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.
Recently, we completed a satire unit in humanities. For this assignment, the goal was to analyze a satirical piece and compare its persuasive effectiveness to a straightforward piece. I analyzed Friday Black by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah, which uses satire to critique consumerism and its impact on human values. This assignment helped me understand how satire can be a powerful tool for highlighting social issues in ways that straightforward pieces may not.
One of our first essays was about education. For this assignment, I wrote about public boarding schools. I argued that they give students more time for schoolwork and activities, help build stronger friendships, and teach independence. While I mentioned concerns about isolation, I believe the benefits are greater because boarding schools help students develop important life skills and prepare for the future.