Category Archives: Social Studies

Feminist History & Writings—(possible) SS/ELA (Tara Hill (volunteer))

In this class we will explore what feminism is. This will be done through tracing history and influential thinkers and movements. We will deconstruct gender, like that feminism is not just about Women™. This broad exploration of feminist theories will take us through Indigenous Feminisms, Black Feminism, white feminism, carceral feminism, women of color feminisms, and more. We will examine how feminist theories have always been and will always be relevant, that’s including to us!, in fostering liberatory practices.

I love feminist theory! I was introduced to it in college and I’ve loved it since. For me, it’s the source of laughs, tears (of all emotions), and guidance for life. Through this class, I’d like to bring those ideas in and relate them to our lives.

Content Warning: violence, sexual violence, gendered violence

About the instructor:

Hi! My name’s Tara and I'm currently at UW in the UACT program to get a teaching credential. PSCS has given me the opportunity to volunteer in order for me to further practice teaching. About me: I enjoy spending time at home with my cats, knitting/crocheting, reading, going on walks and watching tv. I hope either of these class ideas sparks your interest and I'd love to get to know y'all!

Outside work: A small amount (e.g., <30 min) for each session
Mature themes: See content warning above
Minimum students: 2
Sessions per week: 2

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.

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

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.

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:

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

HS Philosophy (SS) (hannah)

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

THE FINAL CLASS. We will tackle the biggest concepts that y’all have wanted to do all along – meaning of life + life in the universe + afterlife, etc.

This class will include daily discussion, some writing prompts, small projects, and activities. Must be willing to ask questions, engage in philosophical debate, and change your mind.

Outside work: Occasional throughout the term
Mature themes:

Gender Studies – SS (amy)

In this optional third term of Gender Studies, students will delve deeper into the multifaceted nature of gender and its constructs. We will explore how gender influences the daily lived experiences of individuals, shedding light on the diverse challenges and triumphs faced across different identities. Through collaborative discussions and activities, we will work towards fostering greater understanding and connection across gender lines within our school community.

*This class is open to those who have been in Gender Studies during the 1st and 2nd terms.

*Mature themes may apply to this class.

Outside work: Occasional throughout the term
Mature themes: As pertaining to real-life challenges based on gender
Minimum students: 3
Sessions per week: 2

MS Philosophy (SS) (hannah)

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

A continuation of the winter term class but anyone can join. We will continue to build off the repository of questions we developed in winter term and examine the relevant fields of philosophy to find some answers.

This class will include daily discussion, some writing prompts, small projects, and activities. Must be willing to ask questions, engage in philosophical debate, and change your mind.

Outside work: Occasional throughout the term

Queer Documentaries – SS (amy)

Join us for the second (but different) offering of “Queer Documentaries,” an immersive exploration that shines a light on queer history through a diverse array of lenses. This course presents a curated selection of documentaries that celebrate the richness of queer narratives, offering unique perspectives that foster understanding and connection. Whether you are a seasoned documentary enthusiast or new to the genre, this course invites you to reflect on the past, engage with the present, and envision a more inclusive future through the lens of queer experiences.

*Mature themes apply to this class.

*Please note, transcripts will not be available for the films we watch.

*Class is open to all students, based on mature themes permissions

Outside work: Occasional throughout the term
Mature themes: content related to queer history and existence
Minimum students: 3
Sessions per week: 2

Category Archives: Social Studies

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