Humanities
Course Description
This course uses a variety of literary, historical, and cultural readings in combination with essay writing, group projects, and class discussions to answer the essential question: “What does it mean to be human?” Students will examine how the definitions and understandings of “humanity” have changed over time.
Walden Skit
For summer reading prior to Junior year at MAMS, all incoming students read Walden by Henry David Thoreau. While the book can be a challenging read, HUM class allowed us to find and use creative ways to understand Thoreau’s writing and learn more about the time period by developing skits involving themes, critiques, and discussions. Our group, including Emily, Marlon, Jaylin, and I, decided to offer a critical view of Thoreau’s hypocritical behavior throughout the novel using satirical means; we presented Thoreau as a self-identified, up-and-coming presidential candidate during the first presidential debate of 2024.
Education Essay
At the end of A-term, we conducted a critical discussion on the state of education—primarily public—within modern American society. At the end of this unit, we wrote an essay stating our opinion of education within the modern world. I focused on the failure of these institutions to effectively meet the requirements to create the necessary foundation for children to successful professional lives.