This year the students began their studies of varying historical points of view through the perspective of the Native Americans and slaves. They continue throughout the year to find relationships between historical context and the art and literature that emerge in each time period.

In AP U.S. History, the political and economic events are discussed within a framework that includes geographic and social forces. Parallel reading is used to expose students to people who actually lived through the events of American history. Students expand their analytical skills in writing standard essays and document-based essays in timed class situations. AP Language and Composition is primarily a course in effective writing and critical reading, explored through the lens of American literature. By analyzing a variety of texts, both classical and contemporary, the students expand their repertoire of compositional strategies. Writers develop a more sophisticated awareness of audience and style in brief exercises ranging stylistic imitation to the planning and revision of longer essays. This year, inspired by the narratives of slaves, students produced their own skits to emphasize their understanding of America’s history.

Horizon Juniors will visit an exhibit at the McKissick Museum at the University of South Carolina and have an orientation to the South Carolina Honors College with Associate Dean Jim Burns.

This Far by Faith: Carolina Camp Meetings, An African American Tradition
August 9, 2008 - March 14, 2009
This exhibit tells the history and captures the spirit of camp meetings through photographs, video and artifacts. Featuring photographs and oral histories by USC art professor Minuette Floyd, “This Far by Faith” uncovers the understanding and awareness of this rich, southern tradition and shows the importance camp meetings hold both within and outside of the communities where they take place.
Dr. Minuette Floyd is an associate professor and coordinator of the art education program at the University of South Carolina. Floyd’s research focuses on multicultural art education, interdisciplinary art instruction and folk traditions and has been funded by grants from the S.C. Humanities Council, the S.C. Arts Commission and the National Endowment of the Arts.
http://uscnews.sc.edu/2008/08012008-MCKS245.html