September 2008
Dear Parent/Guardian,
As your son or daughter begins Humanities I, we want to open the channel of
communication between school and home. One way to accomplish this is by establishing
a clear understanding of what Humanities I entails. Consequently, we are asking that you
read the attached Course Overview and Expectations, sign on the appropriate line, and
return it to us. As you can see, your child has already signed, indicating that we have
gone over the information and he/she understands the class dynamics.
Humanities I is a challenging, but also fulfilling course. We join you in wanting
success for your son or daughter and encourage our students to ask questions and seek
our assistance whenever necessary. As the year progresses, please feel free to contact us
with any concerns you may have.
Sincerely,
Mr. Novrocki
Mrs. Cave-Mattie
LAKE-LEHMAN JUNIOR-SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
HUMANITIES I (History and English I)
Mr. Novrocki and Mrs. Cave-Mattie
Course Overview and Expectations
Course Description: Humanities I is designed for academically talented, college-bound
students. It replaces traditional ninth-grade history and English. This writing intensive
course is aligned to the Pennsylvania State Standards and utilizes multiple sources. It
provides an interdisciplinary approach, which focuses on human development from
prehistoric to medieval times. Interactive teaching strategies are utilized to promote
critical thinking and encourage increased student participation and involvement.
Alternative assessments and library research augment the course. The course may also be
enhanced by field trips and cultural events. Completing a project according to the
standards of the National History Day Contest is required.
Course Objectives:
1. Trace the development of mankind from the earliest civilization through the
Middle Ages.
2. Introduce students to major historical events and themes of this epoch.
3. Analyze past events to gain an understanding of the important lessons of history.
4. Introduce students to a canon of “Great Books” in the humanities.
5. Recognize archetypes introduced by primitive societies that reoccur in subsequent
societies.
6. Understand cultural traditions of one’s own country by closely examining others.
7. Emphasize diversity and multiculturalism.
8. Research and analyze a historical topic by applying it to a historical theme
through the National History Day Project.
Course Outline:
September
Prehistoric timeline and development of civilization
Literary terminology and elements of fiction
Introduction of the National History Day Project
Gilgamesh- trans. Herbert Mason
October-November
Ancient Egypt: Predynastic, Old Kingdom, Middle Kingdom, New Kingdom
Egyptian gods and goddesses
“Horus the Hawk: Avenger”
Excerpt from Book of the Dead
“Hymn to Aten”
National History Day Research
December
Aegean Civilizations (Isle of Crete)
Architecture of Ancient Minoans and Mycenaeans
Ancient Myths- Norma Goodrich
National History Day Research
January
Archaic Greece
Greek mythology
Mid term examination
National History Day Project Preparation
February
The Illiad- Homer
Hellenic Greece
Origin of drama
Greek philosophers
Allegory of the Cave- Plato
LLHS History Day Contest in library
March
Oedipus Rex- Sophocles
Hellenistic Greece
Roman Republic
Roman mythology
April
Roman Empire
The Aeneid- Virgil
Early Christianity
Parables
May
The Middle Ages
Everyman
Beowolf: A New Telling- Robert Nye
The Inferno- Dante
June
Continuation of May topics
Final Examination
Grading Procedures:
1. Basic rubrics have been established for tests, quizzes, projects/presentations, and
homework/class participation and are used to assess student performance.
2. The PSSA Writing Rubric and MLA guidelines are used to assess writing
assignments.
3. Grades are entered into the eGrade Book using a points system as follows:
Exams = 100 pts. each (excluding mid term and final examinations)
Quizzes = 20 pts. each
Writing assignments= 100 pts. each
Homework= 10 pts. each
Projects and Presentations= point values will vary based upon individual
Assignments
**Note: class participation in this course is expected, and lack thereof will have
an adverse effect on one’s course grade.
4. Late Policy: All homework is expected to be handed in on time. However, late
homework that is well done AND HAS NOT ALREADY BEEN COVERED IN
CLASS will be accepted one day after it is due for half credit. Additionally,
school policy allows one day for each day of EXCUSED absence for work to be
completed and turned in. This also applies to any quizzes, tests, or major projects.
There will be no reduction in grade for make-up work turned in following this
procedure. All major projects and writing assignments must be turned in on
the due date. No late papers or projects will be accepted. The only exception
to this rule is an excused absence. Then, the project or paper is due the day a
student returns to school.
Please tear off this sheet and sign:
We have read and understand the above Course Outline and Expectations for
Humanities I. We agree to follow the requirements and policies of the course listed in the
Course Outline and Expectations:
____________________________________________
Signature of Humanities I student
__________________
Date
____________________________________________
Signature of Humanities I parent
__________________
Date