Page 46 - HHS Curriculum Guide, 2016-17 FINAL
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clearly articulate ideas in a public forum, to promote Service Learning is a unique course that combines the
thinking and inquiry, and to equip students with disciplines of Social Studies and English with application
research skills that permit them to investigate in service to the community. Three-days a week, Service
important questions and hypotheses. Writings in British Learning offers students selections from classical and
Literature does not merely tell students about ideas. contemporary literature that focus on the nature of
Rather, students are challenged to be actively engaged humankind and society, the human condition, the
in thinking their way into ideas and traditions, students philosophical basis of American government, and
are guided in developing their abilities at reasoned participatory citizenship. The course additionally
critical reflection about those ideas and traditions, and focuses on the contemporary issues of discussions, and
students are guided through systematic systems of debates. The other two days a week students are
research and writing about those ideas and traditions. engaged in meaningful human-centered service at a
Objectives include: community agency. It is through this agency that
students receive a “hands-on” experience of what the
Ability to read and interpret important material academic component has been focusing on through in-
Ability to think critically depth research projects and real world experience.
Ability to write: students will write to learn Finally, in this class, students have the rare opportunity
Ability to communicate orally: students will to develop collegial relationships with diverse
professionals that further enhance their personal and
speak, participate in discussion, and present educational development.
ideas
Ability to identify, evaluate, and use Fee: Paperback books, not to exceed $15
information appropriate for scholarly research
NEW DIMENSIONS
Ability to take advantage of the curricular and
co-curricular opportunities in an academic
setting
CLASSICS TO CONTEMPORARY LITERATURE (Full year, 2 Honors-level Credits; 1 English, 1 Social
Studies, Grade 12)
(1 semester, ½ credit, Grade 12) Prerequisite: Evaluation of student application,
Interview.
“A classic is a book that has never finished saying what New Dimensions is a rigorous, interdisciplinary
it has to say” (Italo Calvino). Focusing on thematic units Humanities course that consists of psychology,
including love, death, and morality, students will philosophy, anthropology and sociology. This selective
explore the complexities of humanity through classic program, taught by Social Studies and English faculty, is
and contemporary literature. Students will select from composed of seniors chosen through
a variety of units based on both teacher and student application/interview. The intense coursework stresses
interest. Writing assignments will range from self- critical thinking and debate, primary research, and the
reflection and literary analysis to creative pieces. attendance of cultural events; students earn Social
Monty Python and Douglas Adams aren’t the only who Studies and an English credit.
know the meaning of life. This course is required for
seniors taking semester courses. One quarter of the school year is dedicated to studying
each of the following disciplines: psychology,
Fee: Students purchase paperbacks not to exceed philosophy, anthropology and sociology. Corresponding
$30 literature and writing components complement each
discipline. This intense course is student-centered with
SERVICE LEARNING a strong emphasis on discussion, debate, critical
thinking skills and research. The class meets for a
(3 consecutive periods per day for full year, 3 credits; 1 double period daily, or 100 minutes.
English; 1 Social Studies; 1 Service Learning. Grade 12)
Prerequisite: Application, teacher recommendation, Under the guidance of an advisor, students will
and interview. complete an extensive, 40-50 page research paper over
a period of four months on a controversial issue of
his/her choice. Students conduct both primary and
secondary research.
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