Humanities at Planet Homeschool | Spring 2023 To Publications / Articles - Humanities at Planet Homeschool | Spring 2023
Posted 11/4/22
PHS Leadership Team | News & Updates
Art History
Tuesdays, 10 January–9 May 2023 online16 weeks — no classes on Tue 21 Feb or Tue 11 Apr 2nd Period (11:00 AM–12:15 PM)Art and Music as Agents of ChangeRebekah Jorgensen
A look from a historical/current events perspective on arts (music, visual art, etc) and their influence on/response to current events. Depending on student interest, the course may focus on a particular genre/time period but will include discussion/information/examples from a variety of issues and historical events. |
Civics and Government (which can also be classed as a Social Science)
Fridays, 6 January–5 May 2023 at Planet Homeschool16 weeks — no classes on Fri 17 Feb or Fri 7 Apr 3rd Period (12:30 PM–1:45 PM)Great Decisions: America's Global AffairsTheresa Redfern-Hall
Using the Foreign Policy Institute’s Great Decisions curriculum, this class will delve into topics such as energy geopolitics, war crimes, China and the U.S., Russia and the U.S., economic warfare, politics and drug policy in Latin America, global famine, Iran, climate migration and climate change, and outer space. We will also discuss local and national news in each class. Discerning media bias, the use of multiple news sources, and fact-checking will also be part of the class. |
Creative Writing
Fridays, 6 January–5 May 2023 at Planet Homeschool16 weeks — no classes on Fri 17 Feb or Fri 7 Apr 2nd Period (10:35 AM–11:50 AM)Creative Writing: FantasyTim Hereid
Fantasy is the oldest form of storytelling. From the creation stories of the Dakota to the Epic of Gilgamesh to The Odyssey to Beowulf, we have always found comfort in tales of brave heroes and hideous beasts, of new worlds and ancient magics, of powerful rulers and epic dangers. In this class, we will read, write and maybe even publish fantasy. We’ll take a look at the most powerful tropes (story types) in fantasy writing, and read masters of fantasy like Alice Bradley Sheldon, Neil Gaiman, and Susanna Clarke. We’ll talk about keeping dragons, casting spells, wielding swords, defeating tyrant kings, encountering the fae, contending with demons, avoiding imps, and defeating wizards. We’ll write long and short fiction, as preferred by the individual student. Students will write in each class period and have writing homework. In class, we will share our work. We will encourage positive constructive critique that leads the writer to write more. |
Literature
Fridays, 6 January–5 May 2023 at Planet Homeschool16 weeks — no classes on Fri 17 Feb or Fri 7 Apr Fridays — 2nd Period (10:35 AM–11:50 AM)Tuesdays, 10 January–9 May 2023 online16 weeks — no classes on Tue 21 Feb or Tue 11 Apr Tuesdays — 3rd Period (12:30 PM–1:45 PM)Freaky Folklore - Exploring Literature's Unusual TwistsRebekah Jorgensen
Authors have long been writing about the unexplained. In this course, we’ll explore themes in classic and modern literature that relate to myths, folklore, and urban legends. The class will discuss the historical and cultural context of various books and short stories, as well as the themes and truths that one can find in literature - even when the existence of the subject matter can not be proved. Fridays In-Person: Tuesdays Online: |
Religious Studies
Fridays, 6 January–5 May 2023 at Planet Homeschool16 weeks — no classes on Fri 17 Feb or Fri 7 Apr 1st Period (9:15 AM–10:30 AM)Cults and Extreme ReligionsTheresa Redfern-Hall
This class provides students with the opportunity to ask and find out “What is a cult?”, “How do cults draw in followers?” and “Why do people join cults?” We will also look at what is an “extreme religion,” and what characteristics separate those extreme religions from other religions. We will begin an analysis of Maslov’s hierarchy of needs and a brief survey of cults throughout history. We will then move into the present time and analyze cults of the recent past and those currently in existence. This is a class that encourages students to ask many questions and look deeper into the world around them. Some of the areas/types of cults that we will study include: Doomsday or Apocalyptic Cults, The Heaven’s Gate Cult, The People’s Temple (Jim Jones), extreme fundamentalists in the traditional Christian, Hebrew, and Islamic religions, and how extremists have affected the Middle East. We will incorporate readings, documentaries, and class discussions. |
World Languages
Tuesdays, 10 January–9 May 2023 online16 weeks — no classes on Tue 21 Feb or Tue 11 Apr 1st Period (9:30 AM–10:45 AM)Sign Language for BeginnersTim Hereid
This introduction to Sign Language will walk students through the fundamentals of this dynamic and complex form of communication. Taught just like a first-year course in any language, this class will teach grammar, usage, vocabulary, and “survival” sign language to beginning students. The class will be taught simultaneously in English and Sign Language, providing students with a language-intensive environment in which to learn. Students will leave knowing how to negotiate basic social situations in sign language and talk about themselves, their environment, travel, food, clothing, and everyday tasks, among other topics. Learn More only open to continuing students |
Small Group Online LessonsJapanese
Konnichiwa! Take your interest to the next level and learn Japanese. You will learn to speak and listen through practical conversation you can use daily as well as fun cultural activities and exploration. We will master the complete set of Hiragana and Katakana through writing and reading material relevant to our conversation and cultural exploration. A few key Kanji will be incorporated with a goal of recognition as well as an entry to writing and reading for those who want to extend their studies. Learn More only open to continuing students |
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