Course Goals

The ultimate goal of this course is to help students grow into critical thinkers who can examine their own views, the views of others, and the way those views impact themselves and our society.  While this initially seems simple, changing your own opinion based on evidence is one of the most difficult tasks students may encounter.

In the first semester, students will develop a framework to critically analyze sustainability, and to put their knowledge to work on a local issue.  In the second semester, students will use the Senior Project to put their critical thinking skills to work on a burning question they have.  In the process, they will develop the research and writing skills necessary for success in college-level coursework.

Senior Humanities Syllabus

Contact Information

Email:  lori.fisher@animashighschool.com     
This is by FAR the best way to get in touch with me! However, I generally check my email for the last time at around 7:30 pm, so if you need a response that night please email earlier rather than later.

Office Hours:  By appointment only.  Email me or stop by my room to make an appointment!  I will generally have availability before school (7:30-9:00), and after school on some afternoons.

Class Materials

1. Laptop for word processing and internet.
2. Folder or binder for organizing handouts, texts, and other papers.
3. Composition Notebook  (for notes, brainstorms, etc.)
4. Writing utensils
5. Highlighter or colored pens for marking texts
6. Daily Planner (Digital or hardcopy- whatever works)
7. Library Card (from the Durango Public Library- they’re free and easy to get)

Assessment

I hate grades.  There, I said it.  No no, don't argue, I know you all love them.  That said, they’re not going anywhere.  So my goal this year is to make your grades as meaningful and transparent as possible.  
 
What does this look like?  In the first semester of Senior Humanities, we’ll be categorizing work into two main boxes.

Semester 1 Assessment

1. 30%  Are you doing the work?  Throughout the year, I will be performing a series of quick checks on your work.  These will not be worth many points each, but will occur frequently and with little or no prior notice.  Assignments in this category could include starters, freewrites, general preparedness for class, small quizzes, certain kinds of homework and reflections, and process checks on the way to a larger product. Generally speaking, you will be graded in this category based on completion.
2. 70%  Are you applying your knowledge and developing as a learner?   This category is for your bigger assignments- essays, projects, and other major benchmarks.  For these assignments, you will have time to refine, will receive feedback from peers and teachers, and will be graded on a formal rubric.  As part of this process, we will be working together to set some personal goals for your writing and project that will be considered as part of your assessment.

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In the second semester, we will move towards an assessment system that looks very similar to Humanities based college classes.  In the second semester, the assessment will break down as follows:

Semester 2 Assessment

1. 50%  Senior Thesis Final Draft.  That's right, this paper is worth 50% of your grade.  So make it a good one!  Don't panic yet, you will have lots of support in getting there.
2. 30%  Senior Thesis Defense/TED Talk.  This is a talk where you will present and defend the conclusions of your research before a panel of teachers, peers, and outside observers.
3. 20%  Interim Deadlines and Assignments.  This category includes daily assignments and deadlines on the way to your Senior Thesis, including Senior Project Advisor Meetings, Deep Reading, Annotated Bibliography, and deadlines for your outline and rough draft.

Norms and Expectations

We will read and write every day.  Seriously.  Every day.  Please attempt to keep whining about this immutable fact to a minimum.

Minimum requirements for feedback:  I will not look at your work if it does not meet the minimum guidelines for the assignment (length, number of sources, etc.) or if there are spelling mistakes or any other errors that you should easily catch yourself. Proofread all of your work closely.

We will be nice to each other.  Mean, intolerant, or profanity-ridden speech will absolutely not be tolerated.  We will be discussing many controversial topics and if you are incapable of doing so with empathy and poise, you belong elsewhere. 

We will use technology respectfully and responsibly.   This means that you are not distracting yourself, classmates, or me with your phones, laptops, or music during class.  Music will be allowed on headphones during independent work time.   This also means that only 2-sided printing will be accepted.
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Down time:  Although my aim is to keep you all very busy, there may be some down time.  No computer games, Youtube-a-thons, cards, etc.  Please use your time wisely.  There is almost always something productive you could be doing with your time.

Lateness: I check attendance during the first 5 minutes of class every day.  If you're late and unexcused, you miss credit for the starter and are marked late.  Any homework that is due at the start of class will also be considered late. 

Integrity: ​ Any assignments that are plagiarized will result in a zero for that assignment that cannot be made up, and will be reported to Sean and Libby.  Generally, plagiarism is a result of panic.  So prevent the temptation, and come talk to me if you are in a state of panic, or feel like you can't be successful in your writing!

​Food and Beverages: You may consume only non-messy/smelly snacks during class time.  There is a distinction between a snack and a meal.  Please do not spend your whole lunch time in line at Zia's expecting to eat your nachos during class time.  It's gross, and it makes my classroom smell like a cafeteria.  All snacks consumed in class are subject to teacher tax. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I do if I am late to class?
Come in quietly.  Do not disturb others or try to make some flashy, fashionably-late entrance.  Check the DP and read the daily blog.  If you require further clarification, ask a neighbor.  You should come see me only after doing all of the above. 
 
What do I do if I am sick or miss school?
If you miss school it is your responsibility to read the blog, stay abreast of our course material, and contact me with questions.
 
Can I get extra credit? 
No. 
 
How do I get into Honors Humanities 12?
This is by application only- the first essay of the class will be your application, and we will go over honors in more detail in the first week of class.  Expect more reading, and more difficult writing!
 
When are assignments due? 
Assignments are due in the first minute of class.  Anything turned in later than one minute after class has begun will be docked an immediate 20%.   No late work will be accepted after a week has passed.  Make sure all printing is done before class. 
 
Can I get an extension?
In many college environments, students are granted extensions only in rare and exceptional circumstances- illness, death in the family, significant life circumstances, mental health issues, etc.  In moving towards a more college-like approach, I only grant extensions to students who have an exceptional circumstance that requires an extension.  If you need to request an extension, you must use this form:  Extension Special Request Form.

Things that do NOT qualify as exceptional circumstances include but are not limited to:  Sports absences, procrastination, minor colds/injuries, failure to understand the assignment directions that we went over in class, lots of work/deadlines in other classes, family trips/vacations, general varieties of teenage angst.

The 1-per-student Extension Rule and Request Guidelines
However, I also understand that you have busy academic and personal lives, and in order to help you be healthy humans, I will allow each student ONE (1) extension request per semester.  The request should be submitted to me in an email by 6pm the evening before an assignment is due.  Please indicate in your email request the reason for your request, and the date by which you think it appropriate to submit the assignment.  THIS DOES NOT APPLY TO EXHIBITION PRODUCTS OR THE  FINAL DRAFT SENIOR THESIS.

A Note to Parents

The education of your child is a task shared by parents, teachers, peer groups, and other community members.  Please assist me in serving your child by reading the above, and talking about it with your student.  Save my contact info or bookmark my digital portfolio: http://animashumanities12.weebly.com/home.html.  In their senior year, I am expecting students to have increased levels of individual responsibility, and to engage in their education with less support from teachers and parents (remember, we're trying to get them ready for college!  Eek!).  Practically, this means that I may engage in less parental communication than you may have experienced in previous years.  That said, if at any point you have questions or concerns, please email me at lori.fisher@animashighschool.com. Thanks!