Tag Archives: Sam

HS Asian American Studies cont.  (History – Cultural Studies) (Sam)

An inclusive and landmark history, emphasizing how essential Asian American experiences are to any understanding of US history

Original and expansive, Asian American Histories of the United States is a nearly 200-year history of Asian migration, labor, and community formation in the US. Reckoning with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the surge in anti-Asian hate and violence, award-winning historian Catherine Ceniza Choy presents an urgent social history of the fastest growing group of Americans. The book features the lived experiences and diverse voices of immigrants, refugees, US-born

Asian Americans, multiracial Americans, and workers from industries spanning agriculture to healthcare.

Despite significant Asian American breakthroughs in American politics, arts, and popular culture in the twenty-first century, a profound lack of understanding of Asian American history permeates American culture. Choy traces how anti-Asian violence and its intersection with misogyny and other forms of hatred, the erasure of Asian American experiences and contributions, and Asian American resistance to what has been omitted are prominent themes in Asian American history. This ambitious book is fundamental to understanding the American experience and its existential crises of the early twenty-first century.

Learning goals:

  • Reading text (both in class and outside of class)
  • Fully participate in discussions
  • Written reflections
  • Quizzes

• • Research and other scholarship connecting  to cultural studies

  • 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.

NPR Tiny Desk (Arts, Elective) (Sam)

As you know, I LOVE music! But what makes music better is when music is done live! To me, no one does it better than NPR and the Tiny Desk series. For each session, we’ll get together, pick a Tiny Desk concert and vibe! Afterwards we’ll chat about the music, the artist(s) and whatever else comes to mind.

  • Outside work: No outside work
  • Mature themes: Some of the lyrics could contain explict language.

Sociology (Social Science) (Sam)

Sociology is essentially the study of Human behavior and Social Structures. In this one semester class we will examine social phenomenon from an academic perspective looking for patterns of social interaction and how those interactions influence human behavior. Through a variety of methods students will explore different sociological ideas from an educative perspective in order to develop their own social perspectives and critical thinking skills.

Learning Goals

1. To foster a sociological imagination

2. To gain knowledge of sociological theory and its contributions to knowledge

3. To gain knowledge of the methodological approaches in sociology

4. To gain knowledge of the core concepts of a sociological perspective

  • Outside work: A small amount (e.g., <30 min) for each session
  • Mature themes: To be really open in a dialog based class, some language and ideas can extend into real life situations and narratives.

Polynesian Studies (Cultural Studies/History) (Sam)

Reading text/Book: TBD

One of the histories that has been forgotten over time is the history of an island based continent called Polynesia. Most actually focus on the popular Hawi’ian islands but the vast area has so much history, arts and culture that you can really with only imagine or be there to see it for yourself.

In our ongoing theme this year for middle school, were going to focus on using graphic novels to express the true beauty of this amazing cultural group and the added art which is found in these amazing works of literature.

Learning goals:

  • Reading text (both in class and outside of class)
  • Fully participate in discussions

• • Research and other scholarship connecting to cultural studies

  • Outside work: Occasional throughout the term
  • Mature themes: Due to the nature of history, some elements could include loss of life and violent acts as essential to survival.

HS – Black AF History cont. (History, Cultural Studies)

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

If you’ve ever sat through an American history class wondering where all the Black people were—besides slavery and Martin Luther King Jr.—Michael Harriot has written the antidote to your frustration. Black AF History: The Un-Whitewashed Story of America is what you’re looking for. It’s equal parts history lesson, roast session, and revolutionary act.

Harriot sets the entire Eurocentric timeline on fire and rebuilds it from Black roots. From the African presence in America before 1619 to the myth of Lincoln’s “great emancipation,” this book challenges everything we thought we knew—and does so with receipts.

Let’s be clear: this is not your average history text. Harriot writes like your brilliant, sarcastic cousin who majored in African American Studies and never lets foolishness slide at Thanksgiving dinner. His voice is conversational, hilarious, and unrelenting. One moment, you’re cackling at his takedown of founding father folklore; the next, you’re stunned by how deep the lies in our textbooks really go.

Learning goals:

  • Reading text (both in class and outside of class)
  • Fully participate in discussions
  • Written reflections
  • Quizzes

• • Research and other scholarship connecting  to cultural studies

  • 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.

HS Global Language (World Language) (Sam)

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

Language is not just how we talk to each other, but rather how we can communicate with each other effectively using our own language. As we grow and experience daily life, our words and gestures continuously build, navigate, and challenge our identities, social and cultural worlds. Through study and practice, we will explore early and modern linguistic forms of languages from ancient and modern times. Along with the main study of the roots of language, students will engage with their own individual language learning throughout the course of the term.

Learning goals:

  • Develop the four basic language competencies (reading, writing & speaking)
  • Engage with the five C’s: Communication, Cultures, Connections, Comparisons, and Communities

• • Create and present projects that express their understanding of language

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

Understanding Studio Ghibli (Arts/Film) (Sam)

Studio Ghibli holds a unique place in the world of animation. Founded in 1985 by Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, the studio quickly became renowned for its visually stunning films, which often weave together intricate themes and grapple with profound philosophical questions. As anime continues to gain global recognition, understanding Studio Ghibli’s expansive and thoughtful filmography is essential for enthusiasts and casual viewers alike.

This class will serve as an exploration of Studio Ghibli’s cinematic landscape, offering insights into each film’s narrative structure, character development, key themes, and cultural significance. By examining their movies in the order of release, readers will not only understand the studio’s evolution but also appreciate how each film contributes to the broader tapestry of anime.

  • Outside work: Occasional throughout the term
  • Mature themes: Due to the nature of history, some elements could include loss of life and violent acts as essential to survival.