Cultural Foundations is the first level course in the core Humanities program combining work in English and social studies (history, government, geography, and economics.) In English, Cultural Foundations engages students in a reading and writing workshop model designed to develop critical thinking and writing skills while building reading stamina and fluency. Students explore the complex, often contradictory relationships between populations, the morals and ethics they seek to embody and/or challenge, and the larger society in which they live. They investigate the stories that shape our culture and the reality in which we live. Students examine various genres of literature including poetry, short fiction, personal narrative and the novel. Social studies includes history, government, geography, and economics. Students will examine the inspiration for and the themes of the founding documents, as well as look at what these documents mean for both government and civic responsibility. Students will also study political parties and political ideologies, including their own perspectives. Using both historical references and modern thought, students also explore what role individuals play in a society and how societies influence and inform individual thoughts and actions. Students will also begin to learn basic economic principles and apply these principles not only their own lives, but the United States as well.