In this 10-week study, we'll enjoy reading a group of ten short stories written by women of differing backgrounds and eras that will touch on societal issues, societal changes over time, diverse cultures, issues of racism, and more. The stories were written between 1894 and 2017, and they provide a fascinating look at the experiences of women over time. Join me for a class that will help us all grow together in our knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of women's perspectives. Please be sure to read the complete class description including The Four Tenants of Peace and Tolerance found below.

Our weekly studies will include the following;
* the short story upon which we will focus for the week;
* an occasional paired text;
* vocabulary lists (including contextual and literary words);
* high-level, critical-thinking questions (both comprehension and discussion);
* reading;
* writing (mainly in the form of quick-writes pertaining to our weekly stories and opinions);
* literary discussions of main ideas, settings, symbolism, authors' perspectives, etc.;
* author studies;
* discussions of history, diversity, societal issues and changes, cultures, opinions, ideas, and issues of racism.

These short stories will provide our focus during our ten-week study, along with occasional paired texts.
#1 THE DINNER PARTY (Mona Gardner/1941) - Set in India during the British Raj (Britain's direct rule)/Are men truly braver than women?
#2 WHAT HAVE I BEEN DOING LATELY (Jamaica Kincaid/1981) - Set on an island similar to Antiqua/A story told through stream of consciousness 
#3 FISH CHEEKS (Amy Tan/1987) - Chinese-American experience/Appreciating one's own culture
#4 SOL PAINTING, INC. (Meg Medina/2017) - Cuban-American experience/briefly discusses death/Uses one off-color word (Feel free to ask me about this.)/Deals with racism and  choosing to endure indignity in order that someone else will have access to opportunity
#5 THE THIRD WISH (Joan Aiken/1974) - Deals with choices/Are the things we desire always the things that are best for us?
#6 THE STORY OF AN HOUR (Kate  Chopin/1894) - Deals with death, grief, and women's roles and autonomy
#7 THE SCRIBE (Kristin Hunter/1941) - African-American experience/Access to knowledge and education/Pursuing one's betterment in the face of racism
#8 CHARLES (Shirley Jackson/1948) - Set at home and in school/Parenting and children's behavior
#9 THE SCHOLARSHIP JACKET (Marta Salinas/1986) - Mexican-American experience/Deals with themes of injustice, discrimination, inequity, integrity, and taking a stand for one's beliefs
#10 RAYMOND'S RUN (Toni Cade Bambara/1992) - African-American experience/Includes a special-needs character, discusses sibling relationships, competition, determination, respect (giving and receiving), and realizing the value and potential of others

This course will discuss diverse perspectives, therefore, we will follow The Four Tenants of Peace and Tolerance found below. 
#1 - We will choose to function in unity at all times. Unity doesn't mean that we always see things the same way or share the same opinions, but it does mean that we will determine to learn together and from one another.
#2 - We will respect all beliefs, opinions, and life experiences.
#3 - We will refrain from any and all explicit language and details pertaining to sensitive topics.
#4 - We will ask the teacher for clarity on the above tenants, if needed. 


Remember, we are all expanding our knowledge together (including the teacher).
I'm looking forward to learning with you!

Mrs. Rae Marie (M.Ed.) (Writing, Poetry, Fantasy Fiction, ACE Educator)