Humanities Program | Monday & Wednesday 10 – 3 | Weeks 1-18 | Overview (open to adjustments) | Middle School & Jr High
Week 1: Introduction to the Course
History (Mon & Wed 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM): Introduction to American history; overview of the curriculum and key themes.
Literature (Mon & Wed 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM): Introduction to Sherlock Holmes; read “A Scandal in Bohemia”; discuss detective genre.
Theology (Wed 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM): Introduction to C.S. Lewis; discuss “Mere Christianity” – focus on key themes of faith.
Art (Mon 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM): Introduction to the course; overview of projects based on literature.
Weeks 2 – 4: Sherlock Holmes
History: Discuss early American history, focusing on key figures and events (Founding Fathers).
Literature: Read “The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes”; begin Case File project focusing on critical thinking and deduction.
Theology: Continue with “Mere Christianity”; discuss morality and its implications.
Art: Case File project presentation (creative visuals for solving the mystery).
Week 5 – 7: TLtW&tW
History: Discuss the American Revolution; key events and documents.
Literature: Read “TLtW&tW” & The Planets connection by Michael Ward
Theology: Discussion on “TLtW&tW” – introduction to the concepts of good vs. evil.
Art: Begin the project inspired by “TLtW&tW”
Week 8 – 10: TLtW&tW
History: Examine the Gilded Age; discussion on its historical context.
Literature: Read “TLtW&tW” & The Planets connection by Michael Ward
Theology: Discussion on “TLtW&tW” – introduction to the concepts of good vs. evil.
Art: Continue the project inspired by “TLtW&tW”
Week 11 – 13: The Wind in the Willows
History: Discuss major events in U.S. history leading towards the abolition of slavery; integrate connections from literature.
Literature: Begin “The Wind in the Willows”
Theology: Discuss Prince Caspian and the planetary connections
Art: Begin diorama inspired by The Wind in the Willows
Week 14 – 15: The Wind in the Willows
History: Review all covered historical themes; integrating lessons from the literature.
Literature: Final discussion on The Wind in the Willows
Theology: Discuss Prince Caspian and the planetary connections
Art: Continue diorama inspired by The Wind in the Willows
Week 16 : Thematic Exploration
History: Discuss current events and their historical roots, reflections on American history’s impact.
Literature: Introduce themes of justice and morality seen through the lenses of literature discussed.
Theology: Reflect on the themes of faith discussed throughout C.S. Lewis’ works.
Art: Continue reflections in art; students can choose a favorite literature piece to inspire new art projects.
Week 17 : Final Projects and Reflection
History: Group discussions and presentations on historical figures studied throughout the course.
Literature: Complete readings in any missed material; reflect in group discussions.
Theology: Summation of C.S. Lewis’ key concepts; group discussion on how these ideas can be applied today.
Art: Continue reflections in art; students can choose a favorite literature piece to inspire new art projects.
Week 18: Conclusion and Celebration
History: Review of key learnings; reflect on the journey through American history.
Literature: Closing reflections, discuss favorite aspects of the chosen literature.
Theology: Final reflections on the connections between faith, morality, and the literature studied.
Art: Final showcase event where students present their art and how it connects to the literature and history studied throughout the course.
Book List:
- History- American Story 2 Master Books
- Literature -Sherlock Holmes, The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, The Wind in the Willows
- Theology- Chronicles of Narnia, Planet Narnia by Dr. Michael Ward