West Irondequoit High School

Humanities

   Humanities is a unique course with a different focus than many other English classes.  We study a variety of topics including art history, classical music, film studies, and literature from Ancient Greece to the Modern Day.  This course also places a strong focus on writing, reading, analyzing materials, discourse, appreciation of the arts, and experiencing new things. 

 

Humanities Course Information

 

Some of the major areas of study - a brief overview

« Classic Literature: Hamlet by Shakespeare, The Inferno by Dante, and Oedipus by Sophocles.

« Independent Reading: Student choice (sometimes limited by teacher), one book every four to six weeks.

« Art History:  Study of various eras including Ancient Greece, Medieval, Renaissance, Classical/Romantic, and Modern.

« Writing: Emphasis on style and the “writer’s voice” with grammar/sentence pattern lessons. Students will write a paper (about three double spaced pages) approximately every three weeks.  Detailed directions for each paper will be given before the due date.

« Artistic Expression: Various activities and projects linked to units.

« Music History: 800 years of music program and guest speaker with additional class study.

« Film: Study and analysis.

« Poetry: Thematically linked to units.

« Experiencing New Things – Yearbook Project:  Several times during the year, this course requires students to explore outside of their usual surroundings.  They will be asked to go to an event or visit a place and write about the experience.

 

Sure Methods for Success:
Excellent attendance
Self-advocacy
Active participation
Proofreading
Planning ahead/working ahead
Asking for help before work is due

 

 

General Art Links

Google Images
Search for artwork studied in the classroom.

Wikipedia
An online  encyclopedia to complement your classroom notes.

Web Gallery of Art
An online  gallery to complement your classroom notes.

WebMuseum
Another online  resource to complement your classroom notes.

Art Pad Digital Canvas
Express yourself with the Art Pad Digital Canvas.

Modern Art Humor
A few humorous pictures on flickr.com

Art Games
You can't have enough art games!

 

 

 

Unit Resources
 

Introduction to Art

Class Handout - elements of art and color.

Elements of Art PowerPoint Slides

Winged Sandals - Information about Ancient Greece

 

Ancient Greece

Class Packet - The packet of information we will be using in class.

Greek Vase Paintings

 

Medieval

Class Packet - The packet of information we will be using in class.

 

Class Packet - The packet of information we will be using in class.

Illustrations to the Divine Comedy by Gustave Dore

Divine Comedy audio recordings

The Princeton Dante Project - full text of the Divine Comedy, plus more.

 

Renaissance

Class Packet - The packet of information we will be using in class.

 

Class Packet - The packet of information we will be using in class.

 

Classical/Romantic

Class Packet - The packet of information we will be using in class.

 

Impressionism

Class Packet - The packet of information we will be using in class.

 

Modern Art

Class Packet - The packet of information we will be using in class.

Java Jackson Pollock - Create your own online Jackson Pollock masterpieces.

Mondrian Machine - Create your own online Mondrian masterpieces.

Pac-Mondrian - Classic gaming meets modern art.

 

Additional Resources

Reading for Fun - Free Choice Reading

 

 

 

Personal Yearbook   

Personal Yearbook Informational Packet

 

Yearbook Essay Due Dates

You are required to submit 6 “personal field trip” responses throughout the senior year, then include them in your “personal yearbook” in May.  You may submit these essays any time, but the following dates indicate the last day that the papers will be accepted for credit.

 

October 10 - Yearbook #1

November 6 - Yearbook #2

December 4 - Yearbook #3

January 8 - Yearbook #4

February 26 - Yearbook #5 

March 26 - Yearbook #6

 

 

Useful Yearbook Links:

Rochester Arts Council Events Calendar
A regional calendar of theatre, gallery, musical, and other artistic events.

RocWiki
A resource of Rochester information, including links to public art galleries and ethnic restaurants.

West Irondequoit Performing Arts Calendar
Look out for performances at our school.

The Little Theatre

Consider viewing an independent or foreign film.

Eastman School of Concert Calendar
Check for upcoming music performances

Memorial Art Gallery Calendar of Events
Student pricing and free/discounted tour days available.

ARTISANworks Visitor Information
Another art gallery choice.

City Newspaper
A good resource for weekly events in the Rochester area.

Democrat and Chronicle Newspaper
Another resource for weekly events in the Rochester area.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ms. Royer

Additional Class Information

 

More Humanities Links

 

 

 

 

 

Ms. McFee

Additional Class Information

 

More Humanities Links

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mr. Czadzeck

Additional Class Information

 

MAJOR DEADLINES IN HUMANITIES

February

2/9 – “Storyboard your life” project due

2/8 – 15 minutes of fame 1 minute “pitch” presentation

2/18-2/22 – Winter break

2/26 – Yearbook experience #5 (with 7 sentence patterns) due

 

March

3/19 – Life lesson book project due (15 min of fame connection)

3/26 – Yearbook experience #6 (with 7 sentence patterns) due

 

April

4/8 – Learning journal essay writing day (due at end of class)

4/9 – Third quarter yearbook experience paper rewrites due

4/14-4/18 – Spring break

 

May

Fifteen minutes of fame presentations begin this month.

5/14 – Learning journal essay writing day (due at end of class)

5/15 – Children’s book assignment due

5/21 – Final yearbook project due

5/21 – Fourth quarter yearbook experience paper rewrites due

5/22 – Arts Fest

 

June

6/12 – Personal gift due

6/16 – Last day of classes

6/22 – Graduation

 

Note:

  •  There will also be additional quizzes, journal responses, and activities that are not listed on this sheet.

  •  Meeting all of these deadlines ON TIME may result in a bonus 100% each quarter.

  •  Please be aware that a few dates and assignments have been changed from the “due dates” sheet given to you at the beginning of the school year.

 

 

 

 

Mrs. Quintero

Additional Class Information