Expectations...

Course Description

Humanities provides college preparatory experience for students with advanced skills in language arts through the study of the relationship between the culture and the arts of Western civilization.  History, literature, fine arts, philosophy, and music from ancient times to the present are explored and compared with emphasis on both verbal and written analysis.  A research paper on a topic in humanities is required.

Course Objectives

The student will be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of works and persons of early civilizations and recognize their continuing significance.

• Identify relevant social and cultural issues in early civilizations.

• Apply appropriate strategies when reading selections that vary in content, difficulty, and style.

• Demonstrate research skills

• Analyze and interpret both fiction and non-fiction selections.

• Improve formal writing skills.

• Improve grammar skills.

Materials

• Students need a folder or notebook for notes, homework, and various handouts, as staying organized is one step toward success in class.

• Students need a folder that will remain in the classroom for writing assignments.

• Students should check academic progress on Power School regularly.

 Use the website to locate handouts, rubrics, worksheets, etc. https://dchandl.wixsite.com/hhsdwc

Course Overview

The primary purpose of English  is to prepare students for the intensity and rigorousness of junior (English Language and Composition) and senior (English Literature and Composition) AP English. Students will study several literary and writing genres with emphasis on AP writing styles, vocabulary, poetry, nonfiction, and presenting skills.  Grading policies stand within the College Board framework.

English is designed to introduce students to literary works form a wide range of countries and cultures: from ancient Greece to modern Chile, through this blend of classic and contemporary literature, students will explore ideas, themes, and symbols common to humanity across time and distance. Students will be able to develop vocabulary and apply effective reading strategies to a wide variety of literary and informational texts such as the novel, short story, poetry, drama, and nonfiction.

Purpose and Modes of Discourse

Essential skills and/or outcomes to be acquired through the course include:

o an ability to render close textual analysis;

o an ability to synthesize information from multiple texts;

o an ability to render clear, cogent ideas;

o an ability to structure well-developed essays, with thesis, textual support and analysis;

o an ability to correctly employ standard written English usage;

o an understanding of ethnic/cultural diversity;

o an aesthetic and critical judgment of literature;

o a concept of chronology associated with literary periods;

o an understanding of the inter-relationship of the arts, history, and philosophy through the study of  literature.