Tag Archives: Socialstudies

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

Black History through Stories and Songs (Sam)

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

Social Studies Credit (Cultural/Global Studies)

In this two times a week Social Studies class, student will encounter the history of African Americans through the literary lens of the book, “Stamped,” by Jason Reynolds and Ibram X. Kendi. This work will help and further the understanding of where racism comes from and how it affects  America today.

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 past American History, students will encounter narratives of harm and violence against Indigenous, Black & Brown people.
  • Minimum students: 2
  • Sessions per week: 2

Indigenous Studies (Sam)

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

Social Studies Credit (Cultural/Global Studies)

In this one day per week English class, students will learn about the history of the original people on the land referred to as Turtle Island. Participating students will be studying and analyzing text from the book, “Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States: A Graphic Interpretation,”by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz. The class will cover many stories and historical events that are not openly shares in mainstream historical accounts and we will use the information to connect to major events in American history. 

Students will be required to read the assigned text and take quality notes in preparation for our group discussion. 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

Gender Studies (Continuation) (amy)

Social Studies Credit

In this second term of our two-term class, students will build upon their foundational knowledge of gender studies as we delve even deeper into the exploration of the gender binary and its societal implications. Through the utilization of our textbook, engaging in-class activities, and the analysis of gender portrayal in movies and documentaries, students will gain a comprehensive understanding of why the gender binary exists and the reasons behind individuals’ adherence to it. 

***Registration for this class is limited to students who have completed the first term of Gender Studies. 

Earning Social Studies credit will be contingent upon the completion of assignments, regular attendance, and active participation in discussions and activities, and the completion of BOTH terms of Gender Studies.

  • 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: 3
  • 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

Queer Perspectives: A Documentary Exploration (amy)

Social Studies Credit

Dive into the rich tapestry of LGBTQ+ experiences through a curated selection of impactful queer documentaries. This course invites students to engage critically with diverse narratives, exploring themes of identity, history, and activism while fostering an inclusive classroom environment.  Join us for a journey of understanding and advocacy through the lens of documentary films.

Students will participate in discussions and reflections based on the films, earning social studies credit through consistent attendance, active participation, and thoughtful completion of assignments. 

Please note that the course will cover mature topics relevant to the queer community; while closed captioning will be available, transcripts will not be provided.

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