|
Senior High (Grades 9-12)
Curriculum
|
Published in 1999 by Jeff Liebmann, email jdl1@pitt.edu; web site
Available from the publisher |
Dare To Know:
“Isms” Linking Humanism and Unitarian Universalism for High School YouthBy Jeff Liebmann
- Theme and Description
- This year-long curriculum for high school youth introduces participants to Humanism and to other contemporary “isms.” Rather than provide definitive answers to questions about the nature of existence or the purpose of life, this program uses a discussion format to give participants tools for finding their own answers. The curriculum is divided into five modules: “Origins of Humanist Thought,” “The Tools of the Humanist,” “Humanism and Social Relations,” “Humanism, Politics, and Economics,” and “Humanism and the World.”
- Goals for Participants
- To develop an understanding of the relationship between Unitarian Universalism and humanism;
To learn about a wide range of Western philosophical traditions, with a focus on modern philosophers;
To become familiar with the words and lives of prominent Humanists and free-thinkers;
To develop techniques of futurist research and critical thought.
- Age Range
- High School—grades 9-12
- Size of Group
- Flexible
- Space Requirements
- A room large enough to allow good conversation and discussion, as well as space for participants to break into groups of three to five.
- Number and Length of Sessions
- 23 sessions, can be organized as a yearlong format, or as five “modules” containing four to six sessions. Includes five supplemental sessions using a videotape of the original Star Trek or Outer Limits television series.
Length: Unspecified - Leader Training
- No special training is required. The class may be led by a single individual or by a team. It is recommended that for continuity the same person or team teach the entire program. It is recommended that leaders be comfortable with a style that both facilitates discussion while allowing the youth the freedom to take the lead if they so desire.
- Strengths
- Addresses an important part of UU heritage—humanism.
Draws upon a wide variety of likely and unlikely sources for its ideas and text.
Provides extensive references for further information.
Well researched content. - Limitations
- As each lesson builds on the previous one, inconsistent attendance could make it difficult to fully grasp the content.
The academic tone of the writing might intimidate leaders and participants.
Highly conceptual (postmodernism, deconstruction, etc.) and verbal, which will not appeal to all youth.
Some of the material may be controversial, inappropriate, or offensive. - Adaptability
- Can either be taught over a year, or as five separate modules each lasting from 4-6 weeks.
The suggested outside reading allows the motivated leader to adapt and add to the curricula. - Unitarian Universalist Values
- Is connected to the Unitarian Universalist Principles, discussing the concepts behind them throughout the text. Draws almost entirely from Humanist teachings, but using a very broad definition of Humanist.
Reviewed on June 30, 2004
|
Curricula
