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SWS Social Science Classes Collection Course Descriptions Course Title: Warm Up America Instructor: Johanne Wright Limit: 15 Description: Warm Up America is an organization made up of volunteers who create handmade afghan blankets, to help those in need. These blankets provide warmth and comfort to people who have lost their homes, fled abusive relations, or are being cared for in hospices, shelters, hospitals, and nursing homes. Thousands and thousands of knitted and crocheted afghans are distributed to various charities each year. Volunteers donate their time to crochet or knit a 7" X 9" rectangle. Sections are joined by individuals or groups and donated locally for distribution. The beauty of so many different participants is that these afghans resemble a patchwork quilt of many colors and textures, just as the participants and recipients represent the varied faces of America. Come learn an enjoyable and relaxing skill that will ultimately make a difference in the lives of others! Level of difficulty: Easy Ojectives of this course: - a sense of community - self-esteem - problem solving - motor-skill development

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Page 1: swswheatley.weebly.comswswheatley.weebly.com/.../19051611/...collection.docx  · Web viewSWS Social Science Classes Collection. Course Descriptions. Course Title:Warm Up America

SWS Social Science Classes Collection

Course Descriptions

Course Title: Warm Up America

Instructor: Johanne Wright

Limit: 15

Description:

Warm Up America is an organization made up of volunteers who create handmade afghan blankets, to help those in need. These blankets provide warmth and comfort to people who have lost their homes, fled abusive relations, or are being cared for in hospices, shelters, hospitals, and nursing homes. Thousands and thousands of knitted and crocheted afghans are distributed to various charities each year. Volunteers donate their time to crochet or knit a 7" X 9" rectangle. Sections are joined by individuals or groups and donated locally for distribution. The beauty of so many different participants is that these afghans resemble a patchwork quilt of many colors and textures, just as the participants and recipients represent the varied faces of America. Come learn an enjoyable and relaxing skill that will ultimately make a difference in the lives of others!

Level of difficulty: Easy

Ojectives of this course:

- a sense of community

- self-esteem

- problem solving

- motor-skill development

- fun group project

- learning an enjoyable lifetime skill

Requirements for credit:

Completion of many crocheted squares to be made into a blanket

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100% class participation

Train Your Brain Logic Games

Instructor: Brian McConaghy

Limit: 15

Description: Why are people so obsessed with exercising and lifting weights? Gyms are packed with people trying to make their bodies stronger, skinnier, healthier, etc. Well, what about our brains? Doesn’t your brain need to be “worked out”? In this course, we will try to make our brains fit and healthy. We will use puzzles, word games, board games, logic and other techniques to make our brains as sharp as they can be.

Some of the topics we will discuss include:

- Crossword Puzzles

- Sudoku

- Cryptoquotes

- Chess (don’t stop reading…it can be fun)

- Logic

- Memory Games

Materials: “Spellbound”

“Wordplay”

Assorted Articles, Games and Puzzles

Level of Difficulty: Moderate

Objectives: To use our brain in different ways

To watch two outstanding movies

To expose ourselves to new ideas

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Requirements: Attendance

Participation

Completion of assignments in a timely manner

Respect for self, classmates, instructors and the values of SWS

The British Invasion

Instructors: Brian McConaghy

Limit: 12

Description: In the late Eighteenth century, Americans waged a war to gain independence from the British. Two Hundred years later, the British Invasion of pop culture swept across the United States. In the 1960s and 1970s, British artists, most notably musicians, made an indelible mark on American culture.

In this course, we will examine this extraordinary period in cultural history. We will see the impact of the Beatles, Rolling Stones and other bands on American music. Additionally we will witness the impact of British fashion, film, television and art on particularly young Americans, and how a generation developed into “Anglophiles”.

Some of the topics we will discuss include:

- Music- Fashion- TV- Art- Politics

Materials: Documentary films Primary sourcesArticles from assorted sourcesReadings from various books, including The British Invasion: How

the Beatles and Other UK Bands Conquered America

Level of Difficulty: Moderate

Objectives: To thoroughly examine this cultural phenomenaTo read interesting articlesTo watch some outstanding films

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To expose ourselves to new ideas

Requirements: AttendanceParticipationCompletion of reading and writing assignments in a timely mannerRespect for self, classmates, instructors and the values of SWS

The Vietnam WarInstructors: Brian McConaghy

Limit: 12

Description: In American History class you get to the Vietnam War at the end of the year, with Regents and APs looming and time limited. You learn the basics, but perhaps you have more questions. It is such a complex war, with so many layers, and you don’t have the opportunity to dig deeper. Well now you do.

