Author Archives: Sam Williams

Art & Aesthetics – Arts (Sam)

Arts Credit

This class will explores the fundamental concepts of art and aesthetics, examining how artistic expression and aesthetic experience shape human culture and perception. Students will engage with key philosophical theories of beauty, taste, and artistic interpretation while analyzing various forms of visual, literary, and performing arts. The course covers historical and contemporary perspectives on art, its social and cultural significance, and the role of aesthetics in everyday life. Through discussions, critical analyses, and creative projects, students will develop a deeper appreciation for artistic expression and the principles of aesthetics.

Objectives:

  • Understand major aesthetic theories and their historical development.
  • Analyze and interpret works of art across different media.
  • Explore the relationship between art, culture, and society.
  • Develop critical thinking skills in evaluating artistic and aesthetic experiences.
  • Engage in creative projects that apply aesthetic principles.

This class is suitable for students interested in art history, philosophy, literature, and cultural studies. No prior artistic experience is required.

Note: To receive credit for this class, you must complete all assigned readings , vocally participate in class discussions, turn in all notes, complete complete small and large art projects.

  • Outside work: Occasional throughout the term

WA State History – SS (Sam)

History Credit (required for all students, 8th grate and High School)

This class will meet twice a week.

Washington State History is a class that explores the historical, geographical, political, economic, and cultural development of Washington State. Students will study the Native American tribes of the region, European and American exploration, early settlements, territorial expansion, statehood, and key events that have shaped Washington’s growth. The course also covers industries such as timber, fishing, and technology, as well as contemporary issues affecting the state. Emphasis is placed on understanding the role of government, civic engagement, and Washington’s place in the broader history of the United States.

To receive credit for this class, you must complete all assigned readings , turn in all notes, complete short question exercises, and projects.

  • Outside work: A small amount (e.g., <30 min) for each session
  • Mature themes: Due to the nature of history, some elements could include loss of life and violent acts as essential to survival.

Asian American Studies – History/Cultural Studies (Sam)

Note: This class is open to high school students only.

This class will meet once a week.

Asian American Studies is an interdisciplinary field that explores the historical, cultural, social, and political experiences of Asian Americans in the United States. This course examines the migration patterns, radicialization, identity formation, activism, and contributions of diverse Asian American communities. Topics may include immigration policies, labor histories, transnationalism, media representation, intersectionality, and contemporary issues such as discrimination and social justice movements. Through readings, discussions, and research, students will critically analyze the evolving narratives and complexities of Asian American identities in relation to broader U.S. society.

To receive credit for this class, you must complete all assigned readings, turn in all notes, complete short and medium sized essays, including research work and possibly a research paper or larger writing assignment.

  • Outside work: A moderate amount (e.g., 30-60 min) for each session
  • Mature themes: Due to the nature of history, some elements could include loss of life and violent acts as essential to survival.

Polynesian Studies – History/Cultural Studies (Sam)

Note: This class is open to high school students only.

This class will meet once a week.

Polynesian History is a class that explores the rich and diverse history of the Polynesian people, tracing their origins, migrations, and cultural developments across the Pacific. Students will examine traditional navigation and settlement patterns, social structures, belief systems, and the impact of European contact and colonization. The course also delves into modern Polynesian identities, political movements, and cultural revitalization efforts. Through historical sources, oral traditions, and contemporary perspectives, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of Polynesia’s past and its influence on the present.

To receive credit for this class, you must complete all assigned readings, turn in all notes, complete short and medium sized essays, including research work and possibly a research paper or larger writing assignment.

  • Outside work: A small amount (e.g., <30 min) for each session
  • Mature themes: Due to the nature of history, some elements could include loss of life and violent acts as essential to survival.

Linguistic Anthropology – LA (Sam)

This class will meet once a week.

Linguistic anthropology is a subfield of anthropology that studies the relationship between language and culture, examining how language shapes and is shaped by social life. It focuses on how language influences human interactions, identity, power dynamics, and worldviews across different societies.

Key Areas of Study:

  1. Language and Culture – Investigating how language reflects and constructs cultural norms, beliefs, and values.
  2. Language and Identity – Exploring how language is tied to ethnicity, nationality, gender, and social class.
  3. Language Change and Evolution – Studying historical language development, dialects, and the impact of globalization on language.
  4. Language and Power – Analyzing how language is used to exert control, reinforce hierarchies, or resist authority.
  5. Language and Thought (Linguistic Relativity) – Examining the extent to which language influences cognition and perception (e.g., the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis).
  6. Sociolinguistics and Discourse Analysis – Understanding language use in different social contexts and interactions.

