Guiding Principles:
- SOCIAL JUSTICE. Analysis of power and privilege, focus on equity and resistance.
- RELEVANCE. Connecting material to today’s landscape.
- RESILIENCE. Exploration of how individuals, communities, and societies respond with innovation to global and local challenges.
- GLOBAL. Attention to more than a single voice; attentive to multiplicities and pluralities.
- INNOVATORS. Examination of the changemakers and their traits; exploration of how they creatively responded to the circumstances of their time period.
Integrated, not isolated
The humanities curriculum focuses on exploring and understanding various aspects of human experience—including literature, history, art, culture, and society. We develop creative and critical thinking skills by encouraging students to communicate their thoughts effectively.
MIDDLE SCHOOL HUMANITIES
Humanities 7: The Innovation of Leadership
The focus shifts to leadership and purpose, exploring historical texts, poetry, and stories that highlight brave individuals and defining moments in history.
Humanities 8: Innovation in Government
Students delve into the concept of innovation in government, examining the beginnings of US democracy and deconstructing civic dilemmas from different perspectives.
UPPER SCHOOL HUMANITIES
Humanities 9: Literacy Workshop
Focuses on a literacy workshop that hones writing, reading, and communication skills.
Humanities 10: Global Topics
Explores global topics and the impact of historical and societal decisions on human lives.
Humanities 11: American Studies
Examines American studies, taking a multicultural approach to study the diverse history and culture of the United States.
Humanities 12: Electives
Our electives, such as “TV Writers’ Room” and “Art and Physics of Time Travel,” provide meaningful opportunities for students to explore new ways of applying their many Humanities skills.
Scope & Sequence
Change-makers Throughout History: Poetry and Short Stories
Understanding democracy with its complexities and contradictions
World War 2 & alternate history fiction
Intro to Cross-Cultural Analysis
Who is an American?
TV Writers’ Room
Model UN: Sustainable Development Goals
The three branches of government
Colonialism & Haitian geography and history
First and second waves of colonization
Vietnam War
Art and Physics of Time Travel
Silver People: Voices From the Panama Canal
Focus: The Judicial Branch and mock trial
Shakespeare and the Globe Theater
World War 1: Treaty of Versailles Simulation
Native American Boarding Schools
Social Innovation, Social Entrepreneurship Project
Connections to literature: Nothing But the Truth and Alan Gratz book, 9-11
Henrietta Lacks & moral and ethical dilemmas
Holocaust
Gatsby and the Jazz Age
When You Reach Me
Controversial Issue Project
Civil Resistance & Disobedience and Greek Theater
South African Apartheid
Harlem Renaissance
Climate Activism: Ted Talk Project
Art/Humanities: The art of the interview
Book Club and This I Believe
Chinese Cultural Revolution
US Imperialism in Latin America
"Humanities give you a sense of self and the world around you. Blending history, English, philosophy, and geography in one class teaches critical thinking which is essential for our students."