The eloquence, imagination, and drama of literature bring a richer, deeper understanding of human experience. In literature courses students examine how culture and artistic philosophy have shaped a wide array of styles, structures, and genres. Through this study, students become more sensitive to language, its nuances, power, and variety. They practice their writing and analytical skills with strong models of writing as their subject matter.
History develops a perspective on the traditions and influences that have shaped the modern world.
Politics, economic development, and scientific and cultural achievements are taught with a basic consideration for the social values of the era and people under study. Through the study of history, a student learns to distinguish the significant from the trivial, to produce interpretations from different outlooks, to evaluate events, and to detect bias. Students will also develop research skills and improve their ability to access information. Students explore methods and media of artistic expression, characteristics of style, and the role of the artist, actor, writer, and musician. Through this study students will find themselves seeing and hearing with greater discernment and should find their tastes broadened and deepened.