Development of the creative, emotive, critical, and aesthetic skills can offer a way of looking at human experience--a philosophy of Henri Bergson--different from that offered by science and logic. The development of such skills is the goal of the humanities program, and a survey of over 500 exemplary programs indicated a number of characteristics typical of good programs. A non-dogmatic approach, a free classroom climate, and the use of an inductive, team-teaching method are essential, although a variety of teaching methods should be used. The humanities curriculum should be spiral, extending over a number of years, and should be considered a vital part of the school's overall plan. The faculty should be committed to humanistic values and should teach students, not courses. The humanities program should be open to all students for exposure to a wide range of experiences relatable to their own lives and for encouragement in creative expression. Resource materials and speakers drawn from the community can supplement materials within the school to achieve course objectives. (LH)