What Does It Mean To Be Human?

The Integrated Humanities course includes but is not limited to the arts of literature, painting, music, sculpture, architecture, performing arts, and the disciplines of philosophy and geography. While the sciences explore the physical world and the social sciences make discoveries about the behavior and activities of people in various groups, the arts and humanities probe the inner meaning: "What does it mean to be human?" -- a focus from the California frameworks. This course will stretch students' imaginations, enrich their experience, and increase their distinctively human potential. Study of the literature, arts, health, and social science will cover cultural diversity, ways of life, human interests, and values.

The First Semester:

Lessons are drawn from classical texts of western and non-western cultures. Selections from literature and the arts include major forms of expression and offer students modes of learning no other discipline provides. In the first semester, the course explores world diversity. What it means to be human will be looked at in the exploration of world cultures and regional geography, through its literature, visual arts, and performing arts. In Current Issues of Health, what it is to be human will be looked at in an intra and inter-personal point of view as students will learn more about themselves and their diversity in order to make sound and healthy choices. Student writings throughout the semester will serve as a means of expression in responding to the works of others as well as forming one's own ideas.

The Second Semester:

In the second semester the course concentrates on the development of Western Culture. However we must understand that Western Culture is multicultural, having been enriched throughout the centuries by Asian, Middle Eastern, and African cultures. To better understand who we are, our studies are centered on thecultural legacy from the Ancient Greeks to the present day. This procedure will enable students to trace the development and changes through history of the problems that still plague us today. It also integrates technology with humanities by showing how we can electronically link outstanding achievements of the past and combine them in personal, meaningful ways.

An Enriching Experience:

This course will provide our students with an educationally enriching experience. A curriculum that attenpts to incorporate a dynamic study of human achievement while imparting the essentials of cooperative learning, the techniques of research, and the experience of oral presentations is no easy undertaking. Yet this course attempts to integrate all of the above, with hope that the teacher who can use it can inspire student motivation, their concern for human experience, and their appreciation of different heritages.

A Modern Perspective:

In light of the attack of September 11, 2001 and the resulting events that followed, this last facet of the course is more relevant than ever. The course will address issues relevant to the ongoing war on terrorism as the year progresses and we will pay attention to the treatment of all people living in the United States regardless of one's heritage. As Harper Lee illustrates in To Kill A Mockingbird, Americans stereotype in a variety of ways which all serve to hurt others. Our course seeks to expand one's tolerance which is a directive of the California frameworks. While working with your child on the projects and reading of this class, please do not hesitate to contact either of us if you have any questions or concerns.