Independent Study
The purpose of this class is to allow students to explore race in America today. The end goal is for students to create a semester-long elective that future students could enroll in.
This elective course that the students create must include the following:
3 complete units that meet the following criteria
Students in this independent study must be:
Minimum Requirements to earn a C in the course:
This elective course that the students create must include the following:
3 complete units that meet the following criteria
- 4 weeks long (each)
- Includes a documentary
- Includes either a full-length novel or several short fiction or non-fiction pieces
- Includes current events articles
- Includes discussion activities or project activities
- built on Weebly
- includes separate pages for each unit
- links all resources when appropriate
- is professional and well-designed
Students in this independent study must be:
- trustworthy: you have to be where you say you will be and working on what you say you are working on
- thoughtful and appropriate: discussions about race are hard. Be willing to listen.
- independent learners: you need to be responsible for your own learning and engagement
Minimum Requirements to earn a C in the course:
- Thoughtfully read and thoughtfully discuss 3 appropriate full-length novels or non-fiction texts
- Thoughtfully watch and thoughtfully discuss 3 full-length appropriate documentaries
- Bring in at least 3 related current events articles to read and discuss
- Participate in the creation of the course website
- Maintain a reflection journal and contribute to it daily
Contract for Participation in Independent Study
Students:
I understand that Race in America is an Independent Study course. I have read the requirements for the course and agree to conduct myself responsibly and maturely at all times. Because of the true depth of issues that will be discussed in this course, I will be able to handle reading difficult content and discussing difficult issues, even when it makes me uncomfortable to do so. I understand that there is no planbook for the course. I will set and monitor and meet my own deadlines. I will participate meaningfully and thoughtfully in discussions. I will complete the appropriate readings and writings and take the content seriously. I will follow the discussion protocol. And finally, I will strive to make this course truly meaningful not only to myself but to others.
Student Signature: _____________________________ Date: __________________________
Parents:
I understand that Race in America is an Independent Study course. I have read the requirements and understand that my student will be responsible for their own learning and behaviors at all times. Because of the true depth of issues that are covered in this course, I support my student's participation in reading difficult content and discussing difficult issues. I understand that there is no planbook for the course. My student will set and monitor and meet their own deadlines. They will participate meaningfully and thoughtfully in discussions. They will complete the appropriate readings and writings and take the content seriously. They will follow the discussion protocol. And finally, they will strive to make this course truly meaningful for all participants.
Parent Signature: _______________________________ Date: ___________________________
I understand that Race in America is an Independent Study course. I have read the requirements for the course and agree to conduct myself responsibly and maturely at all times. Because of the true depth of issues that will be discussed in this course, I will be able to handle reading difficult content and discussing difficult issues, even when it makes me uncomfortable to do so. I understand that there is no planbook for the course. I will set and monitor and meet my own deadlines. I will participate meaningfully and thoughtfully in discussions. I will complete the appropriate readings and writings and take the content seriously. I will follow the discussion protocol. And finally, I will strive to make this course truly meaningful not only to myself but to others.
Student Signature: _____________________________ Date: __________________________
Parents:
I understand that Race in America is an Independent Study course. I have read the requirements and understand that my student will be responsible for their own learning and behaviors at all times. Because of the true depth of issues that are covered in this course, I support my student's participation in reading difficult content and discussing difficult issues. I understand that there is no planbook for the course. My student will set and monitor and meet their own deadlines. They will participate meaningfully and thoughtfully in discussions. They will complete the appropriate readings and writings and take the content seriously. They will follow the discussion protocol. And finally, they will strive to make this course truly meaningful for all participants.
Parent Signature: _______________________________ Date: ___________________________