In this course, we will study the history of the American involvement in Vietnam. In addition to the history, we will also examine the societal, economic and political consequences of this very volatile era.

Some of the topics we will discuss include:

- Why the United States was fighting- The Anti-War movement at home- The Politicians calling the shots- The music of the time- The impact and legacy on post-war America

Materials: Documentary films MusicPrimary sources“Platoon”Articles from assorted sourcesReadings from various books

Level of Difficulty: Moderate

Objectives: To thoroughly examine this important time in U.S. HistoryTo read interesting articlesTo watch some outstanding filmsTo expose ourselves to new ideas

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Requirements: AttendanceParticipationCompletion of reading and writing assignments in a timely mannerRespect for self, classmates, instructors and the values of SWS

Instructor: Brian McConaghy

Limit: 15

Description: Joel Coen and Ethan Coen, known together professionally as the Coen brothers, are four-time Academy Award winning American filmmakers. For more than twenty years, the pair have written and directed numerous successful films, ranging from screwball comedies to hard boiled dramas, to movies where genres blur together. The brothers write, direct and produce their films jointly. They have truly become a Hollywood “Dynamic Duo”. Their films are quirky, off-beat and interesting.

In this class, we will view and discuss three films of the Coen Brothers. Their films are impressive and innovative. They will entertain you and stimulate your mind. The films we will watch are:

- “Raising Arizona”- “Miller’s Crossing”- “Fargo”

Materials: Films

Various articles on selected films

Level of Difficulty: Easy/Moderate

Objectives: To thoroughly examine three interesting films

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To discuss the issues in each film

To analyze the techniques used by the Coen Brothers

To assess the impact on American culture

Requirements: Attendance

Participation

Completion of assignments in a timely manner

Respect for self, classmates, instructors and the values of SWS

PLEASE NOTE:

- THESE FILMS ARE RATED “R” BY THE MPAA, AND PERMISSION SLIPS WILL BE REQUIRED

- THIS CLASS WILL BE OFFERED AT NIGHT, IN THREE SESSIONS.

EACH SESSION WILL BE THREE HOURS LONG AND HELD AT SCHOOL.

DURING EACH SESSION WE WILL WATCH AND DISCUSS A FILM.

COURSE TITLE: Barack Obama’s autobiography

INSTRUCTOR: Claudia Moyne

DESCRIPTION: Now that Barack Obama is our new president, we will read his autobiography, “Dreams from my Father” , in order to get to know him better. Our new president has an extremely interesting background. His childhood was very different from ours. Most of you probably grew up in the same house you are living in today. Almost certainly , most of us are growing up in an economically privileged, stable American suburb. Most of us grow up experiencing, or being

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exposed, to only one culture. Obama’s childhood experience is multi-cultural. What does this mean? What are the advantages or disadvantages of such a background? The book is very well written and enjoyable to read.

Level of Difficulty: Moderate Limit: 15

Objectives: 1) to read an interesting book

2) to better understand the president of the United States

Requirements for Credit: No unexcused absences.

Keeping up with the reading assignments.

Active class participation , based on having completed the assigned reading.

Completion of all written assignments.

Course Title: Current Events

Instructor: Claudia Moyne Limit: 15

Description:

This class will discuss and debate the major events in the world. One or two events will be selected for each class period for a thorough discussions and analysis. If you are interested in current events and are not shy about airing your views, this course is for you. But be forewarned: any opinions must be backed with some facts. These will

NOT be BS(!!!!) sessions.

Level of Difficulty: Moderate

Objectives:

To immerse ourselves in the current political issues

To follow the news consistently

To begin to develop your own political philosophy as a citizen

Requirements for Credit:

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Excellent class participation and attendance.

Completing class reading on time. We can only discuss what we have read

Playing a positive role in class.

Asking questions.

Listening.

Thinking.

Respecting others.

Course Description

Course Title: Protest Music

Instructor: Pat Clarke Limit: 12

Description:

What does music say about society, history and culture?

Do songs create reality or reflect it?

Can music impact actual events?

What can we learn about history from music?

You will teach about history through music!!!

