Course Description
Here's What We'll Be Studying
SOCIAL STUDIES
We will be examining American history from post-Civil War (approx. 1865) to present-ish day. In this class we will look at how American culture and society has been shaped by a series of individual and societal choices and how those choices have moved us either away from or towards a more democratic society. We will look at what is going on in the world today and explore how we got here.
Rather than memorizing a list of facts that make up the story of post-Civil War America, this course will focus on developing habits of mind that require you to be critical consumers of information by asking:
- How do we know what we know?
- What is the evidence?
- What is the perspective?
- How else may it be considered?
- What difference does it make? Why is it important?
The goal of this course is to teach you how to critically analyze, evaluate, and judge competing perspectives on American history, culture, and society—to figure out when news is fake and when it is not. This course will challenge you to see the world, this country, and yourself in a valuable new way that will contribute to how you process information, how you behave as a citizen and consumer [someone who buys stuff], how you react to others with whom you do not agree, and how you recognize and deal with your own ambitions, fears, and needs while respecting others in your community and in your country.
We will use a variety of sources in our examination of the past: primary source documents, a variety of secondary sources, paintings, photos, film, and other artifacts. We do not use just one history textbook in this class, so you will not be receiving a textbook for this course. Rather, you will be receiving lots (and lots) of handouts; therefore, it’s a good idea to have a folder dedicated just to social studies and keep it (and your social studies notebook) organized.
ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS
We will be working to further developing our writing skills, expanding our vocabulary, improving our grammar and punctuation, and analyzing various literary techniques and devices. The goal of this part of the course is to teach you how to read critically and how to express yourself clearly and effectively—to understand not only the craft of writing but also the power of language.
Reading is an essential component to this class—you should always be reading a book (whether it’s a class book or an independent reading book). The novels, plays, short stories and poetry we read in class will relate thematically to our studies in American history and in some cases were written during the period of history we are studying. Not all reading we do in this class (and in life) is done in the same manner. Sometimes we will read a book more closely and critically, working on our annotation skills; sometimes we will read a book merely to consider other voices and points of view, to learn from others’ experiences.
Some of the literature we will be reading as a class include: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Animal Farm by George Orwell, Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare, and The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald.
Copies of books read as a class will be provided and are covered by the humanities class fee.
In addition to the books we read together as a class, you will also be responsible for independently reading five books a marking period. To help you meet the school’s independent reading requirement in a meaningful and enriching (and hopefully fun and enjoyable) way, you will partake in an independent reading project that includes online journaling and participating in book clubs during the course of the school year. Sometimes you will choose books from lists that contain classic modern literature books or essential teen literature books that link to what we’re studying in class; other times you will be able to pick whatever book you like. It will be your responsibility to either purchase or borrow these books.
Supplies You'll Need for Class
o 8½ x 11 spiral notebooks for social studies (MUST be 8½ x 11 in order for worksheets to fit & be glued in vertically).
o Non-spiral composition notebook for English language arts.
o At least TWO folders to keep track of handouts—one for ELA and another one for social studies. You might want to consider having a new folder for each unit.
o A pen and pencil (please use a pen ink that is readable and avoid purple—that’s the color your feedback comes in)—there are extra in class for when you’re in an occasional bind, but consistently coming to class unprepared will impact your grade.
