(Note: Both years of this curriculum are undergoing some significant revision as we have just made the decision to embrace world culture study for two years instead of the previous one.)
Year One
The two year base of Division II Humanities is World Cultures. The theme of the first year of the curriculum is the question “What’s the Connection?” Each student conducts significant research on a chosen country, and as a class we explore a diverse range of topics, including education, geography, economics, gender roles, rituals, diet and nutrition, art, and religion, among others. As a whole class, we focus on China and the Middle East. This is the year students will learn the names and locations of most countries in the world.
There will be three oral presentations during the year. One will focus on the geography of their chosen country, one will be a presentation on a person or event that shaped the world, and the final presentation will be independently designed by each student based on their interests after a year exploring cultures.
Literature studied will include titles of significant works from Asia and the Middle East, including novels, short stories, and poetry. Outside reading will also include these cultures, but will also require the reading of at least two classics.
Film studied will include Baraka and Paradise Now.
Current events are an integral part of the curriculum.
Year Two
The theme of the first year is continued, but with a new twist. Rather than focusing on connections between cultures, the emphasis is on taking given time periods and learning what is happening in various parts of the world. Specific countries to be studied are Kenya, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Mexico.
A second theme raises the question “What do you believe?” Students will be engaged in discovering the concepts which shape and guide their own lives, using events in history and the lives of others to highlight how those beliefs have helped shape human history.
There will be three oral presentations during the year. One will focus on the geography of North America, one is still under development, and the final presentation is the beliefs project, in which the student shares the word they’ve chosen which most strongly guides their choices.
Literature studied will include Things Fall Apart, Poisonwood Bible, and at least one major South American work. Also included will be short stories and poetry.
Film studied will include Dead Poets Society and Maria Full of Grace.
Current events are an integral part of the curriculum.
Skill Areas for Humanities
Students will:
a) write, write, and write!
b) practice discussion and listening skills
c) develop close reading skills
d) study vocabulary
e) practice independent research skills using sources not limited to the Web
f) practice editing skills
g) will practice analysis and synthesis and other critical thinking skills
h) work daily to build a caring, lively, and fun community of learners