Level of Difficulty: Moderate

Objectives:

To immerse ourselves in music as it relates to

our country’s history

To research specific historic events

To read primary and secondary source readings related to the issues

Requirements for Credit:

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Excellent class participation and attendance.

Completing class reading on time. We can only discuss what we have read.

Completion of four (4)that zero in on issues brought up by the readings

and our discussions.

Presenting a song as a teaching tool

Asking questions.

Listening.

Thinking.

Respecting others.

Course Description

Course Title: Internship(Open only to Seniors)

Instructor: Pat Clarke Limit: 12

Description:

The SWS internship is not a right. This class will be a rigorous preparation for an out of school educational experience. The Social Science faculty has created the following criteria for participation in this Program:

Previous to the InternshipYou must complete this class successfully by:

- Creating an effective resume- Writing a research paper on your chosen field- Create a week by week schedule with the aid of your on site mentor- Interviewing your prospective employer and writing a report detailing

this discussionThe Internship

The following is a list of guidelines governing internships:

- Internships cannot be completed with family members- It cannot be a current job.- You must work between 12-16 hours per week- You must meet with me each Wednesday to discuss issues and the

status of your internship.

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- You must keep a detailed log of your activities, summarizing them on a weekly basis.

- You must make a presentation to the whole community at the end of your experience, sharing it with your peers.

Level of Difficulty: Difficult

Objectives:

To create an effective resume

To research different fields of interest

To prepare for your Internship (see above)

Requirements for Credit:

Excellent class participation and attendance.

Completing class reading on time. We can only discuss what we have read.

Completion of all assignments as stated above. They include:

1. Resume 4. Schedule of Internship2. Research Paper 5. Web Search3. Interview

Playing a positive role in class. Asking questions. Listening. Thinking.

Respecting others.

Course Description

Course Title: Teaching in SWS

Instructor: Pat Clarke Limit: 12

Description:

Teaching is not easy. This class will help you learn how to attempt it and hopefully succeed.

Each class member will produce a syllabus, an assignment sheet, and class discussion questions.

Level of Difficulty: Moderate

Objectives:

To try to ascertain each individual’s teaching style.

To analyze teachers that we think are excellent and learn from them

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To better understand how to organize and run a class

To create a class that will be a positive experience for

community members

Requirements for Credit:

Excellent class participation and attendance.

Completion of class projects and assignments.

Playing a positive role in class.

Asking questions.

Listening.

Thinking.

Respecting others.

Offering SWS even better classes!!!

Course Title: Terrorist or Freedom Fighter

Instructor: Birthe Seferian

Description:

September 11 2001 changed our foreign policy and started a war on terror. Further, the attacks on American soil introduced the idea of “us versus them”. Now it has become common that groups who disagree with standard American foreign policy are labeled terrorists. This class will attempt to look beyond just labeling groups and discuss whether one person’s fight for freedom is another person’s terrorist act. We will achieve this by looking more closely at real examples of what are considered terrorist acts and discuss the merits of the groups that committed these acts. Some examples we will focus on are environmental terrorism; the Oklahoma bombing; the ANC; the 1972 Munich Olympic Massacre.

Level of Difficulty: Moderate

Objectives:

Weighing the differences between examples of ‘terrorism’ and acts motivated by a desire for ‘Freedom’

Apply decision-making techniques and basic problem-solving techniques

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Identify similarities and differences between case-studies

Discuss the justification for US war on terror

Requirements for Credit

Excellent class participation and attendance

Completing class assignments on time

Completion of 4 papers and one in-class presentation

Respect for other class-members

Play an active role in in-class discussions

Willingness to work in a small group to accomplish a specified task

Course: RFK Ben Brodsky

Robert Kennedy’s one term as New York Senator has immensely influenced the state of New York as well as our nation. So much so that one of the biggest bridges was renamed in his honor this past year. Many are unenlightened about Kennedy’s life, and this class will rectify that hiatus in students understanding of American history.The book for this class will be Robert Kennedy: His Life by Evan Thomas. We will be reading selected chapters throughout the module. We will also watch parts of RFK, a biopic on RFK’s last 5 years of his life. I will begin the class with watching the movie Bobby, to ensure everyone has basic understanding of the times and what RFK’s life lead to...MediumThis class will give students a full understanding of the life of Robert F. Kennedy. From his childhood until his assassination, using movies, books, and documentaries, all aspects of his life will be learned and discussed in this class.After each assigned chapter of reading, a short summary will be required. There will be 1 report on RFK’s early life (pre-JFK assassination), and a final paper on Robert Kennedy’s enduring affect on the nation.

