7th Grade Humanities

Course Content:

Humanities is a course that connects Social Studies and Language Arts. The focus of the seventh grade humanities course is American history, government, and literature. The theme is "equality" and how it has been defined - and redefined - throughout the American experience. The central question of the course is "Does the American experience show continual movement toward equality?"

As they explore history and literature throughout the year, students will be asked to formulate and revisit their own answers to this question. They will learn to draw on historical evidence that supports their points of view.

Topics of study:

• Identity, Culture, & Stereotypes
• Equality in America
• Native Americans
• Colonial America
• The American Revolution
• US Government, The Constitution, & The Bill of Rights
• The US Civil War
• The Holocaust
• Civil Rights Movement

Class Goals:
By the end of seventh grade, students should:

• gain an understanding of early American history and the principles of American democracy, including a study of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights
• begin practicing historical thinking, including critical analysis of primary sources for bias and perspective, and using evidence to make an argument
• learn how to read different types of texts, including fiction and non-fiction, and to master strategies for reading comprehension
• participate in all stages of the writing process, including first draft, revision, and final draft
• practice both analytical and creative writing
• improve collaboration and listening skill sthrough group projects and whole-class discussion
• improve their use of word structure, grammar, and vocabulary
• explore current events, connecting the present to history and government

Textbooks/Resources:

Since many of our novel units involve 'literature circles,' students often are able to choose their own book from a variety of choices. Some books may include:

The Giver, by Lois Lowry
Mocassin Thunder and other contemporary literature about and by Native Americans
To Kill A Mockingbird, by Harper Lee
The Diary of Anne Frank, and/or Night, by Elie Wiesel
Warriors Don't Cry, by Melba Pattillo Beals

B.A. History and Environmental Studies, Williams College, Williamstown, MA
M.A. Education, Stanford University
History/Social Science teaching credential

Mary joined the GMS faculty in 2006 after completing her Masters in education at Stanford. Previously, she taught government and economics at Sequoia High School in Redwood City. Before beginning her graduate studies, Mary worked in immigration law in Boston and in community organizing in New York City.