Major Concepts/Content: The humanities course is designed to bean integrated study of history, literature, language, philosophy, the visual arts, theater, dance, and music. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, creativity, and the rights and responsibilities of the individual in a society by studying works of art; students achieve greater self-identity and confidence in personal responses and perceptions. Students also learn a tolerance for ambiguity and learn that art can bean outlet for inner doubts and anxieties. 

Major Instructional Activities: Instructional activities will be interdisciplinary in focus, drawing content, examples, and resources from a variety of curriculum areas. Emphasis is placed on the arts, including theater the visual arts, dance, music, architecture, film, and television. Activities also emphasize the cultural resources of the host nation and the diverse cultures where DoDDS schools are located. The course will provide opportunities for students to explore ethical and moral issues. Visits to museums and attendance at performing arts productions will be scheduled when feasible. Guest speakers will also be invited to class. 

Major Evaluative Techniques: Students will be required to pass written and oral tests covering course content. All projects and research papers will be evaluated according to criteria established by the instructor. 

Essential Objectives: Upon completion of the humanities course, students should be able to:

• Understand the concept of values from various cultural perspectives, with an emphasis on the American value system.
• Understand the American value system and how it was created.
• Understand what motivates an artist and how he or she chooses a medium and how that medium is translated into a final product.
• Understand how values can be influenced, supported, and created through artistic endeavors.

Last Revised: July 18, 2005