Tag Archives: Hs-only

History of Comedy (Bryan)

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

                               

For winter term only, we’ll explore the evolution of comedy through the decades, learning about influential comedians and the various styles of humor they mastered. From slapstick to sketch, stand-up to satire, we’ll analyze how comedy reflects societal norms, challenges conventions, and connects people through laughter. Each week, students will watch, discuss, and reflect on key performances, uncovering the artistry behind the jokes.

This class will include mature content and is open only to high school students. Expect lively discussions, critical thinking about humor, and regular homework assignments designed to deepen your understanding of comedy as a cultural force.

  • Expect weekly video clips and small written reflections to be done outside of class.
  • Expect to engage with and critique comedic performances.
  • Be prepared to approach humor with an open mind!

Whether you’re a lifelong comedy fan or just curious about its history, this class will give you a new appreciation for the craft of making people laugh.

  • Outside work: A moderate amount (e.g., 30-60 min) for each session
  • Mature themes: Discussion of offensive comedy, some vulgar language
  • Minimum students: 4

Indigenous Studies (Sam)

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

Social Studies Credit (Cultural/Global Studies)

In this two day a week class, students will be studying and analyzing text from the book, “The Rediscovery go America: Native People and the unmasking of U.S. History,”” by Ned Blackhawk. Students will be required to read the assigned text and take quality notes in preparation for our group discussion. The class will cover many stories and historical events that are not openly shares in mainstream historical accounts and will use the information to connect to major events in American history. 

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.

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

  • 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

Africana Studies (Sam)

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

Social Studies Credit (Cultural/Global Studies)

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

In this two day a week Social 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 African 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 large amount (e.g, >60 min) for each session
  • Mature themes: Due to the nature of past World/American History, students will encounter narratives of harm and violence against Indigenous, Black & Brown people.
  • Minimum students: 2
  • Sessions per week: 2

Algebra 2 (Bryan Hopster)

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

This year-long advanced course will meet 3 times a week and will take you deeper into the world of algebra. We’ll cover quadratics, polynomials, rational exponents & radical functions, exponential functions & intro to logarithms, rational functions, trigonometry, and statistics. This class is designed to challenge you and refine your analytical skills, preparing you for future studies in calculus and beyond. A strong understanding of Algebra concepts is necessary, and students should be ready for rigorous work both in and out of class.

  • Outside work: A moderate amount (e.g., 30-60 min) for each session
  • Minimum students: 2
  • Sessions per week: 3