Humane Letters

American History & Literature
Grade 9 Humane Letters introduces the basic chronology of events in American history from colonial times to the early 20th century. High school students read original texts, with special attention given to the foundational texts of American democracy. Students discover the meanings of events in their historical contexts, and so understand how contemporary events are deeply rooted in the past. Students also learn both the fundamental skills necessary to participate effectively in the seminar and how to write a basic five-paragraph essay.

European History & Literature
Grade 10 students explore the history, literature, and political philosophy of England and Europe from 1066 through the early twentieth century. Students continue to work on writing coherent analytical essays and on developing more sophisticated organizational and stylistic techniques.

Ancient & Early Church Studies
In Grade 11, Humane Letters focuses on the close reading and discussion of texts drawn from the classical Greek and the early Christian corpus. Students continue to work on writing analytical essays; they write at least six essays per semester.

Western Politics & Philosophy
The final year of Humane Letters focuses on a close reading and discussion of texts in medieval and modern literature, philosophy, theology, and poetry. Students write approximately six essays per semester, and they are expected to argue with increasing depth, grace and sophistication.