Attendance, reading, assignments submitted on-time, active discussion.

“Teaching in SWS”_____________________________________________________

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Instructor: Brian McConaghy

Limit: 15

Description: Teaching is not easy. What goes on in the classroom comes after much behind the scenes thought and preparation. What would it be like to run your own class? In this class you will try to learn how (and hopefully succeed).

We will examine the basics of building a curriculum, by developing something you are passionate about. Additionally, we will try to develop the skills needed to organize and run the class, while adapting it to the style you would like to employ. This class will also attempt to teach us how to look at a building and appreciate it.

Each class member will produce a syllabus, a list of interesting and complex assignments and appropriate assessments, for a class they will ultimately be able to offer to the SWS community

Materials: To be determined by individual class members

Level of Difficulty: Moderate

Objectives: To learn about teaching from an educator’s perspective

To observe and analyze teachers and discover what works and does not work

To create a class that will be productive for the SWS community

Requirements: Attendance

Participation

Completion of assignments in a timely manner

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Respect for self, classmates, instructors and the values of SWS

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COURSE DESCRIPTION

_____________________________________________________

“Great Directors: Spike Lee”_____________________________________________________

Instructor: Brian McConaghy

Limit: 15

Description: Spike Lee is one of the most influential and controversial film directors in the history of cinema. He was raised in Brooklyn and uses New York City for the setting of many of his films. He has directed almost 50 movies in a variety of genres, including comedy, drama and action. Regardless of the genre, however, all of Spike Lee’s films are interesting and thought provoking. Additionally, many of his movies touch on social issues such as racism, prejudice and inequality.

In this class, we will view and discuss three films of Spike Lee. His films are impressive and innovative. They will entertain you and stimulate your mind. The films we will watch are:

- “Do the Right Thing”- “Mo Better Blues”- “Jungle Fever”

Materials: Films

Various articles on selected films

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Level of Difficulty: Easy/Moderate

Objectives: To thoroughly examine three interesting films

To discuss the issues in each film

To analyze the techniques used by Lee

To assess the impact on American culture

Requirements: Attendance

Participation

Completion of assignments in a timely manner

Respect for self, classmates, instructors and the values of SWS

PLEASE NOTE:

- THESE FILMS ARE RATED “R” BY THE MPAA, AND PERMISSION SLIPS WILL BE REQUIRED

- THIS CLASS WILL BE OFFERED AT NIGHT, IN THREE SESSIONS.

EACH SESSION WILL BE THREE HOURS LONG AND HELD AT SCHOOL.

DURING EACH SESSION WE WILL WATCH AND DISCUSS A FILM.

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COURSE DESCRIPTION

_____________________________________________________

“Until Proven Innocent”_____________________________________________________

Instructor: Brian McConaghy

Limit: 15

Description: In the spring of 2006, an African-American stripper from Durham, NC, falsely accused 3 members of the Duke University Lacrosse team of rape. Thirteen months

later, after the Lacrosse team forfeited its season and the three student-athletes had their lives turned upside down and their reputations destroyed, the North Carolina

Attorney General dismissed all charges, even taking the unprecedented step of declaring the young men innocent.

This book, Until Proven Innocent: Political Correctness and the Shameful Injustices of the Duke Lacrosse Rape Case by Stuart Taylor and KC Johnson, is about more than just a false accusation . The authors attempt to see the societal implications of a rush to judgment by a rogue Prosecutor (who is later disbarred), as well as Duke University which hung the young men out to dry. In this situation, these student-athletes and their teammates failed to be given the American fundamental legal principle of “innocent until proven guilty”.

We will read this book and examine all of the issues that this unfortunate case brought to light. Additionally we will watch excerpts from various television news shows regarding the case. This is an extremely interesting, and disturbing, event which I think you will find compelling to read and learn about.

