11th Grade Humanities Symposium
- 06/11/2026
- Category: Student Voices Social Justice Featured
Exploring the History of Social Change
Northwest's 4th annual 20th-Century Social Movements Research Symposium showcased a range of thought-provoking Humanities student research projects.
This symposium marked the culmination of months of independent research, writing, and analysis as students explored topics connected to influential social movements that have shaped the modern world. They shared their projects through presentations, visual displays, and discussions with classmates, faculty, families, and community members.
Each project reflected students' ability to investigate complex historical issues, evaluate sources, and communicate their ideas through original scholarship.
We have access to a curriculum that allows us to experiment with projects like this - experiences that are truly unique to our school.
A Cornerstone of the Humanities Program
The symposium is an integral component of Northwest's Humanities program, that engages history, literature, philosophy, and the arts.
Upper School students engage with world civilizations through lectures, seminars, writing tutorials, and research projects that encourage critical thinking and interdisciplinary learning. By 11th grade, students are prepared to undertake substantial independent research and present their work to a public audience.
The Social Movements Symposium provides students with an opportunity to move beyond traditional classroom assignments, transforming research into meaningful conversations about history, culture, and social change.
Celebrating Student Scholarship
The symposium highlights not only the depth of student research, but also the confidence and communication skills needed to present findings to an audience, share knowledge, defend ideas, and engage in thoughtful dialogue.
It reflects Northwest's commitment to inquiry-based learning that encourages students to develop a nuanced historical understanding and connect it to the world around them.
Congratulations to all our 11th grade students on your original scholarship, as well as sharing it with the Northwest community!