Throughout the "Exploring Cultures: An Introduction to Humanities" course, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of various aspects of human civilization, including:

1. **Cultural Diversity: ** Students will learn about the vast diversity of cultures around the world, including language, customs, traditions, and belief systems. They will explore how cultural identities shape individuals and societies.

2. **Art and Architecture: ** Students will study the art and architecture of different civilizations, from ancient to contemporary times. They will analyze artistic styles, techniques, and themes, as well as the cultural, historical, and social contexts in which artworks were created.

3. **History and Civilization: ** Students will delve into the history of significant civilizations and historical periods, such as Mesopotamia, Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece, Ancient Rome, China, India, Japan, and the Islamic world. They will learn about key historical events, figures, and achievements that have shaped the course of human history.

4. **Literature and Mythology: ** Students will explore literary works and mythology from various cultures, including epic poems, myths, folktales, and religious texts. They will analyze the themes, symbolism, and cultural significance of these texts, gaining insight into the human experience across different time periods and geographical regions.

5. **Philosophy and Ideas: ** Students will examine philosophical ideas and intellectual movements that have influenced human thought and society, such as the Enlightenment, humanism, existentialism, and Eastern philosophies. They will engage in critical thinking and philosophical inquiry, reflecting on fundamental questions about existence, morality, and the nature of reality.

6. **Global Perspectives: ** Students will develop a global perspective by exploring contemporary global issues, including environmental sustainability, social justice, globalization, and cultural exchange. They will analyze the interconnectedness of the world and consider the roles of cultural understanding, empathy, and cooperation in addressing global challenges.

Overall, students will develop critical thinking skills, cultural awareness, empathy, and appreciation for the diversity of human cultures and experiences. They will gain valuable insights into the complexities of the human condition and the interconnectedness of the global community.

I'm Tiffany J McDonald, M.Ed. I'm a passionate K-12 Educator and Doctoral Student, dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of young individuals. I believe in creating a nurturing environment that fosters growth, resilience, and emotional development.

I bring a wealth of both academic training and lived experience to my role as a Humanities educator. My dedication to creating a positive impact in the lives of young individuals is evident in her approach to teaching. My academic journey includes obtaining a Master of Education degree, which has provided me with a solid foundation in educational theory, pedagogy, and instructional strategies. This formal training equips me with the knowledge necessary to effectively teach Humanities subjects to K-12 students. As a doctoral student, I am engaged in advanced studies that deepen my understanding of educational research, policy, and practice. This pursuit of higher education demonstrates my commitment to continuous learning and professional development, ensuring I remain informed about the latest trends and advancements in the field of education.

With extensive experience working with diverse populations, I provide individualized instruction and support to help students master the academic subjects that will propel their future. Collaboration is key in my approach. I actively engage with families, educators, and other professionals to ensure a holistic support system is in place. By fostering open lines of communication, I aim to create a unified network that reinforces consistency and progress both at home and in various community settings. As a 2024 ASU Microschool Fellow, Founder of Innovative Minds Academy, and CEO of Let’s TEACH! Beyond the Classroom, I am committed to staying up-to-date with the latest research and best practices in the field of education. This allows me to deliver innovative interventions and evidence-based techniques that yield tangible results. 

Homework Offered
Homework assignments will be offered as part of the "Exploring Cultures: An Introduction to Humanities" course. Homework serves as a valuable reinforcement of the concepts and skills covered in class, providing students with opportunities for independent practice and deeper exploration of course material.

The homework policy for this course is designed to support students' learning and ensure their academic success while also respecting their time and individual learning needs. Homework assignments will be meaningful, relevant, and aligned with the course objectives and curriculum.

Assignments may include reading assignments, research projects, reflection essays, creative projects, or online discussions related to the topics covered in class. Homework will be assigned regularly, typically on a weekly basis, and students will be given sufficient time to complete assignments within reasonable deadlines.

The purpose of homework is to:
1. Reinforce concepts learned in class: Homework assignments will reinforce and extend the learning that takes place during class sessions, allowing students to apply their knowledge and skills in new contexts.
2. Foster independent learning: Homework assignments will encourage students to take ownership of their learning and develop independent research, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
3. Provide feedback and assessment: Homework assignments will provide opportunities for students to receive feedback on their progress and understanding of course material, helping both students and instructors gauge learning outcomes and address any areas of difficulty.
4. Prepare for future lessons: Homework assignments may serve as preparation for upcoming lessons, discussions, or activities, ensuring that students come to class prepared and ready to engage with new material.

