Humanities

Faculty: Literature
Brian Chance, Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania
Scott Wilkins, M.A., State University of New York, Brockport

Faculty: History
Monique Baxter, M.A., University of Texas – Pan American
Kelly Chaves, M.A., University of Melbourne
Michelle McCargish, M.A., Oklahoma State University

Humanities Curriculum
All students at OSSM are required to take two semesters of American literature and two semesters of history as juniors.  Students also take two semesters of world literature and two semesters of western civilization as seniors. Also, two fine arts credits are required for graduation.

American Literature | Two semesters (1 unit of credit)
This survey course emphasizes the written analysis of literature from the nineteenth century to the present.  Students also participate in writing lab.

Prerequisites: Required of all juniors.

World Literature | Two semesters (1 unit of credit)
This course for seniors emphasizes the analysis of masterpieces of world literature from the ninth century B.C. to the present.

Prerequisites: Required of all seniors.

Principles of English Composition | One semester (1/2 unit of credit)
This course prepares students for a variety of writing tasks encountered in college and in the workplace.  Emphasis is placed on developing critical thinking skills, applying rhetorical strategies, and utilizing techniques for effective and efficient communication.

Prerequisites: Required of all seniors.

American History | Two semesters (1 unit of credit)
A survey of the political and social forces that have determined the course of this nation since the pre-Columbian era.  Attention will be given to analytical skills and to effective writing in history.

Prerequisites: 

Western Civilization | Two semesters (1 unit of credit)
This course focuses on the historical development of culture, society, government, and thought in Europe and the Mediterranean from the dawn of civilization in 3500 B.C. to the present.  Reading from both primary and secondary sources, students are required to analytically consider the Western past through discussion and writing.

Prerequisites: Required of all seniors.

East Asian History | One semester (1/2 unit of credit)
This course focuses on the historical development of culture, society, government, and thought in Europe and the Mediterranean from the dawn of civilization in 3500 B.C. to the present.  Reading from both primary and secondary sources, students are required to analytically consider the Western past through discussion and writing.

Prerequisites: American History

Arab Civilization | One semester (1/2 unit of credit)
This course focuses on the historical development of culture, society, government, and thought in Europe and the Mediterranean from the dawn of civilization in 3500 B.C. to the present.  Reading from both primary and secondary sources, students are required to analytically consider the Western past through discussion and writing.

Prerequisites: American History

Foreign Languages | Languages Two years of the same foreign language required for graduation (1/2 unit of credit)
Languages offered include Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Latin and Spanish.  Students entering OSSM may receive credit for previous work completed in a foreign language.  However, if the foreign language requirement has been completed at the student’s home school, an additional two elective units are required while in residence at OSSM in courses of the student’s choice.

Prerequisites: 

Fine Arts | Two semesters (1 unit of credit)
Students must enroll in a Fine Arts class for one or more semesters each year as required for graduation.  Classes will be pre-arranged and will include specialized areas of art, music, theatre, photography and dance.

Prerequisites: