A humanities curriculum for students whose formal education ends with high school should guide them to use their minds in careful and thoughtful ways and to develop self-awareness and social identity. At Newton High School (New England), an experimental sophomore curriculum that coordinates and presents history and English in the same classroom in…

A foreign language and culture program is advocated in place of the traditional language and literature program in today's schools. The potential importance of television and films in presenting cultural context is stressed, but the poor caliber of existing foreign language television programs in the United States (with a few notable exceptions)…

The four papers in this report present an examination of several aspects of American Studies, a humanities-oriented, interdisciplinary (history and literature) course for 11th grade students at University City (Missouri) Senior High School. "Philosophy of the University City School District. . . Implications for the Development of the American…

These proceedings focus on the theme of the foreign languages within the humanities. Standing committee meetings described are: (1) FLES, (2) High School and College Foreign Language Articulation, (3) Legislation, (4) Multimedia, and (5) Evaluation of Regents Examinations. Panel meetings center on: (1) culture, (2) cocurricular foreign language…

Noting the sharp decline in Latin studies in England, the author reviews the rationale and educational objectives which serve as the foundation for existing programs. Commentary is made on the roles of science, history, literature, and philosophy in the curriculum. The function of classical studies is seen to be related largely to the development…

In 1975, the departments of English, history, modern foreign languages, and philosophy at Frostburg State College (Maryland) cooperatively proposed a master of arts program in modern studies. A survey was conducted to assess reactions to the program proposal. Three populations were surveyed: (1) undergraduate English, history, and foreign language…

The Pennsylvania state academic standards describe what students should know and should be able to achieve at the end of grades 3, 5, 8 and 12 in the visual and performing arts, and the understanding about humanities context within the arts. The arts include dance, music, theater, and visual arts. The arts and humanities are interconnected through…

A course focusing on the avant-garde epoch and presenting an in-depth look at the arts of the period is described. Peer instruction, individualized instruction, experiential learning, and contracts were incorporated into a traditional lecture format. Student characteristics and attitudes were monitored. Course successes and problems are outlined.…

Argues that the study of Great Books need not be a politically conservative enterprise. Suggests that such a program be extended to offering the best education to all and the teaching of critical thinking. Urges that non-Western works be included as well as the best of women and minority writers. (DK)

Discusses issues related to humanities and fine arts education. Reports on a study of parent attitudes about arts education in eight elementary schools. Argues that teacher education programs should prepare preservice art teachers to be able to develop arts education curricula to meet the needs of individual communities. (CFR)

Describes the implementation of a humanities program in the context of a developing Erdkinder program in a Montessori secondary school set on a farm. Describes the curricular approach for the developing Erdkinder learning community in the first 3 years. Discusses adolescents' need to dramatize, fictionalize, and role-play to connect with other…

While ability to read and think critically is the very basis of post-secondary education, increasing numbers of college students lack these skills. A sequence of two courses in critical reading and thinking are currently offered in the Concentrated Studies program at Duquesne University in Pennsylvania. In these courses, students who are…

This issue of "Focus" includes seven essays addressing various concerns related to community college curriculum, instruction, and instructors. "Money, and the Good of Humanities," by Dr. Demont H. Howell, explores the utility of humanities education in preparing students for coping with the present and the future. "Teaching High Level Thinking in…

A discussion is provided of the contributions of the study of the humanities towards the improvement of community college occupational education. After section I provides background information on the creation of a Shared Vision Task Force by the National Council for Occupational Education (NCOE) and the Community College Humanities Association…

A program designed to improve the reading, writing, and thinking skills of low achieving poverty level high school juniors was developed for use in a Pennsylvania high school. The program uses the Pennsylvania Reading Comprehension Plan's four critical experiences of (1) responding to literature, (2) self-selected and sustained silent reading, (3)…