While homework is an important component of the course, it will be assigned with consideration for students' workload and other commitments. The instructor will provide clear instructions, expectations, and support for completing homework assignments, and accommodations will be made as needed to ensure that all students have the opportunity to succeed.
1 - 2 hours per week outside of class
Assessments Offered
Assessments, tests, and quizzes will be offered as part of the assessment policy for the "Exploring Cultures: An Introduction to Humanities" course. These assessments serve as valuable tools for evaluating students' understanding of course material, measuring their progress towards learning objectives, and providing feedback to support their academic growth.

The assessment policy for this course is designed to be fair, transparent, and aligned with the course objectives and curriculum. Assessments will cover a range of topics and skills taught throughout the course, including cultural knowledge, critical thinking, analysis, and communication skills.

Types of assessments may include:
1. **Quizzes: ** Short quizzes may be administered periodically to assess students' understanding of key concepts, vocabulary, and factual knowledge related to the topics covered in class.

2. **Tests: ** Tests may be conducted at the end of each unit or thematic unit to assess students' comprehension of broader themes, historical periods, or cultural concepts. Tests may include a combination of multiple-choice, short-answer, and essay questions.

3. **Projects: ** Students may be assigned individual or group projects that require them to research, analyze, and present information on specific cultural topics, artworks, historical events, or literary works. Projects may include presentations, research papers, creative artworks, or multimedia projects.

4. **Essays: ** Students may be required to write reflective essays or analytical essays that demonstrate their understanding of course material, critical thinking skills, and ability to articulate complex ideas and arguments.

5. **Participation: ** Active participation in class discussions, group activities, and presentations may also be assessed as part of the overall assessment policy. Participation grades may be based on students' engagement, preparation, contributions to discussions, and collaboration with peers.

The assessment policy will be communicated clearly to students at the beginning of the course, including expectations for each type of assessment, grading criteria, and deadlines. Feedback will be provided on assessments to help students understand their strengths and areas for improvement, and opportunities for revision or re-assessment may be offered to support student learning.

Overall, the assessment policy is designed to promote student engagement, critical thinking, and mastery of course content while providing opportunities for students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in a variety of ways.
Grades Offered
For the "Exploring Cultures: An Introduction to Humanities" course, a grading policy will be implemented to provide students with feedback on their academic performance and progress throughout the duration of the course. The grading policy will aim to fairly and accurately assess students' understanding of course material, critical thinking skills, and participation in class activities.

**Grading Components: **

1. **Assignments and Projects: ** Students' performance on homework assignments, projects, essays, and other coursework will be evaluated based on the quality, depth, and accuracy of their work. Rubrics or grading criteria will be provided for each assignment to ensure transparency and consistency in grading.

2. **Assessments: ** Grades will be assigned for quizzes, tests, and other assessments administered throughout the course to measure students' comprehension of course content, critical thinking skills, and ability to apply knowledge.

3. **Participation: ** Students' active participation in class discussions, group activities, presentations, and other collaborative learning opportunities will be considered in their overall grade. Participation grades may be based on engagement, preparation, contributions to discussions, and collaboration with peers.

**Grading Scale: **

The grading scale will typically include letter grades (A, B, C, D, F) based on the percentage of total points earned by each student. The specific grading scale and corresponding grade ranges will be communicated to students at the beginning of the course.

**Certificate of Completion: **

Upon successful completion of the course, students may be awarded a certificate of completion to recognize their achievement and participation in the "Exploring Cultures: An Introduction to Humanities" course. The certificate may include the student's name, the name of the course, and the duration of the course.

**Feedback and Support: **

Throughout the course, students will receive timely and constructive feedback on their assignments, assessments, and participation to help them understand their strengths and areas for improvement. The instructor will also be available to provide additional support, clarification, and guidance as needed to facilitate students' academic success.

Overall, the grading policy is designed to motivate and support students in their learning journey while providing a fair and accurate assessment of their academic performance in the course.

We will utilize Online Courses and Lectures, such as Coursera (offers courses on humanities topics such as art history, literature, philosophy, and cultural studies), edX (provides online courses from universities around the world, including courses in the humanities), and TED Talks (features talks by experts on a variety of topics related to culture, society, and global issues) to provide multiple perspectives on topics.