Humanities

Humanities integrates language arts and social studies to foster critical thinking, writing, analytical reading strategies and speaking skills across the curriculum. Through integrated units of study, student learning will focus on analytical and creative writing, reading analysis, investigating history, research skills and interpretations of geography.

GRADES 6 - 8

Humanities 6

Grade level(s): 6

Length/credit: full year

Prerequisite(s): none

Other information: approximately 1 hour of homework per week

Students learn in integrated units that include language arts and social studies. Students develop the skills of critical thinking and collaborative learning as they engage in projects. Students read relevant cultural works by diverse voices and write in a variety of forms, including narrative, informational, literary analysis and poetry.

Our social studies focus is on early civilization and the ancient world and how they connect to the world today. Readings are united under community and social justice themes and include a historical variety of fictional perspectives to complement the integrated units of social studies.

Humanities 7

Grade level(s): 7

Length/credit: full year

Prerequisite(s): none

Other information: approximately 1 hour of homework per week

Students continue to refine their skills in reading, writing and communication. Through engagement in various classroom activities and projects, including collaborative learning and multimedia presentations, students develop critical thinking skills. Seventh graders read relevant cultural and historical works and write in multiple forms including narrative, informational, literary analysis, persuasive, poetry and letters. Students also analyze and examine primary and secondary sources to gain insight into Washington State history. This course meets the Washington State history requirement.

Humanities 8

Grade level(s): 8

Length/credit: full year

Prerequisite(s): none

Other information: approximately 1 hour of homework per week

Students continue to learn in integrated units that include language arts and social studies. Eighth grade students develop skills in reading, collaborative learning, research, Modern Language Association (MLA) formatting, annotation and writing in multiple forms. These include persuasive, informational, literary analysis, descriptive, poetry, letters, notes and responses. Social studies include thematic units of U.S. history and current events. Readings include historical fiction and nonfiction to complement the integrated units of study.