The two main goals of the Humanities department is to: 1) prepare students to be successful at the college level with a comprehensive understanding of the English language, and 2) provide students with the skill set necessary to become global learners. At all grade levels, reading, writing, speaking, and analytical thinking will be emphasized and assessed. We believe these skills will help strengthen students’ ability to interpret the world around them.
During their English studies at Saint Paul American School, students begin by mastering the foundations of English composition and progressively move to a variety of specific writing, speaking, and literature courses. Students will analyze and respond to a wide range of literary texts that encompass a global perspective, emphasizing highly energetic, discussion-based learning experiences. Along with the core English curriculum, each student must also enroll in at least one Speech course. The purpose of this requirement is aimed at helping students build confidence, refine verbal and nonverbal communication skills, and, ultimately, be able to deliver a wide variety of practical speeches successfully.
Students are also required to take classes in Government, History, Geography, and Economics. These classes prepare students to become educated global citizens making them aware of various cultures and historical events.
General English 9 ENG0944/ENG0945 (year-long)
Course Description: General English 9 builds upon the students' prior knowledge of grammar, vocabulary, word usage, and mechanics of writing, and usually include the four aspects of language use: reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Usually, the various genres of literature are introduced and defined, with writing exercises often linked to reading selections.
Prerequisites: none
Grade Level: 9
Geography SOC0905 (1 semester-long)
Course Description: This course is designed to provide the student with a basic introduction to physical and human geography. Students will examine the role of geography in the world and how the interactions of humans with the environment affect the other. Students will explore the major world regions and examine the physical systems and human interactions within the regions. Students will use maps, globes, in‐depth case studies, and geographic systems and databases to help them answer geographic questions. This course serves as an excellent starting point for students wishing to expand their knowledge of the world.
Prerequisites: none
Grade Level: 9
American Government (formerly Civics) SOC0910 (1 semester-long)
Course Description: Students in American Government will examine the democratic foundations, structures, and institutions of American government at local, state, and national levels. Students will study the political processes to understand the role of the individual in the decision-making process of the American government. Students will also learn about the rights and responsibilities of the citizens of the United States. Students will investigate the American government through a variety of methods.
Prerequisites: None
Grade Level: 9
General English 10 ENG1023/ENG1021 (year-long)
Course Description: General English 10 offers a balanced focus on composition and literature. Typically, students learn about the alternate aims and audiences of written compositions by writing persuasive, critical, and creative multi-paragraph thematic essays and compositions. The study of literature encompasses various genres as students improve their reading rate and comprehension and develop the skills to determine authors' intent and theme and to recognize the techniques employed by the author to achieve the goal.
Prerequisites: none
Grade Level: 10
World History SOC1106/SOC1107 (year-long)
Course Description: This one-year survey course will examine world history through the disciplines which comprise the humanities: the arts, philosophy, literature, history, political institutions, and religion. It explores the great ideas and actions of humankind that have shaped life. The emphasis is on European, Asian, African, Latin American, and Middle Eastern civilizations.
Prerequisites: Civics, American Government or World Government
Grade Level: 10
US History SOC1009/SOC1010 (year-long)
Course Description: US History will allow students to learn how the United States evolved to become what it is today. Students will study the country's origins, the mistakes and successes in its development, and America's potential role in the future. The goal is for students to learn from America’s trials and tribulations and use their newly acquired knowledge to make educated decisions in the future.
Perquisites: Government Course
Grade Level: 11
World Literature ENG1113/ENG1114 (year-long)
Course Description: World Literature is a year-long study of canonical literature spanning the globe. Students will examine short stories, novels, plays, poetry, and nonfiction within a historical and cultural context in this course. Students participate in group discussions and class seminars, write essays and deliver speeches to demonstrate their growing understanding of the relationship between local concerns and universal questions, how geography and culture can influence form, and world views of literature itself. Class discussions also encourage students to express opinions and support individual ideas from their readings.
Prerequisites: none
Grade Level: 11-12
Creative Writing ENG1204 (1 semester-long)
Course Description: Creative writing is focused on allowing students to display their creative and expressive writing skills. Exercises and assignments in each of the main literary genres—creative nonfiction, poetry, fiction, and drama—will help students discover their voice and tone while expanding vocabulary, building awareness of the audience, and refining flow, context, meaning, and sentence variation. Creative writing will promote critical thinking and help students refine communication skills, which will aid students in writing more interesting essays, enhance their success in other classes, and set them apart in college applications as they continue on in the world of academia.
Prerequisites: none
Grade Level: 9-12
American Literature ENG1213/ENG1214 (year-long)
Course Description: American Literature covers the literature of the United States from the early beginnings of the country until the present. Historical forces impacting the literature, as well as the regional influences, are also examined. The development of critical thinking and vocabulary building, along with writing skills, are emphasized.
Prerequisites: Academic Writing
Grade Level: 11-12
AP Literature and Composition ENG1506/ENG1507 (year-long)
Course Description: This class is designed to prepare students for the Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition exam given at the end of the school year. For success in the course, students need advanced English skills as well as a major commitment of their time and effort. During the class, students engage in the careful reading and critical analysis of fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and drama. Students are expected to actively engage in class discussions, write critical essays, and deliver oral presentations about the literary texts studied in class.
Prerequisites: Lexile score of 1100 and successful honors application
Grade Level: 11-12
Speech ENG1002 (1 semester-long)
Course Description: The primary purpose of Speech is to improve public speaking skills in a variety of settings. For each speech, topic selection, audience analysis, research, outlining, speech writing, and speech delivery will be emphasized. By the end of this course students will have improved verbal and nonverbal communication skills and will be able to successfully and confidently present speeches in a variety of real-world situations.
Prerequisites: none
Grade Level: 12
Financial Literacy SOC1228 (1 semester-long)
Course Description: This class is designed to combine economic concepts with everyday life to help students be fiscally responsible as they become adults. In this class, students will study macroeconomics and microeconomics to help them use economic thought to make rational decisions in an ever-changing world.
Prerequisites: none
Grade Level: 12
Economics SOC1201 (1 semester-long)
Course Description: This class is an introduction to economics. In this class, students will study the characteristics of macroeconomics and microeconomics. Economics class will be split into two sections. Section one will cover economic systems and the roles of government, consumers, and producers in these systems. Section 2 will cover money and banking, financial markets, and international trade. Upon completing these two sections, students will be empowered to help correct societal problems.
Prerequisites: Financial Literacy
Grade Level: 12