Tag Archives: Hs-only

HS Sexual Health (Amy)

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

Sexual health is HUGE topic that spans all life stages.  This course will dig deeper into reproductive anatomy, puberty, gender, sexual orientation, healthy vs. unhealthy relationship behaviors, body image, consent, and more.  The way that topics are covered in this course will set you up to be informed and know that you have autonomy as you move toward adulthood.

I take an intersectional approach to teaching sex ed, meaning that we will examine how our own identities either provide or limit us access to spaces and experiences.  I LOVE teaching sex ed and believe that you will LOVE taking this class.  Throughout the year, we will let your questions and interests guide much of our learning.

We all come to this topic with varying values and knowledge.  It is important that in this class we respect each other and ourselves.

While talking about these topics might seem intimidating to some, I can assure you that you will surprise yourself with the confidence you gain through increased knowledge and the normalization of these ideas in our conversations.

This course will allow you to do individual reflecting, engage in group conversations, ask all of the questions you have, and actively use your knowledge and interests to support others within your community.

Even if you have already met your requirements for HS Sexual Health, I encourage you to take it again – this will be a whole new experience!

  • Outside work: A small amount (e.g., <30 min) for each session
  • Mature themes: sex, consent, birth control, STIs and prevention, sexual abuse
  • Minimum students: 2
  • Sessions per week: 2

Indigenous Poetry (hannah)

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

In this class, students will explore and examine indigenous poetry from across the country working with the anthology When The Light of the World Was Subdued, Our Songs Came Through: A Norton Anthology of Native Nations Poetry. The poetry in this book elevates voices and illuminates unseen histories across time and space. 

Students will compare and contrast poetry from different regions of the country while learning the stories of poets, tribal nations, and historical contexts to better interpret meaning. This class will include the memorization and recitation of a chosen poem as well as regular discussion, analytical writing prompts, and creating your own poetry and/or artistic expression inspired by what we read.

  • Outside work: A moderate amount (e.g., 30-60 min) for each session
  • Mature themes:

American History – HS (TSam) (Sam)

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

 

The founding of America and its early history to the present is one that commonly leaves out the narrative of the marginalized. While some of the stories we have been taught often share ideas of heroes and major triumphs, they almost never share the true stories of the people who actually did all of the work. In this class, we will be reading and analyzing the literary work of Howard Zinn and his remarkable book, “A People’s History of the United States.” We will have meaningful discussions, write essays, and research connecting narratives.

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

  • 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.

Philosophy (hannah)

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

Philosophy means “love of wisdom” in Greek, but this field has come a long way since ancient times. Philosophy is “the rational, abstract, and methodical consideration of reality as a whole or of fundamental dimensions of human existence and experience” (Britannica). People have always asked big questions across cultures, civilizations, time, and space. In this class, students will decolonize philosophy by not only studying diverse thinkers and perspectives, but by applying philosophical ideas to their own lived experiences and identities. 

This class will require you to gather, analyze, and communicate insights creatively and critically; cultivate skills in close reading, critical thinking, and persuasive writing; and analysis of diverse philosophical perspectives, concepts, and ideas.  

Discussion and deliberation happen frequently – participation is required for your success as a student. This class also includes opportunities to reflect on personal values; address prompts through written work and small group projects; and apply ideas in action. Topics this term include social and political philosophy; ethics and morals; and the origins of the universe.

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

Cultural Films (TSam)

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

 

Learning about other cultures and their ways of understanding is one of the most inspiring parts of the human journey! While the average person cannot travel to every country and meet every cultural group, film, and media provide unique glimpses we might never get the chance to experience. We will take the opportunity to watch films/documentaries that cover various topics centered around culture. There will be time for discussion and further inquiry through essays and short-form projects.

  • Outside work: Occasional throughout the term
  • Mature themes: Words and images can be inappropriate for some students. Ratings will be noted and warnings will be given to those who need it, in advance.

AP African American Studies – HS [Two Terms](TSam)

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

 

This course will provide an overview of the history of Africans and their descendants across the globe, including but not limited to African civilizations prior to European colonialism, encounters between Africa and Europe, movements of Africans to the Americas and elsewhere, and the development of Black communities in and outside Africa. Learners will explore the complex interplay among the political, economic, and cultural forces that shape our understanding of the historic achievements and struggles of African-descended people in the United States and their relation to others around the world. In addition to the curricular materials, students can select a topic for further exploration and in-depth research.  A variety of texts and community resources will be used to provide applicable and real-world examples related to the content.

  • 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.