Programs

Humanities

Upper School humanities courses include offerings in English, history, languages, and interdisciplinary studies. All students take Constructing America in 11th grade, which is co-taught by the English and history department, and Integrated Liberal Studies in 12th grade, a multidisciplinary examination of questions of fundamental human importance that draws on philosophy, psychology, art, and literature. An interdisciplinary seminar, Thinking About Thinking, co-taught by a biologist and English teacher, explores the nature of reasoning. An interdisciplinary course for advanced Spanish students explores design and engineering solutions for Latin American countries and is co-taught by the language and art department. In addition to Spanish, five other languages are offered: ancient Greek, Latin, French, Japanese, and Chinese. Mini-courses, led by faculty and students, may address specific topics such as South African apartheid or gender in Greek and Roman mythology. Students also may do an independent study with a faculty member or a senior project in order to pursue a subject with greater depth.