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Materials: Until Proven Innocent: Political Correctness and the Shameful Injustices of the Duke Lacrosse Rape Case by Stuart Taylor and KC Johnson

Additional resources on the various topics covered in the book

Excerpts from “60 Minutes” (including interviews with the parties involved)

Level of Difficulty: Moderate

Objectives: To read an interesting and informative book

To learn about an important event in recent American justice

To understand the complexities of urban politics and life

Requirements: Attendance

Participation

Completion of assignments in a timely manner

Respect for self, classmates, instructors and the values of SWS

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COURSE DESRCIPTION_____________________________________________

“Tear Down That Wall!”_____________________________________

Instructors: Brian McConaghy

Limit: 15

Description: After the malaise and crises of the 1970s, 1980 signified the ascension of one of the most popular and charismatic men ever to serve as President of the United States. Ronald Reagan, a former actor and governor from California, brought his Hollywood aura and patriotic, conservative rhetoric to Washington and the White House was forever transformed. Over the next eight years Reagan reshaped the presidency and with him the American psyche. Along the way there were many highs and lows from economic prosperity and growth in national defense to scandal and inequitable wealth distributions. Perhaps the greatest accomplishment credited (justifiably?) to Reagan was the collapse of Communism in Eastern Europe.

In this course, we will examine this extraordinarily intriguing man, and assess the impact he had not only on America but on the world. We will see if he was truly the conservative savior of America, or as one critic called him the “acting President”. A large part of this class will focus on Reagan’s role in the fall of the arch-rival Soviet Union and her allies.

Some of the topics we will discuss include:

- Reagan’s electoral success- Reaganomics- Iran-Contra Scandal- “Tear Down that Wall” speech- Collapse of Communism- Legacy

Materials: Documentary films Primary source speechesArticles from assorted sourcesReadings from various books

Level of Difficulty: Moderate

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Objectives: To thoroughly examine the life of Ronald ReaganTo read interesting articlesTo watch some outstanding filmsTo expose ourselves to new ideas and politics

(contemporary & historic)

Requirements: AttendanceParticipationCompletion of reading and writing assignments in a

timely mannerRespect for self, classmates, instructors and the values of

SWS

Course Description

Course Title: The Election 2008 or How can you tell the difference between Democrats and Republicans

Instructor: Claudia Moyne Limit: 15

Description:

What does the political landscape look like as we near the end of President Bush’s second term???

The issues at stake seem to be great and we will look at them all----

The Future of Social Security and Medicare

The Make-up of the Supreme Court

Abortion

Gay Marriage

Taxes

Values

The Environment

The War on Terror

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Disaster Preparedness

Etc………………………………

What does it all mean for you and the future?

How will this election cycle play out? We will compare the McCain and Obama campaigns.

Level of Difficulty: Moderate

Objectives:

To immerse ourselves in the current political issues

To research a particular issue and become an expert on it

To follow the news consistently focusing on the campaign

To begin to develop your own political philosophy as a citizen

To understand the difference between the tewo major parties

Requirements for Credit:

Excellent class participation and attendance.

Completing class reading on time. We can only discuss what we have read.

Completion of five (5) papers that zero in on issues brought up by the readings

and our discussions.

Playing a positive role in class.

Asking questions.

Listening.

Thinking.

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Respecting others.

Course Description

Course Title: Mock Trial

Instructor: Pat Clarke Limit: 12

Description:

We will prepare for our Annual Tournament which is scheduled to be held on _____.

The SWS tradition continues. Learn how to think on your feet. Argue more effectively. Be a real pain in the____.

Let’s try to win!!!!!!!!!!!!

Level of Difficulty: Difficult

Objectives:

To be the best lawyers and witnesses we can be.

You will learn about the law and how to be a better public speaker.

Requirements for Credit:

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Excellent class participation and attendance..

Playing a positive role in class.

Asking questions.

Listening.

Thinking.

Respecting others.

Being ready on Tournament Day

Course Description

Course Title: The New Yorker (Reading or Social Science)

Instructor: Pat Clarke Limit: 12

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Description:

The New Yorker is a literary institution. It consistently presents some of the best contemporary writing. This class will focus on recent non-fiction pieces. Students will have the opportunity read about interesting topics and experience some excellent writing.

Level of Difficulty: Moderate

Objectives:

To read selections of excellent essays.

To write our own NYer essay and produce a copy of the SWSer.

To analyze a variety of topics and issues

Requirements for Credit:

Excellent class participation and attendance.

Completing class reading on time. We can only discuss what we have read.

Completion of five (5) papers that zero in on issues brought up by the readings

and our discussions.

