Humanities 2 is an integrated Language Arts and Social Studies curriculum which studies cultures around the world. We will investigate how geography helps shape culture and will examine unique traits of each region and lifestyle as well as commonalities that global citizens share despite our differences. In Humanities we will read, investigate and analyze a variety of literature, primary sources, and artifacts about the cultures and history of New England, the Middle East, India, Africa, and various Native American nations. 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 they’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 2 is a chronological examination of our culture based on key themes construed from events in history. Special emphasis is placed on world geography and cultures, and the differences and commonalities amongst them.
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 & global interconnectedness.
Be a positive contributor to the community.
Accept individual responsibility & maintain 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.
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?
Major Content for Social Studies
5 themes of geography
New England through a geographical lens
Local history
The impact of geography on local culture
Salem witchcraft trials
Major Content for Language Arts:
Place-based literature
Community interviews
Elements of literature: character arc, figurative language, structure of a response to text
Materials:
choice books
New England poetry and short stories
Primary sources
Children’s literature
Unit Assessments:
Elements of geography and culture shadowboxes
Response to text
Poetry
Interview narratives
Major Content for Social Studies:
World religions
Historical investigation focused on geography, culture, social systems, religion and achievements and how they impact(ed) ancient and modern India
Imperialism, civil disobedience, and the independence movement
Understanding social issues and how elements of culture and history have aided in their development
Major Content for Language Arts:
Cultural values conveyed through literature
Elements of myth
Persuasive writing
Social and environmental issues
British imperialism of India
Literary devices: symbolism and motif
Materials:
Ramayana
The Bridge Home by Padma Venkatraman
Rudyard Kipling
Various short stories and primary sources
Unit Assessments:
World religions test
Persuasive essay
Social issues infographic
Found poem or graphic essay
Major Content for Social Studies:
Geography, history, and culture overview
Current events
Understanding social issues and how culture and history have aided in their development
Major Content for Language Arts:
Cultural values and social/political issues conveyed through literature
Elements of folktales
Figurative language
Materials:
Traditional folktales from the Middle East
Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi
The Breadwinner by Deborah Ellis
Sunrise over Fallujah by Walter Dean Myers
Primary sources
News articles
Unit Assessments:
News broadcast
Major Content:
Historical investigation focused on geography, culture, social systems, religion and achievements and how they impact(ed) ancient and modern Africa
Literature study and its connections to historical events
Imperialism, European colonies, and independence movements
Major Content for Language Arts:
Cultural values and social/political issues conveyed through literature
European colonialism in Africa
Author’s craft: point of view, narrative devices
Materials:
A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park
It's Trevor Noah - Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood
Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer
Various African folktales, short stories, and primary sources
Unit Assessments:
Two voice poems
mask-making
Folk tale comic strips
Impacts of colonialism argumentative essay
Major Content for Social Studies:
Indian Removal Act
Trail of Tears
Andrew Jackson
Major Content for Language Arts:
Cultural values and social/political issues conveyed through literature
Indian boarding schools
Character development
Materials:
Various novel selections: A Snake Fell to Earth by Darcie Little Badger, Walking in Two Worlds by Wab Kinew, How I Became a Ghost by Tim Tingle, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian by Sherman Alexie
Creation and trickster stories
Primary sources, informational texts
Unit Assessments:
Mascot debate
Andrew Jackson trial
Native American project
Year-long Assessment:
Folktale festival
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
Sentence combining (sentence structure)
Major Texts/Resources/Materials Used: see above
Honors Challenge: differentiated texts, writing prompts, and project choice