全新事物：探索宇宙史蒂芬的身份與個性

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.