonization of African states, independence in Africa, and modern Africa. The course novel is Things Fall Apart. In addition, honors students will read additional literature such as Nervous Conditions. Humanities 1 includes a large exhibition, Africa Lives!
Humanities 2 The Art of Power and Politics, focuses on power structures in U.S. society. Students study the cultures, struggles, and contributions of the various groups and their experiences in the United States through the lenses of sociology, history and civics. The readings include How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents and literature from the Harlem Renaissance. Honors students will read additional literature, such as Kite Runner, The Joy Luck Club, or Native Son. Humanities 2 includes an exhibition on the art and process of campaigning.
Humanities 3 The Art of Power and History, is an examination of modern history from World War II to today. Students engage with historical, philosophical, and literary texts representing American and global perspectives. The essential questions focus on key issues in modern societies: What threatens us? What strengthens us? What is our responsibility? The primary reading is Flight. In addition, Open Honors students will read White Noise. Assessments include a midterm exam, a 10-page paper benchmark, and a triad exhibition. Students must earn a “3” on the 10-page paper rubric before the end of the term or they will have to repeat the course.
Humanities 4 Art and Aesthetics, provides students with a critical frame for evaluating art and for understanding how art is evaluated. Students ask “What is art?” “What is beautiful?” “What is valuable?” and “Who decides?” while exploring the construction of the Classical, Romantic, Modern and Post-modern aesthetics. Switching instructors mid-semester, students explore these questions through music, visual art, dance, and theater. Readings include various canonical texts from The Republic to The Fire Next Time. Open Honors students will read one additional canonical text. Humanities 4 includes a college
“blue book” midterm and a group exhibition. |
Seminar is a writing and reading skills class. At all grade levels, the writing curriculum emphasizes three basic genres of writing (expressive, research, and analytical) and basic writing skills related to purpose, development, and expression in writing; reading comprehension and fluency strategies are emphasized in a variety of genres. In the 11th and 12th grades, the curricula are arts-major specific. |
