Humanities 1 is an integrated Language Arts and Social Studies curriculum which studies civilizations throughout history. We will examine how and why various societies change or stay the same. In Humanities we will read, investigate and analyze a variety of literature, primary sources, and artifacts about ancient China, the Silk Road, the Middle Ages, and the Renaissance. Students will do a number of projects and performances throughout the year to engage deeply with the content and ideas as well as show off what you’ve learned to the community. Meanwhile, we will also practice important literacy skills, such as reading and writing strategies, grammar and mechanics, and vocabulary development as well as learn and use the tools of the history trade.
Connections to Thematic Framework (Truth. Choice. Systems. Change) :
Humanities is a geography- and history-based, literature-centered examination of the human experience. Though people are shaped by different experiences (time period, culture, geography, family, etc), humans and societies across time and the world have inherent similarities.
Humanities 1 is a chronological examination of human experience based on key themes construed from events in history. Special emphasis is placed on social structures and power, and how they change over time in response to stimuli.
Truth - Literature reflects the truth of the human experience. Readers use literature to form an idea of the truth. There are multiple versions of every occurrence. Truth is based on evidence.
Systems - Language is a fluid system that can be mastered and manipulated for multiple purposes. Societal, cultural, and political systems influence the people that live within them.
Choice - We can create our own paths to freedom and can make choices about when and how to express ourselves.
Change - Language changes over time in response to stimuli. People can change the systems they live in (social, political, and cultural).
Rivendell Academy Learning Expectations
Read, comprehend, analyze, and critique a variety of media.
Demonstrate effective problem solving skills in a variety of disciplines.
Communicate effectively for a variety of audiences and purposes.
Demonstrate cultural awareness and understanding of national and global interconnectedness.
Be a positive contributor to the community.
Accept individual responsibility & maintain an awareness of social context.
Enduring Understandings
Across time and place, people have held differing assumptions regarding power, authority, governance, economics, law, civic values, principles, and views of the roles and rights of citizens.
Conflict changes communities over time politically, economically, socially, ideologically.
When cultures meet there is an exchange and/or clash which have intentional & unintentional consequences.
Across time and place, people have held differing assumptions regarding power, authority, governance, economics, law, civic values, principles, and views of the roles and rights of citizens.
Despite differing environments, culture, and beliefs, people around the world and across time share common needs and emotions.
Literature is an expression of humanity: education, emotions, entertainment, rebellion, inspiration.
Writers and storytellers use literature to convey personal and cultural beliefs and ideals.
Literature provides a window into other people’s experiences.
Essential Questions
Why do we read, write, and tell stories?
How do patterns in literature help us make sense of the world?
How does literature affect us?
How and why does language change?
How do we define culture?
What is the importance of place in our lives?
What causes conflict?
How do we define civilization?
What causes human societies to change?
What happens when cultures intersect across history and geography?
What is power, and how is it distributed and controlled?
Where does power come from?
What ideals, needs, and human experiences transcend place and time?
Essential Questions
What makes people civilized?
What causes human societies to change?
What is quality literature?
How do writers convey purpose and mood and elicit feelings from the reader?
Major Content for Social Studies
Origins of society
Society changing as a response to need
Developments of the early civilizations
The rise of government and empire
Society exists to fulfill needs of individuals
Major Content for Language Arts
Elements of literature
Writing techniques: imagery, inner monologue, dialogue, persuasive language (ethos, pathos, logos)
Research skills: search strategies, evaluating sources
Flash memoirs, banned book letters
Materials
Choice books
Short stories
Primary sources
News articles
Unit Assessments
Flash memoirs, banned book letters
Research project
Essential Questions
How do leaders control people?
What is power, and how is it controlled?
How does literature convey our connection to place and nature?
Major Content for Social Studies
Geography overview
Philosophies of Power
Conquest and unification
Community and obligation
Necessity is the mother of invention
Silk Road and intersecting cultures
Major Content for Language Arts
Chinese literature and art
Silk Road
Materials
Chinese poetry
Various novel selections: The Many Assassinations of Samir, Seller of Dreams by Daniel Nayeri, Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin, Heart of a Samurai by Marji Preus, When You Trap a Tiger by Tae Keller
Primary source docs (Silk Road travel journals)
Silk Road simulation
Unit Assessments
Silk Road cross-curricular project and expo night
Reflection
Ancient Chinese invention replicas
Essential Questions
How do patterns in literature help us make sense of the world?
What are the elements of a myth?
What are the patterns that exist in myths?
How do myths convey cultural beliefs and values?
What is a hero?
What function does class structure serve in society?
How do social classes interact and manage power?
How do people react to having power and what do they do with it?
Major Content for Social Studies
Geography overview of Europe
Spread of language and culture
Class structure as control
Unrest and rebellion
Christianity
Persistence (and fall) of the Roman Empire
Major Content for Language Arts
Author’s craft: vocabulary, character analysis, hero stories
Materials
Hero myths
Romulus and Remus
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Unit Assessments
Social class lesson plans and presentations
Roman emperor campaign speeches
Response to text
Essential Questions
What effect do intersecting cultures have on language?
How can literature be a subversive act?
What choices can writers make to create meaning?
How do patterns in literature help us make sense of the world?
What is a hero?
How do social classes interact and manage power?
Major Content
Remnants of Rome
Vikings and social change
Feudal system
Manor system/life
Rise of Islam and Europe’s crusades
Peasants' revolt
Major Content for Language Arts
Norse mythology
Hero’s Journey
Arthurian legend
Materials
King Arthur stories/novels
Feudal life simulation
Beowulf
Norse myths
Viking Document-Based Questions (DBQs)
Projects
Coat of arms
Hero’s Journey story or personal essay
Viking mini-projects
Essential Questions
How and why does language change?
What ideals, needs, and human experiences transcend time, place and culture?
Major Content for Social Studies
The Black Death and its effects
Labor shortages and the power of being in demand
The Golden Age
Religion, the arts, philosophy and liberty
Major Content for Language Arts
Shakespeare
Materials
Shortened Shakespeare plays
Online research sites
Library texts
Unit Assessments
Renaissance research essay
Shakespeare production
Major Instructional Strategies
How to use online sources
Text analysis
Deepening in-class discussions (debates and Socratic seminars)
Building arguments
Using evidence and presenting ideas in thought-provoking ways
Major Texts/Resources/Materials Used: See above
Honors Challenge: differentiated texts, writing assignments, and projects