Category Archives: History

The History of White People (Sam)

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

We will be reading the book, The History of White people by Nell Irvin Painter. With this literary work, we will analyze the history of whiteness and it’s origins in Ancient Greece, throughout Europe and abroad.

The book describes attitudes toward and definitions of race among Europeans, and particularly Americans of European descent. The author says the idea of race is not just a matter of biology but also includes “concepts of labor, gender, class, and images of personal beauty”

Our exploration of this book will lead us to group conversations, written expression, defining terms and futher research.

  • 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.

Indigenous Studies  (Sam)

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

For this cultural studies class, we will be reading the book, “The Rediscovery of America: Native Peoples and the unmaking of U.S. History” by Ned Blackhawk. In this book we will draw from historical accounts of Indigenous narratives and the lack of real time visibility in our current examples of American History

We will be using this book as our main text, but there will be supplemental information given thru mini lectures, videos, podcasts and additional academic text.

You will be asked to be active in group conversations, write short responces and the occasional quiz.

Note: This class will meet once a week.

  • 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.

History of Jazz (Sam)

This class will take the time to explore the amazing musical genre of Jazz from its early beginnings to it’s moderized sounds of today. Due to it’s orgins here in America, we will look to realize its cultural and societal evolution. Students will be emmerged into the varried jazz styles and the artists and composers who pioneered each style and the many components of each style of jazz.

There will be many listening sessions, along with lyric & style dissection. Each class session will leave space for each student to make their own conclusion about the many aspects of this great musical genre. Students will improve their current listening experiences and time to discover new paths of music, with the opprotunity to broaden their cultural and musical knowledge.

Note: Headphones and a music account (Spotify) are required!

Mature Themes –  Lyrics in songs can use language not appropriate for all students.

  • Outside work: Occasional throughout the term
  • Mature themes: Some of the lyrics could contain explict language.