Da Vinci Humanities
Our historically based curriculum begins with the origin of the universe and extends to contemporary times. This broad context trains our students to think expansively and methodically. Prehistoric events and historical studies serve as the vehicle by which Gailer students explore the basic principles of knowledge. Da Vinci classes are often held as seminars, actively involving students in the learning process.
Humanities Course Descriptions
Da Vinci 7 Humanities: Origins and Metamorphosis
This course parallels Da Vinci Science, making connections between the humanities and sciences whenever possible. DV7 explores themes such as truth, metamorphosis, creation, the origins of the universe and evolution. Writing, literature, art and history are integrated within these themes. Major works of literature include Lord of the Flies, To Kill a Mockingbird, Their Eyes Were Watching God and The Giver. Other readings will include non-fiction, poetry, creation stories and primary sources such Jane Goodall's In the Shadow of Man.
Da Vinci 8 Humanities: Ancient Civilizations
The Da Vinci 8 Humanities curriculum studies six ancient cultures: Mesopotamia, Egypt, India, Greece, Rome, and China. Each of these cultures is explored through historical, literary, and artistic perspectives. Some of the major questions are: What social conditions must be present to support a flourishing civilization? How do cultural aspects such as family life, organization of society, and religion differ from one civilization to another? How can our understanding of the legacies of these civilizations enrich our understanding of our contemporary world? Readings include The Epic of Gilgamesh and The Odyssey, and more contemporary works of fiction such as Animal Farm, Fahrenheit 451, A Single Pebble, and Nectar in a Sieve.
DV 9 Humanities: World Religions
In this course students study the world's major religions, beginning in the fall with the oldest and its progeny in the East (Hinduism, followed by Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism), and working through the Western Abrahamic traditions in the spring (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam). The course ends with a study of ancient earth-worship traditions and an ecological look at Neo-Paganism. In addition to studying the history and geography of these religions, students also take a look at them culturally through hands-on experience by visiting places of worship, conversing with clergy, and reading the literature (both ancient and modern) that comes out of these traditions including, The Baghavadgita, Siddhartha, Remains of the Day, The Spiral Staircase, and Ishmael. Texts include: The Illustrated World's Religions: a Guide to Our Wisdom Traditions, by Huston Smith and The World's Wisdom Traditions: Sacred Texts of the World's Religions, by Philip Novak. This is a writing-intensive class, and demands that students think critically about value-systems, about abstract ideas, and about themselves in the world and their values and culture.
Da Vinci Humanities for Grades 10, 11, & 12 (2007-2008)
The histories of Europe, Western Africa and the Americas between the 15th and 16th centuries blend together in the course "Atlantic Communities." This course examines the exploration and colonization of the Americas by Europeans through European, Native American, and African eyes. Units of study include: the Age of Exploration, Columbian Exchange, Slavery in the New World, and the French and Indian War. The course will end with units on the American and Haitian Revolutions. Students will read Why the Cocks Fight by Michele Wucker, Ines of my Soul by Isabele Allende, Last of the Mohicans by James Fenimore Cooper, The Conquest of New Spain by Bernal Diaz del Castillo, The Broken Spears, and excerpts from Germs Guns and Steel by Jared Diamond. Throughout the course, students will work to refine their skills in: geography, reading of primary documents, writing research papers, integrating quotations into essays, and historiography.