Freshman Humanities

Department of History

Course Overview
Freshman Humanities is a multi-disciplinary approach to the study of the evolution of human society from its earliest roots up through the Renaissance. Using a focused  timeline as the centerpiece of the course, students will examine not just the major events and movements of human history, but the musical and artistic expressions that both reflected and helped shape those events. Students will engage in hands-on analysis and synthesis of these artistic expressions, including both imitations of classic pieces and original creations of their own. the goal here is to develop a broader perspective on history, music and art while simultaneously learning and enhancing study and general thinking skills (see skills list below).

As a multi-disciplinary course, this class will involve instruction from three instructors. Each will give you some specific assignments as the year goes along, but the core elements of your grade are explained below.

Evaluation
Students will be evaluated based on the following:

• Traditional tests and quizzes;
• Written projects - May include, but not limited to, MLA style research papers, chapter outlines, critical thinking papers, historically based stories, alternate history papers, etc.  Other options are possible if the student is able to explain how another form of written project contributes to completion of the course objectives;
• Artistic Portfolio Assessment - Throughout the year, students will develop a portfolio of musical and artistic efforts. While each assignment will carry its own grading rubric, there will also be general portfolio assessments through the year;
• Classroom participation - This will represent a significant portion of the final grade.  All students are expected to be on time and prepared for class every day.  Points will be deducted for every infraction.  It is possible to earn additional points through active, constructive participation in class discussions;
• Final exams - These will normally include elements of all three major disciplines within this course.

Course Structure
Instructors will utilize the timeline structure to examine the course of human history and development.  We will be starting with the ancient river civilizations of the Nile, the Tigris and Euphrates, the Indus River valley, and the Huang He.  From there we will move on to the Greek and Roman Empires, as well as the empires of the Middle East and West Asia.  Europe during the Middles Ages and the empires of East Asia will be next.  Somewhat out of chronological order, we will then examine Africa and the Americas.  Finally, we will return to Europe for the Renaissance, Reformation, and French Revolution.  Along the way, there will be opportunities for the students to direct the focus of our study in ways that will utilize sources other than the textbook.  Students are encouraged to incorporate outside readings, and Internet sources in their examination of history.

Grading
Quizzes and Tests - 20%    
Written Projects - 20%
Student Portfolio - 20%    
Homework -  20%
Classroom Participation - 20%

Honors Designation
 It is possible to earn the honors designation for the year in this class.  The requirements to do so are as follows:

 A student must earn no Trimester grade lower than a B+;

Students will be responsible for an additional research project 1st and 3rd trimesters.  The 2nd trimester project will be more in depth;

Student must complete additional assignments as directed by the instructor.

Skill Development
READING:  Historical documents, textbooks, additional readings;

WRITING:  Paragraphs, portfolios, research paper;

SPEAKING:  Verbal exams, daily discussion, role playing, public presentation, scenes  from plays and musical elements;

LISTENING/EMPATHY:  Discussion and debate, role- playing, movies, music;

CRITICAL THINKING:  Evaluation of hist. evidence, compare/contrast ancient worlds, compare and contrast musical and artistic styles and movements;

CREATIVE THINKING:  Simulations, writing projects, original music and dramatic  pieces;

RESEARCH:  Current events, research paper, peace conference;

COMPUTER SKILLS:  PowerPoint, research papers, Computer  & Writing labs;

GEOGRAPHY: Map work, social and physical Geography , Geopolitics;

SEQUENTIAL THINKING:  Ancient patterns, evolution of societies, evolution of  musical and artistic styles.