The Humanities @ HSPVA!
In the current environment of math and science emphasis, the
role of the Humanities is to give us desperately needed context and meaning.
There is no intrinsic value to a quadratic equation or a periodic table without
understanding the purpose for which it may be used. History, literature, art,
psychology, archeology anthropology, economics, and the like, give us perspective. They
provide insight into what is, for our species, and for us as individuals, the
most important narrative – the human story. This department is about striving for
the answer to that greatest of questions, “What does it mean to be human?” We
of course may never find that answer in its whole, the concept is too
subjective, too big. What we can find
are the constants, the unchangeable and various ways in which other people have
approached that question. In doing so we will find a common vocabulary with
which to communicate this striving, enrich our lives with our understanding,
hone our skills as thinkers, and find the context and meaning that make all the
other pursuits valuable.
After all, the fate of America, and this planet, are in the hands of the artists. We are here in the Humanities to provide you with that context, with cultural literacy to make your statements as musicians, as visual artists, as thespians, as creative writers, and yes, as dancers, to become informed and meaningful; as bridges between the urges and anxieties of ordinary people with what REALLY matters in their lives.You are agents of change, and the source of an ethical conscience for other people. The ARETE Identity Lecture SeriesThis series was founded by Nik Leibster, and is now managed by Libby Carr and Augie Leibster. This was Nik's legacy, but he has now moved on to Rice University. The idea here is to bring in guest speakers from the wider community to help us answer the fundamental questions about the most basic unit of study in the Social Sciences, human identity.
The Humanities ClubWas founded, and is managed by Jacob Hulten. We meet monthly in room 136 to talk about facets of history, philosophy, and literature that are interesting to us and perhaps did not get enough attention in classes. These are organized thematically. Kendal LeFlore is the 2016 -17 president.
Peer Writing TutorialsIt's been my experience that sometimes people need to hear an idea from a peer, rather than the teacher. This program was founded by Steffannie Alter, who has also moved on to Rice. I've had scores of students tell me that it was here that their breakthrough with writing happened. Now, Phillip Shen will be organizing this essential program for all classes in the Social Sciences. We meet every Thursday in room 136 right after school, and we stay until you're tired of talking about writing!
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The "Team"Ms. Jennifer Lankau ChaseSince you're here, it's probably clear that I teach Advanced Placement World History & Psychology. I'm also the department chairperson and I pick up a section of this and that when needed. You'll find summer assignments on the course pages (WHAP, AP Psych, Bridging History) tabbed on the left.
Ms. Julie McClintockAcademic World History and Geography:
http://learningwithbrooke.weebly.com/ Ms. Samantha Manchac,
Mr. Morgan Kruger-MillerAP & Academic Government/AP & Academic Economics:
http://mrkm.weebly.com/ ALL Government students will complete the following assignment. AP Govt' students will complete both before the start of school.
HSPVA Choices is is a reading & debate program for Extra Credit. This is the only extra credit in Social Sciences classes! There is one debate per marking period. Click here. April 20 - 24th The Limits of Power: America in VietnamThe LawnThe Lawn is modeled after the popular club and radio show, the Moth, and is managed by Sam Linda. Watch for signs around school about the theme for the month, and the people telling their story.
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