At University Liggett School, place-based humanities education empowers students to explore history through direct engagement with their surroundings. By focusing on local examples like Grosse Pointe, Detroit, and the Great Lakes region, students delve into broader historical concepts through hands-on learning. This approach shifts the classroom dynamic — teachers become co-learners and facilitators, allowing students to drive their own inquiry.
87% of ULS students feel more engaged in their studies of history through our place-based approach.
2023 student Survey
By grounding education in local relevance and authentic experiences, students connect deeply with their communities and learn to ask meaningful questions that promote deep reflection and understanding — skills that are highly applicable and valuable in every learning endeavor.
ULS’ distinct place-based humanities program facilitates:
- A learning experience grounded in local relevancy
- Students creating, rather than consuming, knowledge
- A focus on student inquiry over traditional teaching methods
- Teachers as co-learners and facilitators
- Authentic assessment grounded in tangible, real-world outcomes
