FHS offers the program for the first time this term, open to any student. If it works, administrators hope to expand the program for sophomores to include history, literature and music appreciation. In theory, the program could help keep students interested in complex topics, reinforce their understanding of each subject and boost state Standards of Learning scores. Prince William County schools use a similar course to help students place each lesson in historical and cultural context. And they're doing it.
Teachers usually make no deliberate attempt to mesh the two.
You get to see more of what you're studying this way. You get a better view of it. Already, Sarah and her classmates have had a few revelations. Two days later, Ms. Dent showed some slides of Assyrian art illustrating their infamous cruelty to prisoners of war. Ms. Gray included the Assyrians on a class review soon after that.