Category Archives: Social Studies

Election 2024 (Brandon Bermudez)

Dive deep into the dynamics of the 2024 U.S. presidential election in this class. Students will explore the key players, pivotal events, and emerging trends shaping the election cycle. Students will also examine the interplay of political strategies, media coverage, and public opinion. This class will utilize a mix of lectures, videos, case studies, and interactive discussions. Students will engage in real-time analysis of election developments and participate in debates to apply their understanding. Join us to gain a nuanced understanding of one of the most significant elections in recent U.S. history and develop the analytical skills necessary to navigate the complex world of contemporary politics.

Key Topics:

-Candidates and Campaigns: Analyze the platforms, strategies, and backgrounds of the major candidates. Study how their campaigns are structured and the impact of their policies on various demographics.

 

-Media Influence: Investigate the role of traditional and digital media in shaping voter perceptions and election narratives. Assess how social media, news outlets, and advertising influence public opinion and voter behavior.

-Public Opinion and Polling: Examine how public opinion is measured and its role in shaping campaign strategies. Learn about the methodologies behind polling and the challenges of interpreting poll results.

-Political Polarization: Explore the growing polarization in American politics. Analyze how partisan divides affect electoral outcomes and governance.

-Election Integrity and Reform: Discuss issues related to election security, voter access, and electoral reforms. Assess how these factors impact the democratic process.

-Historical Context: Compare the 2024 election to previous presidential elections. Identify patterns and changes in the political landscape over time.

Prerequisites:

A foundational understanding of American government and politics is recommended but not required.

  • Outside work: Occasional throughout the term
  • Minimum students: 3
  • Sessions per week: 2

Human Geography

The study of humans and how they react to their environment throughout the world. In each continental examination, we can learn from various areas of life including economic, cultural, political and urban geography. We can draw several ideas and levels of understanding from the past and present changes and how it will effect the future. Historically, we can use information to analyze several areas of impact such as globalization, colonialism and the relationships between various landscapes and numerous global interactions.

Our in class gathering will include mapping, vocabulary, and deep research on ancient and modern cultural groups.

  • 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: 3
  • Sessions per week: 2

Gender Studies (Amy)

Sometimes the world seems like such a binary place…But how did we get here, and how can we push for more expansive understandings of what it means to be human?

In this TWO-TERM class, we will learn about the phenomenon of gender through multiple modalities and class discussions.  You may leave the class with more questions than answers, but you will have a strong base for understanding how the binary came to be, who it serves, and how to work to tear it down.

About the text:

An instant best-seller and now the leading book for the course, Wade and Ferree’s Gender is a sophisticated yet accessible introduction to sociological perspectives on gender. Drawing on memorable examples mined from history, pop culture, and current events, Gender deftly moves between theoretical concepts and applications to everyday life. New discussions of #metoo, toxic masculinity, and gender politics in the Trump era help students participate in today’s conversation about gender. The new gold standard for sociology of gender courses.

*At the end of the first term, class members will discuss whether to make the second-term class once a week or twice a week

Required texts/materials: The instructor will procure the texts/materials.

  • Outside work: Occasional throughout the term
  • Mature themes: content related to gender inequities throughout history (including, but not limited to sexual abuse and reproductive health care access/rights)
  • Minimum students: 2
  • Sessions per week: 2

HS Philosophy (hannah)

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

In Philosophy class, we tackle big questions and ideas, such as: who am I? What’s the point of all this? What is the right thing to do? Why are things the way they are? 

Class will include daily discussion, reading, writing, and other projects. Y’ALL ALWAYS WANT TO DEBATE so we’ll do that, too. We will begin where we left off in the spring by discussing contentious prompts concerning ethics, morals, and values. However, you do not need to have taken Philosophy in the spring to join now. Any high schooler welcome. 

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