Struggles in Humanities Core

Okay, I know I haven't written in awhile, so I guess I'm writing this for myself, knowing nobody will read it.

I am so discouraged with my Humanities Core students right now. They are so worried about grades, but seem so little interested in learning. In my 2:00 section i have two students who consistantly sleep through discussion. They literally put their heads down on the desk and sleep. I've another have a dozen who stare off in the distance like they're mental patients. I don't know if they are bored, or angry, or what. Plus, when they are not sleeping they are complaining about their grades, even when they get "B's." Do they think everyone should get an "A?" There really are very view students who seem to really master the material, and that's okay, I understand, life is short, students are busy, and the course is challenging, but then why be so angry and bored? I'm trying to help them get what the texts and lectures are about, but they sit there sleepy, bored, and angry.

Of course, this could be my fault. If they're not learning, I'm not teaching. But I don't know how to be both interesting and helpful at the same time. They want to get good grades, so I tend to focus class on those things that will contribute to that, but then they don't pay attention, they don't talk, they don't do the reading, and at least a third of them don't go to lecture.

I'm also really frustrated because I don't think they treat their biology and chemistry teachers this way. I get the feeling they think science is real education and the humanities are something to be endured. This reminds me of something I read recently in Karen Armstrong's book, _The Battle for God_. In describing the condition of universities in Egypt in the 1970's she writes:

"The humanities, law, and the social sciences were known as 'garbage faculties,' and virtually written off. . . In this setting, the students were not trained to think creatively about the problems of humanity or of society. Instead, they were required to absorb information passively and soullessly. Their introduction to modern culture was chronically suuperficial, therefore, and left their religious beliefs and practices entirely untouched." (p. 1949)

I've got to think of a way to overcome this. I hope its not too late. I only have four weeks left in the quarter.