Ericka Connelly, room 306
econnelly@auburn.wednet.edu
Humanities: Semester 1
“But Homo sapiens is Homo spiritualis. The ability to make tools defines us less than the
need to create belief systems that influence nature.”—Jean Clottes
First semester classical humanities focuses on the study and appreciation of world shaping tools, visual and
performing arts, literature, music and religion of various world cultures. An exploration of these interrelationships
and their philosophies emphasizes the nature of humankind and its need to create. By the end of the course,
students will be able to recognize works of art from various periods of Western culture and explain how to
associate them with the societies which created them. Students will also be able to identify and explain how
principal historical events transformed art, literature, music, religion, and philosophy in each historical period.
Periods and concepts
Paleolithic “Old Stone”: 6 million-10,000 BCE
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Tribal hunters and gatherers
Crude stone and bone tools and weapons
Cave paintings and sculptures
Neolithic “New Stone": 8,000-3,500 BCE
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Farming; harnessing water
Polished stone and bone tools and weapons
Architecture
Pottery and weaving
Counting and writing
Egypt: 3100-330 BCE Egypt, Mesopotamia, Assyria
and Babylon…Burial rituals and great inventions
Greece: 1200-31 BCE
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Greek Mythology
The Trojan War
The Great Philosophers—Socrates, Aristotle
Oedipus the King
Rome: 500 BCE - 475 CE
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Expansion and Trade
Architecture
Engineering
Sculpture
The Bible: Necessary Bible stories to understanding
Western cultural references
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Adam and Eve
Noah’s Ark
David and Goliath
Israelites in Egypt—plague on the Pharaoh
The Virgin Mary
The Crucifixion
Judaism
The rise of Islam
Due Dates/Late work: Assignments have due dates, however, sometimes life gets in the way. I will accept all
work without penalty until 2 weeks before the semester’s end. I reserve the right to refuse any late work that
appears incomplete or substandard in quality. Any writing assignments turned in late must be submitted
through turnitin.com to scan for plagiarism. As this policy is very forgiving, the onus is put on the student to
track his or her own late/missing/absent work. Records will be available via Skyward and most assignments
and reading material will be available for printing directly from Skyward or my swift website.
All late work is due by January 14, 2013 without exception.
Ericka Connelly, room 306
econnelly@auburn.wednet.edu
Test retakes: Students may retake tests. Note that test questions and/or format may change. Again, it is the
student’s responsibility to request specifically what s/he wishes to make up. Test retakes will only be available
on testing day in class with proof of practice (homework) or by negotiated appointment outside of class.
As a standard’s based class that is participating in the district pilot program, your grade will be based on
100% assessment. Much of the work we do in class will be guided practice and may not be collected or
graded; however, some will to monitor who is taking advantage of the practice as well as to check for
comprehension. Most tests are open-note; therefore, participation in class is critical.
Below are the standards on which your grade will be based:
Reading: Read and comprehend literature and informational texts
1. (Summary of Reading) Summarize key ideas/concepts of texts appropriate to grade level; identify
central ideas of text.
2. (Evidence in Reading) Cite strong textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says
explicitly as well as inferences drawn from text.
3. (Independent Reading) Read and comprehend complex literary and/or informational text
independently and proficiently.
Writing: Produce clear, coherent detailed writing.
1. (Argument Writing) Writes arguments to support claims in analysis of substantive topics or texts
utilizing coherent organization, valid reasoning, and relevant and sufficient evidence.
2. (Explanatory Writing) Writes to examine and convey complex ideas and information accurately
through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content and coherent organization.
3. (Narrative Writing) Write narratives to develop real imagined experiences that engage and orient the
reader, establishing conflict, POV, narrator and characters, and a smooth progression of events.
Includes sensory details.
Writing Conventions: Demonstrate command of conventions of standard English grammar, spelling,
capitalization, and punctuation; organization and style are appropriate to task.
Word Usage: Accurately uses content specific vocabulary words; accurately identifies and employees Greek
and Latin roots, prefixes and suffixes; and correctly demonstrates use of commonly misused words.
Research: Conduct research to gather background information and/or attempt to answer a question,
utilizing/synthesizing multiple sources—listing and documenting when necessary.
Communication: Participate effectively in a range of discussions and present information, findings, and
supporting evidence.
Content: Accurately answer questions related to humanities content—art, religion, innovations suspending
personal/cultural bias to recognize as a process of history.
All students must register and use turnitin.com to check for plagiarism. Plagiarism
policy to be discussed separately.
Ericka Connelly, room 306
econnelly@auburn.wednet.edu
Overall Grading Scale
A= 100%-93%
A-=92%-90%
B+=89%-87%
B=86%-83%
B-=82%-80%
C+=79%-77%
C=76%-73%
C-=72%-70%
D+=69%-67%
D=66%-60%
F=59% and below
Assessment Grading Scale
Assessments will be graded as follows: 7 = mostly understands concept/delivered passably well
8 = generally understands concept/delivered fairly well
9 = clearly understands concept/delivered very well
10 = understanding of concept & delivery are outstanding
X = understanding and/or delivery require practice and a re-do;
entered into the gradebook as a 5; no evidence = 0
Parents:
In humanities, we watch a fair amount of film, some documentaries that are not rated as well as one
film that is rated R, but censored by me for brief nudity. If ever you have questions as to content or
curriculum please do not hesitate to call or email to voice concerns. As we deal with a lot of art and
religion from the beginning of human existence up until modern times, it is my intent to push
students to think beyond their current frame of reference, but also to be respectful of personal
beliefs as well as creating an environment of safety to share.
King Tut field trip
We have a special opportunity this year only in humanities. We will be going to see the King Tut
exhibit at the Pacific Science Center on October 18th before it returns to Egypt forever. The trip is
completely paid for, but I need to know whether you intend to participate in this all school-day event
by 9/14. I am also looking for parent participants to chaperone. I need five adults who are willing to
have their driver’s license checked against state patrol and can commit to attending from 8am until
the end of the school day.
Contact Information
Teacher: Mrs. Ericka Connelly
Room: 306
E-mail: econnelly@auburn.wednet.edu
Phone: (253) 931-4719 ext. 1306
I am available for calls from 7:35 to 8:00 am and between 2:40 to 3:00 pm. I have 5th period planning and can
schedule a call between 12:40 and 1:35pm. Please do not call during class time. E-mail is the best way to
contact me. I look forward to a great collaboration between student, parent(s)/guardians and myself. Please
keep in contact.
Ericka Connelly, room 306
econnelly@auburn.wednet.edu
Ericka Connelly, room 306
econnelly@auburn.wednet.edu
To be detached and returned to Mrs. Connelly by September 14th.
My family and I have read all of the information regarding the expectations for
American Literature and Writing class, and agree to the requirements of the class.
Signature: ___________________________ Printed Name: ____________________
(student)
(student)
Signature: ___________________________ Printed Name: ____________________
(parent/guardian)
(parent/guardian)
E-mail address:
____________________________________________________________
(parent/guardian)
Date: _______________
I give my permission for ____________________ to watch film deemed appropriate
for humanities class.
Signature: ______________________________________