Humanities
"Study the Past"
"History is the queen of the humanities. It teaches wisdom and humility, and it tells us how things change through time." - Gordon S. Wood
The monuments to the right and left are "Past" and "Future." Resting outside the National Archives on Pennsylvania Avenue they serve as a solemn reminder that if we are to realize a better future then we must learn from our past. Here at Indian Valley Academy we have combined our English and Social Studies classes into one Humanities course. The primary objective of our Humanities program is to develop students who can engage with complex texts, analyze and then produce a written product that captures the central idea of the text. We do a great deal more than that but that is the standard that we hope to achieve with each and every students who comes through our program. Below you will find a comprehensive list of the Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) identified in our Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP).
"What is Past is Prologue"
Student Learning Outcomes:
Students can read and comprehend informational and literary expository text and literature
Students can distinguish fact from opinion and logically analyze an argument
Students can clearly and effectively communicate ideas in writing
Students can listen actively, speak confidently and communicate ideas effectively to different audiences
Students can comprehend and follow written and oral instructions
Students will build an appreciation for reading and increase vocabulary skills
Students will understand chronological and spatial thinking, evaluating the consequences of past events and their impact on the present.
Students will be able to conduct historical research, evaluate evidence and develop a point of view that rests on factual evidence.
Students will be able to interpret historical events through varying points of view and perspective.
Students know and understand the United States commonly accepted ideals of: democracy, equality, opportunity, rights and freedom.
Students will understand the origins of western democracy as well as the principles upon which the United States Constitution is founded.
Students will understand economic systems and that economics is primarily the science of choice.
It’s time to kick off 13.8 billion years of history. Oh, and along the way we'll help your students with reading, writing, claim testing, causation, and scale. Toward the end of the year we'll take an in-depth look at the development of western government and end with intro to the US Constitution. Click on the hyperlinked above to learn more.
Students focus of study is American history and literature starting with the colonies and working our way to the present. We'll capture significant events in our countries story and way American authors captured and responded to those moments. Over the course of the year students will trace the development of Americas founding ideals: Freedom, Equality, Opportunity, Rights and Democracy. Click on the hyperlinked above to learn more.
This is a global history course aimed at tenth-grade students that provides a cohesive approach to learning and understanding the history of the world. In this course, you and your students will explore the transformations that created our modern world, beginning in the long nineteenth century and ending in our present moment. Students will also read Classic and contemporary authors from across the world. Click on the hyperlinked above to learn more.
This course is intended to introduce and allow students a deeper, richer understanding of the fundamentals of the institutions of the U.S. Government as well as analyze federalism. Students will look at the historical and when applicable, contemporary, changes to interpretations of the Constitution, Bill of Rights, majority rule vs. minority rights, the separation of powers, as well as the checks and balances between the legislative, executive and judicial branches of government. Students will also study classic and contemporary voices. Through the study of a variety of text types and media, students build knowledge, analyze ideas, delineate arguments, and develop writing, collaboration, and communication skills.
Grading
Assignments - 10%
Writing (QW) - 20%
Reading - 30%
Projects, Assessments & Essays - 40%
Supplies
Three ring binder
Dividers
Lined Loose Leaf Paper
Highlighters
Pens/pencils
Post-it notes
Due Dates / Missing Assignments / Make-up Assignments
Students are expected to adhere to due dates and encouraged to pace themselves accordingly. Above all, students are expected to complete all assigned work to the best of their abilities. In the case of missing assignments, the following interventions will be used:
1st Missed Assignment - Teacher Warning (students will be asked to complete the work & submit immediately)
2nd Missed Assignment - Lunch Detention
3rd Missed Assignment – Call home to Parent/Guardian
Should a student reach a 3rd Missing Assignment (or more), the circumstance(s) will be evaluated and additional interventions may be used.
As mentioned previously, students are expected to adhere to due dates. In the case of late assignments, the following grading guidelines will be used:
One day late – Minus 10%
Two days late – Minus 20%
Three days late – Minus 30%
ALL WORK FROM A LEARNING PERIOD MUST BE SUBMITTED BY THE WEDNESDAY FOLLOWING THE END OF THE LEARNING PERIOD.
Make-Up Work – Due to Absences
In the case of an excused absence, it is the student’s responsibility to retrieve their make-up work from the teacher. Students are given three (3) days to complete and submit make-up work. Absent students who have missed a test or quiz must make arrangements to make up the missing assessment(s). Students are asked to provide as much advance notice as possible if an extended absence from class is planned. A written note or email from a parent/guardian indicating the dates and reason(s) for the extended absence are acceptable. At least 48 hours notice is needed to prepare work for students to complete during an extended absence.