Playing a positive role in class.

Asking questions.

Listening.

Thinking.

Respecting others.

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Course Description

Course Title: NYC: The Golden Door

Instructor: Pat Clarke Limit: 10

Description:

New York City is practically in our backyard. However, few New Yorkers realize how much history has happened right here on Long Island and in the “city.” This class will begin to educate students about the many layers of the “Big Apple’s” story.

We will look at the history of NYC during the exciting era of peak immigration that occurred just over 100 years ago. Then, each unit will culminate in a trip to the city to experience the history in a real hands on way.

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We will take at least three walking tours of various NY neighborhoods. Some might need to happen on a weekend or on an evening!!!

Level of Difficulty: Difficult

Objectives:

To become familiar with New York’s history.

To plan a trip to various points of interest in terms of local history

To view segments of New York: A Documentary History

To visit cultural institutions that relate to our study

To understand the issues facing New York as the 21st Century begins

Requirements for Credit:

Excellent class participation and attendance.

Completing class reading on time. We can only discuss what we have read.

Completion of five (5) papers that zero in on issues brought up by the class

and our discussions.

Playing a positive role in class.

Asking questions.

Listening.

Thinking.

Respecting others.

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Course Description

Course Title: SWS 101

Instructor: Pat Clarke Limit: 12

Description:

This class is designed to build upon everyone’s understanding of SWS. We will look at the philosophy that led to the creation of SWS, looking specifically at the book, Summerhill. This book describes a school that heavily influenced the founders of our community.

In addition, we will examine leadership as a concept and attempt to put leadership styles into practice. SWS is built on the idea of students “taking control of their education and community.” How to do this is usually not explicitly addressed. This class will try to do just this!!!!

We will also work on projects that will build upon the SWS community. These projects will include:

Creating a SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) for SWS

Writing a Grant Proposal

Brainstorming for the SWS Day

Finally, we will try to make this a true SWS class. In other words, what we end up doing will be determined by the class more than by me.

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Level of Difficulty: Moderate

Objectives:

To try to ascertain each individual’s leadership style.

To try to be better leaders and followers.

To read sections of an excellent and thought provoking book

To better understand the history of SWS

To make the community better

Requirements for Credit:

Excellent class participation and attendance.

Completing class reading on time. We can only discuss what we have read.

Completion of class projects and assignments.

Playing a positive role in class.

Asking questions.

Listening.

Thinking.

Respecting others.

Making SWS even better!!!

COURSE TITLE: History’s Greatest Conspiracies

Instructor: Claudia Moyne

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Description: As the title of the course implies, we will read about and investigate some real and some imagined conspiracies that have sometimes changed the world. Some examples: who really killed President Kennedy? Does the Mafia really exist? The CIA overthrow of the government of Iran. Are extraterresstial aliens living among us? Did Sacco and Vanzetti commit robbery and murder? ETC. ETC.

Level of Difficulty: Moderate Limit: 12

Objectives: To have interesting discussions about some major events in history.

Requirements for Credit:

No unexcused absences.

Active class participation based on having done the required reading.

All written assignments completed and done on time.

Course Description

Course Title: SWS Art House Cinema (Afternoon / Night Class)

Instructor: Pat Clarke Limit: 12

Description:

We will watch three movies, Waltz with Bashir, The Class and Three Kings. These films were small independent films. Well. except for the one with George Clooney and Marky Mark.

Anyway, we will view these films and prepare a program for sharing them with the community.

Class members will be expected to keep a journal in class to record their reactions to viewing each movie. In addition, we will develop lesson plans for sharing these films

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with the community and plan for other movies that should be viewed by the whole community as part of the intellectual conversation the community will engage in throughout the year.

Level of Difficulty: Moderate

Objectives:

To watch all three movies in class.

To discussion on finding what the director and screenwriter wanted to have come across to their audience.

To understand how subtext plays a role in the importance of the film.

To consider the role and impact of critics on the movies

Requirements for Credit:

Excellent class participation and attendance.

Completing class readings of the reviews of each movie.

Completion of four (4) papers that include reactions to reviews and a final paper.

Playing a positive role in class.

Asking questions.

Listening.

Thinking.

Respecting others.

Course Title: Health Care 101

Instructor: Pat Clarke Limit: 10

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Description:

What’s the deal with health care?