Linguistic anthropologists use ethnographic methods, participant observation, interviews, and recordings of natural speech to analyze language in real-world contexts. Their work often intersects with other fields, such as sociolinguistics, cognitive science, and political science.

To receive credit for this class, you must complete all assigned readings, turn in all notes, complete assignments, and relay research information.

  • Outside work: A small amount (e.g., <30 min) for each session

Comic Books: Heroes v Villains – LA (Sam)

Language Arts Credit

This class will meet once a week.

Welcome to an exciting journey into the world of comic books! In this class, students will explore the art, storytelling, and history of comics, from classic superheroes to modern graphic novels. Through reading, discussion, and creative activities, students will learn how comics combine words and visuals to tell powerful stories.

We will analyze different genres, study character development, and even experiment with creating our own short comics. Whether you’re a longtime comic book fan or just curious about the medium, this class will help you develop a deeper appreciation for this unique form of storytelling.

Get ready to read, discuss, and immerse yourself in the colorful and creative world of comics!

 

Note: To receive credit for this class, you must complete all assigned readings , participate in group discussions, and all other related classwork.

  • Outside work: No outside work

An Indigenous People’s History of the United States – Social Studies (Sam)

Note: This class is open to middle school students only.

Social Studies Credit

This class will meet twice a week.

This class introduces students to the diverse histories, cultures, and perspectives of Indigenous peoples, with a focus on local and global Indigenous communities. Students will explore Indigenous traditions, languages, governance, and contributions to society while also examining historical and contemporary challenges faced by Indigenous nations.

Through storytelling, primary sources, discussions, and hands-on activities, students will gain a deeper understanding of Indigenous ways of knowing, environmental stewardship, and the impact of colonization. The course will also highlight Indigenous resilience, activism, and the ongoing efforts toward reconciliation and self-determination.

By the end of the class, students will develop respect for Indigenous knowledge systems, strengthen their critical thinking skills, and learn how to be informed and active allies in their communities.

Note: To receive credit for this class, you must complete all assigned readings, turn in all notes, complete short question exercises, and projects.

  • Outside work: A small amount (e.g., <30 min) for each session
  • Mature themes: Due to the nature of history, some elements could include loss of life and violent acts as essential to survival.
  • Minimum students: 2
  • Sessions per week: 2

French I – WL (Sam)

World Language Credit

In this two day a week world language class, students will be immersed in foundational French language concepts. This class will experience the language in three different styles; written, vocalization and learning. During each class session, students will be expected to fully participate in speaking aloud, written vocabulary and sentence structure work and active listening to several speakers from several French speaking countries. Each student will be given the time to meet with me, one on one for additional guidance. 

To receive credit for this class, you must complete all assigned language exercises (written and oral), turn in all notes, complete vocabulary work and assigned short quizzes.

  • Outside work: A small amount (e.g., <30 min) for each session

French 2 – WL (Sam)

Note: This class is open to high school students only.

 

World Language Credit *Prerequisite (Teacher Approval or completetion of French I)

In this two day a week world language class, students will be immersed in intermediate French. This class will experience the language in three different styles; written, vocalization and learning. During each class session, students will be expected to fully participate in speaking aloud, written vocabulary and sentence structure work and active listening to several speakers from several French speaking countries. Each student will be given the time to meet with me, one on one for additional guidance. 

To receive credit for this class, you must complete all assigned language exercises (written and oral), turn in all notes, complete vocabulary work and assigned short quizzes.

  • Outside work: A small amount (e.g., <30 min) for each session

Africana Studies – History/Cultural Studies (Sam)

Note: This class is open to high school students only.

(Cultural/Global Studies)

*Prerequisite (Teacher Approval or 3 cultural Studies classes taken)

In this two day a week cultural studies class, students will learn early, and recent past African history from the perspective of Africans. This history has been colonized and made to be less important based on the people who hold power, both monetarily and politically. The first part will examine the image, myth and stereotypes of Africa in the western media and popular culture. How does the history of Africa align and shape American history?

To receive credit for this class, you must complete all assigned readings, be actively vocal in small group and all group discussion, take notes from presentation and lectures, turn in all notes, complete short and medium sized essays, including research work and possibly a research paper or larger writing assignment.

  • Outside work: A small amount (e.g., <30 min) for each session
  • Mature themes: Due to the nature of history, some elements could include loss of life and violent acts as essential to survival.