Guided by the Lao Tzu quotation, “A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step,” the Humanities 5 curriculum starts the boys on a remarkable journey through ancient time. Using a variety of texts, websites, films, and other resources to explore the foundations of human institutions, students study world geography, the origins of humankind, the great river valley civilizations, and the advance of ancient culture in Africa, Asia, and Europe as they explore the following questions: Who are we as individuals? What are community, culture, and civilization? To strengthen the boys’ critical thinking skills and deepen their understanding of the course material, teachers synthesize the social studies content with a rigorous language arts curriculum. Writing, literature, grammar, vocabulary, and research skills are all taught using content derived from the social studies curriculum, which allows for a more complete and contextual learning experience. In order to best serve our community of learners as they transition between Lower and Middle School, the fifth grade teachers establish, maintain, and emphasize sound personal organizational and time management procedures, laying the foundation for success not only in future humanities courses, but across all disciplines. Lastly, following the wisdom of Lao Tzu’s words, students are encouraged to develop a growth mindset, a mentality of diligence and determination that will allow them to tackle the new challenges of Middle School one small step at a time.

Building on the foundations of scholarship established in fifth grade, the Humanities 6 curriculum is designed to strengthen students’ understanding of the dynamics of culture and societal institutions while developing more advanced skills in the language arts. J.R.R. Tolkien’s quotation, “Not all those who wander are lost,” serves as the thematic compass for a journey back in time to the period when the world’s major civilizations began to expand and come into contact with one another. Armed with an understanding of the foundations of culture, sixth graders explore the following questions as they themselves grow and begin to assume a larger leadership role in the Middle School: Who are we as a community? How do we relate to others in our community? What cultural values do we hold? Students investigate how conquest, colonization, and cultural diffusion caused isolated civilizations to become part of a more modern, global world. The boys begin their studies by examining the Classical civilizations of Greece, Persia, and Rome. Later, their focus shifts to the dynamics of contact, colonization, and conquest, and the burgeoning globalization fostered by the Silk Road. Throughout their studies of history, students learn effective strategies for critical reading, research, composition, vocabulary, spelling, and grammar through structured activities and weekly writing assignments. Instruction continues to emphasize the development of effective organizational skills and good habits of scholarship. With a strong background in world cultures and well-honed thinking and writing skills, sixth graders leave the course with an appreciation for human diversity and a solid platform upon which to launch future pursuits in language arts and social studies.

With Ralph Waldo Emerson’s quotation, “Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail,” as its directive, Humanities 7 diverges from the study of world social studies in Humanities 5 and 6 by focusing on the history of the United States and Texas. Students explore the following questions as they study the histories, geographies, governments, multicultural heritages, and current events of state and country, and also by reading a variety of myths, novels, and poems: What roles do courage and honor play in the formation of my identity and character? What are the opportunities and responsibilities of freedom? What makes a true hero? Beginning with Native America and continuing through the development of the Constitution and the start of the American Experiment, the course spends significant time exploring the fascinating and complex history of Texas before ending with that most tragic and momentous of turning points in our country’s history, the American Civil War. During the year, students complete a major research project designed to introduce effective and ethical research techniques, including the appropriate use of technology. Both independently and in groups, students complete analytical and creative projects to help them build skills of critical thinking and collaboration. With heavy emphasis on the writing process, teachers assign expository and creative papers to improve the depth of their students’ thinking and the quality of their expression. Study skills, organization, and time management continue to be emphasized, as do vocabulary and grammar. Having strengthened their academic abilities, and having learned from the successes and failures of our own history as Americans and as Texans, Humanities 7 students are prepared to forge ahead confidently into the increasingly demanding realms of Middle School life.

Inspired by the Walt Whitman quotation, “I tramp a perpetual journey,” Humanities 8 serves as the capstone course of the St. Mark’s Humanities Department. During their final year in the Middle School, eighth grade Marksmen build on their Humanities 7 experience by exploring the following questions as teachers encourage them to think more seriously about themselves and the world in which they live: What makes a good person? What makes a good leader? What makes a good society? What’s worth fighting for? What makes a good life? Interweaving selected literature with the study of America’s journey from Reconstruction through the present day, the course challenges students to develop more sophisticated reading, writing, and critical thinking skills while pushing them to become increasingly engaged, collaborative, and confident learners. Vocabulary and grammar remain major points of emphasis, as do the development of effective and ethical research skills. In fulfillment of the school’s and the department’s missions, Humanities 8 explores American history and literature as the perpetual journey toward the clarification, development, and expansion of the Founders’ goals of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.