Skip to main content

High School Regional Programs ⟶Program Themes ⟶ Humanities

Humanities

The vision of the Humanities Program is to equip students with the knowledge and skills to think critically, communicate with purpose, and create meaningful solutions to complex, real‑world problems that reflect the human experience. Students graduate from MCPS with the intellectual depth and moral compass needed to communicate effectively and lead ethically. This program prepares students to meet challenges that require an understanding of human behavior, culture, history, and values.

 

Core Experiences

  • Participate in annual interdisciplinary projects
  • Earn college credit
  • Earn Humanities Program Certificate
  • Participate in an AP Capstone Project
  • Participate in competitions and student organizations 
  • Participate in field trip experiences

 

Program Goals

  1. Develop Foundational Knowledge and Skills
    Equip students with foundational critical thinking, communication, and interpretive skills alongside a deep, interdisciplinary knowledge base in history, culture, and philosophy.
  2. Provide Hands-On, Real-World Experience
    Engage students in rigorous academic analysis into practical, real-world experience through projects and research to address complex societal and global challenges directly.
  3. Foster College, Career, and/or Community Pathways
    Equip students with the academic readiness and versatile, in-demand skills necessary to secure admission to top colleges and universities, compete successfully for entry-level careers, and immediately take on meaningful leadership roles in their communities.

 

Application & Locations

Selection Process: Criteria-based application

Schools:

  • Region 1: Whitman
  • Region 2: Sherwood
  • Region 3: Walter Johnson
  • Region 4: Churchill
  • Region 5: Watkins Mill
  • Region 6: Poolesville

Course Progression

Below is a sample sequence of courses for students enrolled in the Humanities Program. Cells in pink are related to the program pathway. This is subject to change as the programs are developed.

Grades 6–8 Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12

Career advising, and claiming of RIASEC themes.

Career Exploration
Honors English 9 - Humanities English 10 AP Seminar AP English Language and Composition AP English Literature and Composition
AP Government - Humanities AP US History - Humanities AP World History - Humanities Humanities Elective
Criticism in the Humanities Culture in Lit/Media in Society AP Art History AP Research
Elective (PE or Technology) Elective (PE, Technology or Health) Humanities Elective Elective (PE, Technology or Health)
Math Math Math Math
Honors Biology Honors Chemistry Honors Physics, AP Physics 1 or 2 Science Elective OR None
World Language World Language Elective Elective

Program Requirements

In addition to MCPS requirements for graduation, studentsmust complete the following to remain enrolled in the Humanities Program and earn the related certificate:

  • English (4.5 credits)
    • Humanities English 9
    • English 10 AP Seminar
    • AP English Language & Composition
    • AP English Literature and Composition
    • Culture in Literature (0.5 credits)
  • Social Sciences (3 credits)
    • AP US Government (NSL)
    • AP US History
    • AP World History
  • Art, Media & Humanities (2.5 credits)
    • Criticism in the Humanities
    • Media in Society (0.5 credits)
    • AP Art History
  • Electives (2 credits)
    • 2 credits of humanities electives in grades 11-12