Inquiry into the Humanities

In the St. Agnes Upper School, our educators regularly examine and modify our curriculum to ensure we are meeting the needs of students in our ever-changing world. One of the new courses that was added this year through that process is Inquiry into the Humanities, an elective one-semester course in our Fine Arts Department.

Through study, research, and discussion, students in this course discover how the arts leave a lasting record of human nature and behavior throughout the ages. The goal is for the students to develop a “philosophical habit of mind,” an inquiring and global way of thinking.

“Humanities is a very broad study, encompassing everything from cultures, history, and traditions to philosophy and critical theory,” said Ann Neal, course instructor and Chair of the Fine Arts Department.  “Basically, it is the study of the human experience.  In a semester class, we can only scratch the surface, so we decided to begin with the human experience in the place that we know - Memphis.” 

She continued, “Our approach is, as Memphians, ‘Who are we?’ We have studied the city's art and music, the founders and upstanders, the many religions that are practiced in our city, the cultures, traditions, the victories, and the struggles.”

Melia, a senior in this inaugural class, is pleased she decided to take the course. She shared, “I love the Humanities class! It gives me the chance to learn and experience what Memphis has to offer each of us.”

One highlight of Inquiry into the Humanities is the off campus experiences the girls have participated in, each designed to bring a new level of awareness to our students. They have walked the streets of downtown and the beautiful grounds of Elmwood Cemetery. Most recently, they went on a Memphis “art excursion” of the city-to see for themselves art installations they have been studying.

The course has been very thought provoking for class member Jaila. She reflected, “A lot of people my age plan on leaving Memphis and not returning. I think this is due to a lack of understanding and appreciation for where we come from. Through this class I can explore EVERY part and understand EVERY part of our city. It makes me want to stay. Sure, I may leave, but I will be back. Why? Because this is my home, and if we all leave...how will the city ever improve and thrive? I've really been able to gain a deeper appreciation for Memphis I've explored the most beautiful parts and examined some of the most painful parts in this class.” 

The course culminates with a class project-to create an interactive visual or performance art piece that answers this question:  Who are Memphians? Jaila has high expectations for their project, and shared, “I would love for whatever we create to be so awe inspiring that every person who comes across it takes a second to be in the moment with it.”