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Freshman World Cultures Enrichment
Beginning in the Freshman year, students are exposed to the Humanities style of learning through a series of Art enrichment lessons in the World Cultures Course. -
Students apply to the Program
Once course selection begins for Sophomore year, students are invited to discuss the program with their World Cultures and English teachers to determine if the Program will be a good fit. Should they decide to apply to the program, they will submit an application and be notified prior to the conclusion of course selection about their status. -
The Colonial Unit
Religion plays a decisive role throughout the history of our nation, and by beginning with a unit that focuses on that genesis, we re-emphasize the Catholic nature of our investigations. Furthermore, beginning with a chronological approach will provide a foundation through which later, more thematic, units will find their proper function. -
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Sophomore Humanities
The Sophomore Humanities course provides students with the opportunity to study the reciprocal relations between literature, art and religion in the prevailing historical conditions of America from its founding to the eve of World War II. Students will take a journey through United States history through the lenses of the Social Studies, English, Art, and Religion departments. The course will examine major threads of American cultural life from the colonial period up until the eve of World War -
Early Government Unit
Through a careful study of the Revolution as both a historic and cultural event we will provide a foundation for thematic inquiries later in the course. As a course on America, it is vital to provide an understanding of our origins, if the rich and diverse paths that flow from that origin are to be held within context. -
The Land Unit
The land itself has always been a central pillar of how we define America. Through a broad investigation of our country’s historical and artistic formation from and reflection on the land, we will begin our thematic approach to American studies. By understanding the persistence of the land as a theme of American culture, we will frame a way of studying history, literature and culture that allows connections not readily apparent in a chronological approach. -
A Gradual Awakening: Women in America
Study of American culture would be grossly unbalanced without considering the role of marginalization in our history, as well as how such marginalization has been overcome to re-shape that culture. By analyzing both the history of repression and the ongoing movement towards empowerment from a multi-disciplinary approach we will begin to understand the vital role of plurality in the voice and culture of America. -
I, Too, Sing America: The African American Experience
With the election of the first African-American to the U.S. presidency in 2008, the study of the struggle of African-Americans from slavery to full-fledged citizenship over the course of our two hundred and thirty year history presents a significant opportunity. The blot of slavery on our country and the effort it took to erase it is one of the most harrowing struggles we have faced. By analyzing both the history of repression and the ongoing movement towards empowerment from a multi-disciplinar -
American Conflict
The Civil War is a pivotal moment in American history. The study of Abraham Lincoln’s writing will give students insight to his understanding of the key issues of the war and how he used his writing to shape American reaction to it. Students will also read historical fiction which will bring the event to life and allow them to “hear” the voices of those who lived it. Students will study the art of characterization and learn how an author creates three-dimensional characters. The multi-discipli -
Economics
Examining the evolution of our economic system from its beginning will give students an understanding of the debate over which economic system best suits a democracy. In order to navigate today’s economic world, students need to become familiar with the benefits and drawbacks of both free market economies and those in which the government takes a leading role. With the economic crisis of 2008 it is even more important that students comprehend the forces that affect the economy and the role th -
Coming and Going: Immigration and the American Dream
The “American Dream” has drawn many immigrants to the U.S. over the past two centuries and will be examined for its source and its ever-changing parameters through various historical eras. The migration of millions of immigrants to the U.S. in search of the “American Dream” has left an indelible mark on the history and culture of our country. Recognizing the importance of and almost mythological status of the “American Dream” in American culture we will examine F. Scott Fitzgerald’s seminal wor -
The Masks of God: Our Response to Mystery
In this unit, the idea of man’s response to mystery will be analyzed. Students will consider and evaluate the reasons for religion and how religions offer us insights into the mysteries of the world, particularly death, suffering, evil and free will. Students will study the primal religions of early and indigenous people. They will read Things Fall Apart, a definitive novel about indigenous African culture, and about the effects of colonialism and post-colonialism in Nigeria. -
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Junior Humanities
The Junior Humanities Course provides students with the opportunity to study the reciprocal relations between religion and literature in the context of 20th and 21st century global historical and current events. The course will cover all the major world religions, read literature relevant to the universal themes in these religions and in major world events and move beyond Eurocentric literature to an appreciation of literature from around the world. Students will also take Humanities History. -
Eastern Thought: Desires of Human Beings
Students will study the foundational wisdom and insights of Hinduism. They will read about the effects of the caste system on modern Indian women. -
Eastern Thought: Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism
Students will discuss Siddhartha, ‘the one who woke up.’ and the insights that accompanied his awakening. They will study the response of Confucius to the question “How can we live together in peace?” and evaluate Lao-Tzu’s suggestion that ‘to be’ is ‘to be happy.’ They will read about Chinese culture and customs and study the bonds between women forged through suffering and loss. -
From Adam and Eve to the Death of God
In this unit students will examine the predominant characteristics of fundamentalism across religious, political, social and economic borders. Students will critique the impact of Fundamentalism upon the modern world. They will read and analyze existentialism and science fiction literature. -
Capstone Project Selection
Students will choose a specific project to work on for the duration of the second semester of the Capstone course. Each student will be paired with a faculty mentor who will guide them in the research and production of their projects. -
A World at War: From Holy Wars to Just Wars to Genocide
The unit on Islam begins with a description of Muhammad’s story. Students will study the basic theological concepts and social teachings of Islam. Sufism, the mystical branch of Islam will also be discussed. Students will also discuss Judaism and Christianity’s response to violence and understanding of the role of war. Finally they will discuss the effects of the Holocaust on the world. They will read literature from the Medieval Period to the Renaissance to the modern age about the causes -
Oppression and Liberation
Students will look at the birth and growth of Christianity through the lens of Vatican II and evaluate selected significant historical and theological events in the course of that growth. Students will also seek a contemporary articulation of the central Christian doctrines of Incarnation, Atonement and Trinity. Finally the role of the prophet in calling the institution to authentic living will be discussed and evaluated. Students will read literature which expresses these themes of liberat -
Moving Forward
In this unit students will define and discuss the importance of dialogue between the major world religions. They will also evaluate the parameters of such a dialogue and possible obstacles to such dialogue. They will evaluate the reality of evil and suffering in the world and the role of world religions in alleviating these tragedies. Finally they will assess the purpose and goal of inter-religious dialogue. They will consider the role of women in the modern world, both in the context of rel -
Students Choose Capstone Topic
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Humanities Capstone
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Capstone Presentations
A variety of teachers will present information and lead discussions on the chosen topic from the perspectives of their disciplines. Students will in this way be exposed to a plethora of approaches to the larger Capstone topic. -
Capstone Evening
A celebration of the culmination of both course and program, the Capstone evening provides an opportunity for the Capstone class to demonstrate the results of their endeavors and discuss the process with colleagues and guests.
