Explorando los estudios culturales a través de Steven Universe

Completado por 3 alumnos

Edades 10-14

Clase grupal

En este curso de ocho semanas, los estudiantes aprenderán sobre los conceptos básicos de los estudios culturales a través del programa de televisión Steven Universe y pensarán críticamente sobre los personajes, las tramas y el simbolismo.

Carina Stopenski, MA, MSLS

Puntuación media:

5.0

Número de reseñas:

(27 opiniones)

Videoconferencias en vivo

1 x por semana, 8 semanas

4-8 alumnos por clase

75 min

Acerca de Descripción general del aprendizaje Maestro Reseñas

Qué está incluido

8 reuniones en vivo

10 horas presenciales

Tarea

1-2 horas por semana. Students will be expected to write a minimum one-page, double-spaced paper in 12 point font (MLA standards) weeks 2-7 regarding the material learned in that week's lesson, which will be due four days after the assignment is given. Students will be expected to include material from the lesson in their written work. After our final class, students will be assigned a minimum three-pages, double spaced final paper that will be due one week after the class finishes where they will choose one of the theories discussed in class and expand on it in a more in-depth way.

Evaluación

Rather than a letter grade, students will be given individual written feedback on their writing assignments each week and a formal write-up on their final paper, as well as an informal report on their work in the class (both discussion and written work) at the close of the course.

Calificación

incluido

Experiencia de clase

Nivel de inglés: desconocido

Grado de EE. UU. 5 - 8

In this class, students will use the animated television show Steven Universe as a foundation for a cultural studies education. Students will learn about the different ways to think critically about the TV shows we watch, and through episode analysis, we will learn about our own personal aesthetics, perceptions of media, and how these concepts are informed by our own lenses and knowledge.

Week 1, What is Cultural Studies?: Our first week will include a brief introduction to what cultural studies is made up of and how we can apply it to the media we consume. This lesson will give students key vocabulary terms to keep in mind as well as discuss why Steven Universe is a good medium to explore this topic in.
Week 2, Symbols and Structure: In this lesson, we will discuss symbols and the chain of signification as founded in poststructuralism. We will discuss different symbols throughout the show and how their appearance signifies different concepts as the plot develops. 
Week 3, Exploring Power Dynamics: Power struggle is a common thread that we will see throughout the show, and the way that power and strength shape characters is significant for characterization. This class will discuss character conflict, development, and relationship structures.
Week 4, What is Colonization?: Colonizing is a significant theme in Steven Universe, particularly the colonization of Earth. In this week's class, we will examine Steven Universe from a postcolonialist perspective and analyze the importance of the Crystal Gems' rebellion.
Week 5, Gender, Sexuality, and Fusion: Steven Universe is one of the most diverse and accepting animated shows of our era, and it is present in the queerness of the material. In this class, we will discuss topics like gender presentation and identity, gender nonconformity, and relationships between same-sex characters.
Week 6, Class Consciousness: Throughout the show, characters are shown as having specific jobs or positions, and those who defect are considered traitors. We will discuss class consciousness and awareness of hierarchy on Homeworld as juxtaposed to Earth.
Week 7, Dis/Ability Studies: In this lesson, we will discuss the concept of ability and the different ways that disability appear in Steven Universe. We talk particularly about the trope of being "defective" or "corrupted" and the negative connotations associated with being otherwise-abled in the media. 
Week 8, Real-World Applications: For our final class, students will discuss any real-world applications of the content learned in class that they would like to share. We will also go over the final paper and students can ask any questions regarding the assignment.

Metas de aprendizaje

Students will learn the basics of different aspects of cultural studies through the lens of different episodes of Steven Universe. Students will think critically about applications of the terms learned in class and how they are relevant to the media that we consume. Students will also engage in discussion and gain understanding on objectivity in a group analysis setting.

Otros detalles

Orientación para padres

While there will not be anything mature in the lessons, there will be one lesson wherein queer issues are discussed. Additionally, some of the video clips may be intense and show characters in distress, but no violence is shown.

Recursos externos

Los estudiantes no necesitarán utilizar ninguna aplicación o sitio web más allá de las herramientas estándar de Outschool.

Conoce al profesor

Carina Stopenski, MA, MSLS

Se unió el June, 2020

5.0

27reseñas

Perfil

Experiencia y certificaciones del docente

Hi, all! I'm Carina (pronouns: they/them/theirs) and I'm so excited to spread the magic of the written word. I hold a BFA in Creative Writing with minor certifications in Gender Studies and Women's Leadership, an MSLS in Library and Information Science, and an MA in Literary and Cultural Studies.

As a queer, autistic, disabled adult with ADHD, I know how difficult the world can be to navigate when you struggle with feeling accepted or seen by media. Growing up, I never felt like my teachers understood my struggles. To end that cycle, I do my best to elevate students regardless of their divergences, mental illnesses, or other possible hindrances or marginalizing factors. I prioritize diverse narratives and take a gentle approach in literary analysis that allows all kids to thrive and grow. 

I focus on creative writing, literary theory, and media analysis, but also will work flexibly with students on editing, paper structure, citation help, and information literacy. I especially enjoy exploring popular culture through television, film, and video game studies, as well as Socratic discussion on current trends in young adult literature. My research interests are animation, film studies, queer media theory, and transfeminism, and I am always open to tailoring classes directly to students in these fields. 

I take a holistic approach to writing and teaching, and truly believe in the healing power of writing, reading, and honest critical analysis. I believe young people are some of the most creative, innovative people in the world and deserve space to explore their imagination. Literary theory is a remarkable thing, and you’re never too young to start thinking critically about the media you consume.

When I'm not teaching, I work as a teen librarian in a public library and as a freelance writer. I love reading anything I can get my hands on, watching anime, playing video games (Animal Crossing is my favorite!), coming up with new recipes, and creating art!