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NSAA Humanities and the Modern World (Honors) 2016-2017

SYLLABUS

Mrs. Craig - [email protected] [email protected] (for googledoc. submissions)Room 2BOffice Hours: M, W, & Th. from 7:30 – 8:45 a.m. (front office)Website – nsaacraig.weebly.com------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Introduction to the course:

Humanities and the Modern World offers a chronological survey of literature, history, art, music, and philosophy from the 1900s through present day. Students will learn to examine and critically analyze major forms of artistic expression from diverse cultures and understand their contributions to modern society. The course will integrate the study of history, politics, and philosophy with the examination of works by major artists and musicians from this time period. This course is intended for students who are interested in a challenging curriculum and will make a substantial time commitment for the course’s required readings and writing assignments.

Students will document their critical analysis in a daily journal and engage in weekly Socratic seminars. Quizzes will include reading checks and vocabulary comprehension and will be given on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. Tests will be in essay format and will directly relate to the readings and art/music presentations. Students will also complete a major project each semester.

Students must make a significant time commitment to outside class reading and writing for this class. The course places a strong emphasis on critical thinking and analytical skills. Students are expected to write a number of essays interpreting primary and secondary sources, literature, art presentations, and musical compositions.

Due to the advanced level reading and writing and rigor involved in this course, students will be graded under a five-point scale (like an Advanced Placement Course - A =5 points, B=4 points, and C=3 points). In other words, an A is like a B for weighted GPA purposes.

Course Objectives:

1. Students will explore, analyze, and evaluate American and world art and culture through an historical, visual, and literary lens.

2. Students will demonstrate understanding and analysis of complex texts. Determine two or more themes or central ideas of a text and analyze

their development over the course of the text, including how they interact and build on one another to produce a complex account; provide an objective summary of the text.

Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in the text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone, including words with multiple meanings or language that is particularly fresh, engaging, or beautiful. (Include Shakespeare as well as other authors.)

Analyze how an author's choices concerning how to structure specific parts of a text (e.g., the choice of where to begin or end a story, the choice to provide a comedic or tragic resolution) contribute to its overall structure and meaning as well as its aesthetic impact.

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Analyze a case in which grasping a point of view requires distinguishing what is directly stated in a text from what is really meant (e.g., satire, sarcasm, irony, or understatement).

3. Students will write academic essays at or approaching college level readiness. Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what

the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text, including determining where the text leaves matters uncertain.

Develop claim(s) and counterclaims fairly and thoroughly, supplying the most relevant evidence for each while pointing out the strengths and limitations of both in a manner that anticipates the audience's knowledge level, concerns, values, and possible biases.

Use words, phrases, and clauses as well as varied syntax to link the major sections of the text, create cohesion, and clarify the relationships between claim(s) and reasons, between reasons and evidence, and between claim(s) and counterclaims.

Establish and maintain a formal style and objective tone while attending to the norms and conventions of the discipline in which they are writing.

Provide a concluding statement or section that follows from and supports the argument presented.

4. Students will engage collaboratively in Socratic Seminars and other class discussions as well as project based learning activities.

Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on topics, texts, and issues, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.

Come to discussions prepared, having read and researched material under study; explicitly draw on that preparation by referring to evidence from texts and other research on the topic or issue to stimulate a thoughtful, well-reasoned exchange of ideas.

Propel conversations by posing and responding to questions that probe reasoning and evidence; ensure a hearing for a full range of positions on a topic or issue; clarify, verify, or challenge ideas and conclusions; and promote divergent and creative perspectives.

Respond thoughtfully to diverse perspectives; synthesize comments, claims, and evidence made on all sides of an issue; resolve contradictions when possible; and determine what additional information or research is required to deepen the investigation or complete the task.

Required Texts and Readings:Arts and Culture, An Introduction to the Humanities (2002)Major readings and books by quarter as listed below:

Q1- Industrialism & ColonialismHeart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad (excerpts)An Image of Africa: Racism in Conrad’s “Heart of Darkness”Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe“The Socialism Challenge” by Howard ZinnRagtime by E. L Doctorow

Q2- Nationalism, Social Darwinism, and GenocideNight by Eli Wiesel

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The Sunflower by Simon WiesenthalCeremony by Leslie Marmon SilkoShort Nights of the Shadow Catcher (excerpts)

Q3- Expressionism & ExistentialismLabyrinths: Selected Stories and Other Writings by Jorge Luis BorgesCat’s Cradle by Kurt VonnegutThe Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka

Q4- Civil Rights and EgalitarianismThe Invisible Man by Ralph EllisonThe Feminist Mystique (excerpts) by Betty FriedanAngels in America by Tony Kushner

Students will also receive handouts (primary and secondary source readings) to put in a three ring binder that will serve as the supplementary text for the class.

Projects include: Impressionism Project (Q1), Slideshow Project (Q2) Architecture Project (Q3), and Research Project (Q4). Projects range from 100 – 200 points and constitute a large part of each quarter grade. Students will work collaboratively on projects with classmates, but may need to complete some parts of the project at home.

Course Guidelines:In the interest of developing a positive learning environment that will facilitate the BEST possible education for you and your peers, all students are expected to be TRUSTWORTHY, to be COMMITTED, and to RESPECT the rights of all individuals in the room and its guidelines.

Materials:1. One 1 to 1 ½” three ring binder2. One college ruled composition book for daily journal writing3. A two pocket folder without tabs4. 5 x 7 Lined Note Cards – 1 package of 1005. Blue or black pens, one red or green pen, pencils and highlighters6. Sticky Note tabs (paper)

Evaluation:Daily ClassworkStudents are required to maintain an exclusive binder for this class. Students are expected to keep all notes, homework, in-class assignments, handouts, quizzes and exams organized throughout the semester. In addition to the points earned on the assignments mentioned, the teacher will conduct journal and binder checks. Journals will be evaluated on completeness, effort, and organization. Bring your binder, journal composition book, writing utensils and highlighters, and paper to class every day.

