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$60

for 5 classes
Class

Something Entirely New: Exploring Identity and Individuality in Steven Universe

Completed by 17 learners
Ages 9-13
Live Group Class
This multi-week class will explore the characters of the hit Cartoon Network show Steven Universe and discuss its celebration of identity, individuality, and sense of self.
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:
(27 reviews)

Live video meetings
1x per week, 5 weeks
4-8 learners per class
60 min

What's included

5 live meetings
5 in-class hours
Homework
1 hour per week. At the end of each class, a small writing prompt will be given to the students related to the day's lesson. Students are instructed to write a response with a minimum of two paragraphs. Citation is not necessary, but students should mention particular terms or topics from the class. The assignment will be due three days after it is assigned, so I can provide competent feedback for students before the next class.
Assessment
Through the writing prompts provided each week, students will be offered an informal assessment in the form of feedback and notes on the student's writing response. At the end of the class, a more formal write-up connecting all of the student's contributions in the class will be provided, but not as a letter grade.
Grading
included

Class Experience

US Grade 4 - 7
This five-week class will discuss elements of individuality, character, and intersection of identity through the lens of the television show Steven Universe. Topics like family structures, gender, race, and sexuality will be addressed in conjunction with general concepts of identity, and how these different intersections of identity create a cast of characters who are well-developed and relatable. This class will be set up as half-lecture, and half Socratic discussion. Each day's class will start with a PowerPoint and in some instances, a short video clip, and the second half of class will address discussion questions and topics pertaining to the day's lesson. Below will be the synopsis of the week-by-week breakdown of the course.

Week 1- We Are the Crystal Gems: What Makes Each Gem Unique
The first week of this class will provide general background on the cast of the show, focusing predominantly on the show's primary and secondary characters. We will discuss flaws along with the good elements of characters, and how nuance and character diversity make for an interesting story. In addition to discussing the Gems, we will also tackle elements of diversity in the human characters.

Week 2- Strong in the Real Way: Depictions of Bravery and Empathy
The second week will focus on how the Gems handle trials and tribulations, and how their different conflict resolution styles, personality types, and personal experiences shape the way that they handle different situations. 

Week 3- The Answer: Love, Family, and Emotional Connection Between Characters
The third week of this class will cover elements of both romantic and familial love between characters, and how the dynamics of family present themselves in a non-nuclear family setting, as well as exploring the family dynamics of the humans in the show.

Week 4- Fusion and Its Relation to Gender and Relationships
The fourth week of this class will cover the topic of fusion, and how its influence on the show relates to gender, attraction, sexuality, and relationships. We will talk about what relationships in the show appear healthy and create a safe environment for the characters.

Week 5- Independent Together: The Power of Identity
The class's final week will discuss the importance of the individual, and how the Gems' intersections of identity and characterization create a dynamic of unity and family while still being separate people. For this final class, we will also think critically about why certain characters were given certain traits and how those traits contribute to Steven's journey.

Learning Goals

Students will gain a competent understanding of the notions of intersectionality, individuality, and characterization through the lens of Steven Universe. They will analyze elements of diversity, influencing factors of characters upon one another, and relationships between characters from an objective perspective

Other Details

Parental Guidance
In week four, we will be discussing gender and sexuality, particularly pertaining to LGBTQIA+ issues. The topic will never go deeper than discussing the ways that characters are presented by the cartoon and will not inscribe gender or sexuality onto characters that are not explicitly stated in the show.
Supply List
While not a physical item, students should be expected to have some familiarity with the show Steven Universe if they are entering the class.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.

Meet the teacher

5.0
27reviews
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
I have offered community-based courses for preteens and teens regarding gender and sexuality, and have a minor in Gender Studies. My focus in my academic thesis was interpretations of queer literature for young adults, and have extensive academic research experience in the field. 

Reviews


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