“We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorns have roses.”
― Alphonse Karr, A Tour Round My Garden

This one-time course will explore and analyze ideas of gratitude and how it affects our lives through critical thinking, writing and discussion. Students will work through quotations, poetry, songs, and excerpts from novels, essays, and films as they ask, answer, and discuss deeper questions about beauty and strength through class discourse and in writing. Students will complete a variety of writing tasks in the process, getting their ideas on paper, as well as planning and organizing an essay or a poem though synthesizing their own knowledge and experience with that learned in class. Students will not complete the essay or poem in class, as time will not allow; however, they may submit their writing to me when complete for further review and will receive feedback and critiques. While this course, and the opinions expressed therein, are of a subjective nature, it is not the role of the teacher to provide the answers.  My goal and job as a teacher is simply to facilitate that discussion, allowing them to think for themselves, and reach their own conclusions. It is also my job to help them plan and develop their writing as if a submission was required.



This course will include:
“To the Complainers” a poem by Rudy Francisco
“Thank You for being a Friend” song by Andrew Gold
“The Science of Happiness” video by Soul Pancake
Selected quotations on gratitude

This course is part of my "Writing Rogue" series. Classes in this series will all address a different topic; however, they typically will follow a similar format, as they are designed to promote critical thinking, reading, writing, speaking, and listening. In these courses students will usually be exposed to a variety of source material from different genres on a specific topic.  Students will then work independently and collaboratively to analyze and understand these sources. Students will also always complete various writing exercises and tasks, as well as engage in class discussion. The primary intent of these courses is to better allow students to think for themselves, formulate their own opinions, and effectively communicate their ideas; however, a large part of the design, including topic selection, is to promote positive thinking, inspiration, and empowerment. Topical views may be subjective, but a large part of this series is learning to respect the views of others. The teacher's job is not to change or shape student thinking, but rather facilitate the learning, thinking, and communicating process.

Other course offerings in my "Writing Rogue" series are listed below.  All courses in this series are one-time courses, between 60-180 minutes. Some courses are currently listed, while other courses are upcoming and still underdevelopment. Typically, two courses offered each week with multiple sections available. Most courses will be offered once every 6-8 weeks. If you would like to suggest a topic, request a topic to be scheduled at a specific time, or arrange for a private course, please feel free to message me.

The Writing Rogue Series:
"Who Am I and Why Am I Here"  (Understanding personal identity and purpose)
"I Believe In Pink"  (Analyzing feminism and femininity to understand what it means to be a strong and beautiful woman)
"For the Bullied and the Beautiful"  (Bullying, social acceptance, and having positive self-esteem)
"Cowboys, Bad Boys, Rebels, and Gentlemen"  (Lessons in manners, values, and integrity)
"The Road Ahead"  (Reflections on our personality and personal growth)
"Love Language"  (Examining the different ways people show affection)

Topics Under Development:
-Why Do We Tell Stories?  
-You are Beautiful  
-Underdogs  
-Love Stories
-The Impossible
-Pretend You're Good at It
-Friendship
-Falling Forward
-Teamwork
-Gratitude
-Making a difference