HomeworkStudents will have reading assignments every day. Daily homework will consist of reading, annotating, and journal writing, in addition to preparing for reading quizzes and tests. Essays and project presentations may also require work to be completed at home. On days where no assignments are given, students are expected to study and review their notes. Late assignments will not be accepted – including major essays and presentations, except for excused absences or if the student requests an extension before the due date.

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Attendance and AbsencesStudents are expected to be in class and on time every day. All students must be seated in the classroom and prepared to learn when class begins. Each tardy or unexcused absence will result in reduced professionalism points. Students who know ahead of time they will have a planned absence should contact me to get work ahead of time to the extent possible. Students with excused absences may need to produce supplemental work to make up for learning that they did not experience in class. Students can find daily handouts and notes in the folders behind my desk and on the class website (although some materials may not be possible to post online).

Due DatesAll assignments are due in class at the beginning of the class period unless the student is submitting the assignment by email transmission. All email submissions are due on the due date by 11:59 p.m. Technical difficulties will not constitute an excuse for late work. Note: Some assignments may not be appropriate for email submission (i.e. assignments that require in class oral presentation or are necessary for class activities on the due date).

Topical Presentations and EssaysEssays and Topical Presentations are used to give students the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge, skill and creativity in class. The student’s ability to develop, organize and deliver ideas is a critical component of a student’s grade. Students are expected to use MLA format, in-text citations, and a formal reference page on all academic papers. Students should go to https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/01/ for help with MLA citations. NSAA uses a writing rubric based upon Arizona College and Career Ready Standards that is posted on the webpage and will be given to students with their first formal writing assignment.

Unit Exams and QuizzesUnit exams will usually be in essay or narrative format. Some of these will be completed in class and some at home. Students who miss an exam due to an excused absence must take the exam on the class day after they return. (If the student is absent on Tuesday and returns on Wednesday, he or she must take the test on Thursday.) Students will lose one letter grade every day thereafter. If a student has an unexcused absence, he/she will not have an opportunity to make up the missed exam and will receive a “0”. It is the student’s responsibility to make arrangements to take the exam during the teacher’s office hours.

Semester ExamsA cumulative exam will be given at the end of the first semester in December and at the end of the second semester in May. This exam will count as twenty percent of the semester grade.

Grading Percentages per QuarterGrades will be calculated on “straight points”.

Semester GradingEach quarter grade counts as 40% and the final is 20 %.

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https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/01/


Grading Scale 100 - 90 - A 89 - 80 - B 79 - 70 - C 69 – 60 - D

59 and below F – no credit earned.

Sensitivity of Course MaterialsSince this course is a college level class, there are some materials (books and videos) that are adult in nature regarding, sex, violence, and crude language. If students think they will be uncomfortable or highly sensitive to any topics or reading material, they may contact the teacher for alternate assignments. The burden is on the student to request these accommodations.

Benchmark and AzMerit TestingAll Students will take Benchmark Tests in all NSAA courses: August 18-19, December 9 & 12, and May 11-12 and the AZMerit Exam (with the exception of seniors) the week of May 27. Although these tests are not recorded in the course grade book, students must attend these days and will lose participation point for any absences. Test data is instrumental in being able to refine course work and effectively plan for the future.

NSAA Non-Discrimination PolicyNSAA provides an academic and social environment that is free from discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other category protected by law. NSAA seeks to promote a safe environment in which community members are free to express themselves without fear of recrimination.

Students with Accommodations and/or ModificationsTo ensure and support the intellectual and artistic richness in our education community, NSAA is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive learning environment by providing equal access to students with disabilities. Accommodations pursuant to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and modifications to support students who meet the requirements for Exceptional Student Services will be honored as directed by federal and state law.

Field TripsIn this class, there will be one field trip per quarter. Field trips are valuable learning experiences and not just “free” days. Each field trip will include a related assignment and students who are absent from a field trip must submit an alternate assignment as requested by the teacher. Signed permission releases will be sent home at least one week prior to the trip. Students are expected to behave in accordance with NSAA in school rules and expectations.

School and Classroom PoliciesBathroom and Hall Passes will be based upon a one student at a time sign out policy. Students must sign out on the clipboard provided with their name, leaving and returning

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times. Students are expected to be gone no more than four minutes to provide the opportunity for other students to use the facilities. Students who abuse the time limit will lose their pass privilege.

Cell Phone UsageStudents may have their cellphones out on their desks turned backside up for easy access to use when and only when the teacher allows use (in this class for dictionary, thesaurus, and research, or polling purposes). During independent writing time, students may be allowed to access music playlists, but will not be permitted to waste time looking for particular music.

All school policies regarding food, drink, electronic devices, plagiarism and other topics will be strictly enforced. Usage of any other electronic equipment is not allowed without the direction and consent of the teacher. No photos, video, recordings may be taken unless written approval by the teacher and the Executive Dean.

Students are expected to have read the NSAA Student Handbook and follow the school rules and expectations stated in that document. Students and parents must sign and return the Social Contract attached. This will count as a 10 point homework assignment and is due by Wednesday, August 17.____________________________________________________________________

Social Contract – Due Wednesday, August 17

The undersigned states that he/she has read and understands the syllabus and course policies as well as the NSAA Student Handbook and parent/student compact and agrees to abide by the rules and policies set forth in these documents.

________________________ _____________________Student Name Student Signature

Parents must also sign the bottom of this page attesting that they have read and understood the policies and expectations of this course.

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_________________________________ ______________________________Parent Name (Printed) Parent Signature

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