Documenting Native American Identity: Edward Curtis and the Ethics of Documentary Photography
This workshop explores how photography has represented Native Americans and how those representations continue to influence the way we see Native Americans, their history and cultural expression. By the late 1800s, U.S. policies forced Native peoples off their lands. Cultural assimilation practices brought children to boarding schools where there was an effort to erase Native languages and traditions. Against this backdrop, photography became a powerful tool in shaping ideas of Native identity. Together, we’ll look at a range of images—from historical photographs to more recent work—and ask critical questions about who is behind the camera, what story is being told, and why cultural representation matters. Participants will also have the chance to reflect through writing and discussion on whether photography can ever truly be neutral.
Group Size: Up to 30
Language Level: This class will make use of lecture, discussion, and photo analysis.
Amount of Time: This workshop can be between 1 – 3 hours. The longer block of time will allow for more writing and discussion.
Relation to Core Curriculum Standard: Identity and Cultural Diversity; Critical thinking and ethical awareness
The Boys in the Boat: Rowing, the Great Depression, and the Human Spirit
The Boys in the Boat tells the story of the University of Washington men’s rowing team that won gold in the 1936 Olympics held in Nazi Germany. Set during the Great Depression, the University of Washington “Huskies” defied the odds in the United States and abroad. This workshop explores several related themes that are central to their story: The Great Depression and its effects, the importance of team-building and trust, socioeconomic disparity, and the start of World War II. Short video will accompany this workshop.
Group Size: Up to 30
Language Level: Can be adapted for VG 1-3 students
Amount of Time: This workshop can be between 1-3 hours. The longer blocks will allow for more time for discussion.
Henry David Thoreau’s “Civil Disobedience” and the Civil Rights Movement
In 1849 Henry David Thoreau wrote “In Praise of Civil Disobedience,” an essay explaining his refusal to pay his taxes and a powerful statement challenging political power. The idea of civil disobedience remains at the heart of American politics. While Civil Disobedience was written as a response to war and slavery, activists from Martin Luther King, Jr. to Gandhi have drawn on Thoreau’s political ideas in different historical contexts. In this workshop students will read passages from Thoreau’s “Civil Disobedience” and discuss their meaning. We will also look at the non-violent activist methods during the Civil Rights movement and beyond, examining the ways in which this idea helped drive political movements.
Group Size: Any size
Language Level: more advanced, but this workshop can support a variety of language skills.
Amount of Time: Can be anywhere from 1-3 hours
Immigration and Food
Around the world, people often associate American food with fast food like McDonalds, Burger King, or KFC. But did you know that there are more Chinese restaurants than all of these chains combined in the United States? American food is deeply connected to immigration and traditions that have become part of one big table. This workshop explores the ways in which immigration and food intersect in the United States. America is a nation of immigrants and, not surprisingly, food traditions from around the globe represent that diversity. Our goal is to learn about the ways in which many food cultures have come together in the United States and to look at the ways in which food has been a central part of redefining assimilation over time. Students will also be working on English language skills in the form of speaking and writing.
Group Size: Maximum of 30 students
Language Level: can vary depending on the class and focus. This class could be used alongside a culinary skill class.
Amount of Time: 1-3 Hours
Immigration and Exclusion
Immigration in the United States remains one of the most deeply pressing issues. This workshop focuses on two moments in US history when American identity was tested by the idea of who could be considered an American. We begin by looking at the Chinese Exclusion Act passed in 1882. Students are asked to primary documents in order to explain why this act was passed. If time allows we will look at the immigration acts of the 1920 which set quotas and restricted a wide array of nationalities. Both of these examples highlight efforts to define what it means to be an American by legislating who was excluded. Students will also work on English speaking and writing skills.
Group Size: Up to 30 Students
Language Level: appropriate for VG 1-3
Amount of Time: up to two days with two sessions of 1 – 3 hours
E Pluribus Unum: Federalism in the United States
What does it mean for a country to be large and diverse and also unified under one national government? How does a country of the size of the U.S. manage the delicate balance of power between state government and national government? In this workshop we endeavor to understand the idea of federalism by looking at how this concept has presented itself across time. We begin by defining the term federalism, explore the importance of state power in the U.S. and then move on to look at recent examples in which states have exhibited fundamental differences. As part of this workshop we will also work to explain how federalism reflects the challenges of governing a nation as varied as the United States.
Group Size: Up to 30 students
Language Level: more advanced
Amount of Time: Minimum of 90 minutes and up to 3 hours.
The Great Divide: Polarization in the United States
Americans are increasingly divided and polarization is leading to a range of challenges including political violence, a lack of communication across political parties, growing distrust in government, fear and resentment. In this workshop we will explore what political polarization is and how it is impacting Americans. We will also look at how it has progressed over time, why this particular moment is such a divisive one and why polarization is testing the limits of democracy. Finally, we will explore why students might want to pay attention to increasing polarization and even consider how its impacts might not be limited to the US border.
Group Size: Up to 90 students
Language Level: VG 1-3
Amount of Time: 1 – 2 hours
Dreams: The Poetry of Langston Hughes and the Harlem Renaissance
Langston Hughes is one of America’s most celebrated poets, and his words continue to inspire and connect people. This workshop examines the history of the Harlem Renaissance and situates Hughes within this vibrant period of creativity and cultural growth. After a brief introduction to the Harlem Renaissance, students will read and analyze four of Hughes’ poems, exploring the literary devices that shape his distinctive poetic voice. Each selected poem focuses on the theme of “dreams,” allowing students to consider both the significance of dreams in their own lives and the crucial role dreams play in the ongoing pursuit of freedom.
This workshop is intended for students with relatively strong English proficiency.
Group Size: Up to 30 Students
Language Level: VG 2-3 (students have a relatively solid English proficiency)
Amount of Time: 1 1/2 hours
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Kristin’s Workshops for Videregående Teachers and Teachers-in-Training