Course Description
Textbook: The Story of US, Oxford University Press & American Journey, Glencoe McGraw Hill
Overview:
Humanities at St. James Academy involve the reflective and open-minded study of people as individuals and as contributing members of World societies. This knowledge enables students to develop an awareness of themselves as individuals and as members of a widening array of communities. Their journey moves from a study of self to exploring their roles as contributing citizens of state, nation, and the World.
The Year 3 Humanities curriculum moves into the 21st Century. Students learn to examine their place in the world and the influence of events on their lives and the world around them. Through understanding they continue to develop as knowledgeable inquirers, and caring, contributing members of society. Current events are a continuous part of the Humanities curriculum as students reinforce their character as principled, balanced, caring members of the world.
During Humanities studies students develop and extend their writing skills and ability. Research results are organized and presented in written and oral reports. The development of these skills is extended throughout the years and expository writing is continually developed.
Formative Assessment:
Quizzes, map work, drills, class work and participation, homework, research paper, biography role playing, cooperative learning project, document analysis worksheets, essays, teacher evaluation of oral participation, visual metaphor- written analysis worksheet/group evaluation/group discussion
Summative Assessment:
Tests, Mid-term and final exams, IB MYP projects
ATL’s:
Map reading skills, convergent and divergent thinking, knowledge acquisition skills, communication skills, team collaborative skills, critical thinking skills, research skills, technical skills, and reflection skills
Community & Service: Simulations involves working in a group to propose legislation to solve society’s ills
Human Ingenuity: Investigating the evolution of political systems, the actions of these systems and the consequences of these actions
Environments: Investigate human behavior in varying environments of war and peace
Health & Social Education: Investigating the benefits and challenges created by social and technological change
Humanities, MYP Year 3, Aims and Objectives:
At the end of Humanities Year 3 students will be able to:
• know and use humanities terminology in context;
• demonstrate subject content knowledge and understanding through the use of descriptions and explanations, supported by relevant facts and examples;
• understand the individual’s role as part of a group in a context of time and place;
• recognize and describe the similarities and differences that exist between people, places and events through time;
• identify and provide some explanations for short-term and long-term causes of change;
• identify and provide some explanations for links between causes, processes, and consequences;
• recognize and describe examples that illustrate continuity and change;
• identify, understand and compare how increasingly complex systems, models and institutions operate;
• understand, identify, and compare social structures and controls;
• understand, identify, and compare rights and responsibilities within systems;
• recognize issues of equality, justice, and responsibility;
• know when and how to take responsible action.