As students grow and develop, it is important that they learn about other lifestyles different from their own. Through exploring literature, history, sociology, and psychology, this interdisciplinary course teaches students about various social issues and fosters important critical thinking skills as students are asked to consider and reflect on solutions to some of our social situations. This course is open to any student aged 13 and older, however, do realize that some topics may be sensitive to younger students. We will discuss race, class, gender, and other issues. Some texts may contain a bit of profanity, but nothing excessive. 

There also may be readings or clips posted before class (usually at least 5 days before the class is scheduled), so please make sure your learner reads any posted material.  These readings will give students some background to our discussions for the day. 

The overreaching question of this class is identifying what it means to be human and how humans can appropriately coexist with our world. We will also brainstorm ways that we can create a better world for future generations. This is a 100% inclusive class, and any student who makes unkind or inappropriate remarks toward a specific group/religion/ethnicity/sexuality/gender/etc. will be given a warning (with parents/Outschool contacted), then removed. My goal in this class is for us to learn from each other by sharing our own experiences.

Class Rules
This class is discussion-focused. Students may discuss vocally or through the chat. I ask that students do not use the chat for anything besides response or discussion points related to the class topics.

I do not require students to keep cameras on, but it does make the class a bit more interactive.

Class Schedule: Starting Aug 17 at 7:00 pm CST

Week 1: Racial Issues: Racial Profiling, redlining, equality vs. equity
Week 2: implicit bias, racial movements, Double consciousness, literature as social activism
Week 3: code-switching, interracial relationships, profiling, Black representation
Week 4: Race and incarceration statistics, policing, the war on drugs, and the cycle of poverty vs incarceration
Week 5: America's justice system, creating a better way to police and protect citizens; solitary confinement.

Week 6: Gender and Sexuality: Gender expectations and the mass media (advertisements), subliminal messages
Week 7: Baby showers and assumed gender stereotypes, beauty standards, no filters
Week 10: Reality tv and gender, the wage gap, looking glass self
Week 8: Metoo movement, sexual assault, double standards, 
Week 9: gender and dating, domestic violence, stereotypes, double standards
Week 10: LGBTQ movements throughout history, negative language connotations
Week 11: Nonbinary genders, addressing issues in media, fashion, consumer support

Week 12: Nonconforming behavior and attitudes in society
Week 13: Tattoos, piercings, and society's perceptions

Week 14: Class and Equality: class structure, the middle class
Week 15: Immigration: stereotypes, anxieties toward cultures, ethnic tolerance, bilingualism,
Week 16: Cultural norms, language discrepancies, historical immigration policies
Week 17: Refugees: past vs modern attitudes and stereotypes