Let’s find out what the system is today and follow the politics of where we might go as a nation. We will view a variety of videos including Frontline documentaries and Michael Moore’ Sicko.

It will give you a chance to understand what all the talk is about!!!

Level of Difficulty: Moderate

Objectives:

To immerse ourselves in the current issue of health care reform

To research a particular aspect of the issue and become an expert on it

To follow the news consistently, examining the possibilities for

health care reform

To begin to develop your own political philosophy as a citizen

Requirements for Credit:

Excellent class participation and attendance.

Completing class reading on time. We can only discuss what we have read.

Completion of three (3) papers that zero in on issues brought up by the readings

and our discussions.

Completion of an alternative assessment to be discussed in class

Playing a positive role in class.

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Asking questions.

Listening.

Thinking.

Respecting others.

Course Title: SWS Documentary and Leadership

Instructor: Pat Clarke Limit: 12

Description:

This class is designed to build upon everyone’s understanding of SWS. We will look at the philosophy that led to the creation of SWS, looking specifically at the book, Summerhill. This book describes a school that heavily influenced the founders of our community.

In addition, we will examine leadership as a concept and attempt to put leadership styles into practice. SWS is built on the idea of students “taking control of their education and community.” How to do this is usually not explicitly addressed. This class will try to do just this!!!!

We will also work on projects that will build upon the SWS community. These projects will include:

Finishing the SWS Documentary

Creating a SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) for SWS

Writing a Grant Proposal

Brainstorming for the SWS Day

Finally, we will try to make this a true SWS class. In other words, what we end up doing will be determined by the class more than by me.

Level of Difficulty: Moderate

Objectives:

To try to ascertain each individual’s leadership style.

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To try to be better leaders and followers.

To read sections of an excellent and thought provoking book

To better understand the history of SWS

To make the community better

Requirements for Credit:

Excellent class participation and attendance.

Completing class reading on time. We can only discuss what we have read.

Completion of class projects and assignments.

Playing a positive role in class.

Asking questions.

Listening.

Thinking.

Respecting others.

Making SWS even better!!!

Course Title: Dutch Treat

Instructor: Doc

Class size: 10 maximum

Description:

Dutch was the first European language spoken in New York State, and was the

principal language in our region for much of the colonial period.

This course will introduce the student to very basic written and spoken Dutch.

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Students will become familiar with the phonetic system of Dutch, basic vocabulary,

and elements of Dutch culture and geography.

Level of Difficulty: Moderate

Objectives:

By the end of the course students will be able to:

---read simple Dutch sentences

---use basic terms from everyday conversation

---understand the close relationship between Dutch and English

Requirements for credit:

---Excellent attendance: this is a class which emphasizes speaking in class!

---Satisfactory performance on vocabulary quizzes

---The ability to read a passage in Dutch by the end of the class

The above requirements must be complete by the end of the module. No exceptions.

Course Title: The House I Live In

Instructor: Doc

Class size : 10 maximum

Description:

The United States has traditionally been a nation which prizes the home. This course will visually trace the history of domestic architecture in the United States from the Native

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Americans of New York through the twentieth century, with emphasis on our Long Island heritage. The course will emphasize drawing (even for those of you who are not artists) and the accumulation of a portfolio. You will never view a house the same way

after taking this course.

Objectives:

---Students will attain a basic understanding of the major historical styles of domestic architecture in the United States

---Students will be able to draw basic visual elevations of selected examples of domestic architecture

---Students will understand the interrelationship of domestic architecture and culture

Requirements for credit:

The completion of two written papers: one an analysis of the house the student lives in or

another Long Island home of their choice; the other an in-depth analysis of one historical style which interests the student.

In addition, completion of a small portfolio of drawings completed under the direction of the instructor.

The above will be due the final course session and will be shared with other class members. Therefore, work cannot be handed in after the last day of class.

Course Title: You Are The Juror

Instructor: Pat Clarke Limit: 12

Description: This will be good training for future jury duty. We will read a number of famous court cases. And then you will act as a juror and decide on whether the defendant is guilty or innocent. The cases are all interesting and really occurred. So, you will learn some history as well.

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Level of Difficulty: Moderate.

Objectives: To read some interesting historical court cases.

To analyse the data and make a decision.

To learn how to argue for your point of view.

Requirements for Credit: No unexcused absences.

Good class participation based on having done the required reading.

All written work completed on time.

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