| When | Thursday 3:00-4:30 |
| Teacher Name | MaryAnne (Midge) Drobot-Arrighi |
| Target Age Range | 11 - None |
| General Grade Level | Middle School, Lower High School, Upper High School, College |
| Ability Level | Introductory, Advanced Beginner |
| Skill Requirements/Prerequisites | Ability to: listen, communicate, and participate respectfully; display tolerance for diverse perspectives; keep a reflective journal for self (which will be provided); fine motor skill work involved with art projects; ability to discuss mature topics. |
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| Family Provided Materials | self-selected extensions to projects (ie. art/tech supplies); access to research materials/sources |
| Instructor Provided Materials | art supplies, reflective journals, folder, DVD's/PC, CD's/Boombox, copies, etc. |
| Study Group Style | Lecture, Seminar, Discussion, Activity |
| Description | This is a continuing study group, but new participants are welcome to join in (must be willing to meet with the instructor for a brief recap/intro). As it began in Spring '07... Abigail Adams once wrote,“Please remember the ladies", and this study group will do just that! We will explore women, and girl/women issues of past and present through activities, discussion, and the arts, as group interest influences. This past session initiated with discussions and activities relating to identity. Participants have discussed/analyzed diverse quotes, created and shared identity quote "tiles" and identity (roots) cardstock quilts. Participants synthesized reflections into individual expressive body tracings as we merged into perceptions of body image (our own and societal). We'll see where we end this session based on the current project flow, but here's a sampling of what is to come as we wrap up body image (this fall and into the spring): we will review, discuss, and interpret a historical timeline of women's body image; we will learn about and share body image facts via the creation of tie-dyed awareness tee-shirts; we will sink into media literacy, ad analysis, and discuss allied activism as a vehicle for postive change; we will reflect on videos and song lyrics; we may touch on other existing BI projects and share resources (books, websites, etc.); we will culminate with the creation of an amateur collaborative video/documentary (incorporating interviews). Current participant interest suggests that we then dabble in as much of the following as we can: recitation of famous speeches (or the creation of bold originals); poetry reflection; viewing/discussion of film/documentaries; drama/script; speaker panels (interview diverse women in varying fields); girlosophy; herstory (biographical) chats; notable quotables; the creation of a mural representing women. We may incorporate these activities/interests via a "Respect"ful artistic/musical romp through women's history (focusing on the 20th century) and layer current events and connections with women's issues today. If there's interest, we may even create a performance for the Voyagers Cocoa House during Women's History Month (March). As extensions, we may particpate in a community service effort or explore off--site places together such as: The Orchard House, The Emily Dickenson Museum, The Harriet Beecher Stowe House, The Boston Women's Herritage Trail (or maybe even a road trip to The Women's Rights National Historical Park in Seneca Falls?). As suggested, group interest will flexibly frame class direction (which will be confirmed at the onset of the session). Hopefully you will discover (or rediscover) many famous—and maybe not so-famous—heroines while exploring the evolving unsung heroine (or hero) in yourself! Boys welcome! -- Midge - Ongoing study group from Fall |