SOCIAL CLASS AND INEQUALITY IN THE UNITED STATES
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Week 7: FINAL REFLECTION!

5/8/2020

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For our FINAL WEEK please put your Final Reflection in a separate document, and share it with me when it is completed.

Find details about your Final Reflection here:  Week 7 Instructions

Week 6 Reading Assignment (Due: Friday, 5/15 by 8:30 am)
  1. Hillbilly Elegy- Finish that sucker!
    1. There is a free audiobook of this available here: Hillbilly Elegy Audiobook
  2. Evicted- Finish it!

Week 7 Office Hours  (Wednesday, 5/13, 11:00-12:00)
Log into the Google Hangout using the link below if you want clarification or feedback on the final reflection!

Join video conference: meet.google.com/byk-ascz-oqk
Join by phone: ‪+1 319-382-9584‬ PIN: ‪864 066 876‬#

Week 7 Final Reflection  (Due: Monday, 5/18 by 8:30 am)
Your final reflection should be FOUR total paragraphs.  These should be well-crafted and proofread, and should be as specific and detailed as possible!  Two of those paragraphs will focus on the book, and two will be larger reflections about all the class content you have learned.  

Evicted Book Questions (choose TWO):
  1. What stood out to you the most about the links between the US eviction system and poverty?  Explain, using specific examples from the book.
  2. Many people have very codified perceptions of “people who get evicted” and suspect that those people are largely responsible—through bad decision making—for their circumstances. Did you feel this way before reading Evicted? Why or why not? Did your opinions change after reading the book? If so, how?
  3. What connections do you see between the people in this book and the hidden values of class?  Explain, using specific values and examples from the book.
  4. How do you see intersectionality playing out in this book?  Explain, using specific examples from the book.
  5. How has this book shaped your thinking about class and inequality in the United States?  Explain, using specific examples from the book.

Hillbilly Elegy Book Questions (choose TWO):
  1. What are the most important advantages that JD Vance has that help him become upwardly mobile?  Explain, using specific examples from the book?
  2. What does JD Vance think could help resolve the crisis of Appalachian Culture?
  3. What connections do you see between the people in this book and the hidden values of class?  Explain, using specific values and examples from the book.
  4. How do you see intersectionality playing out in this book?  Explain, using specific examples from the book.
  5. How has this book shaped your thinking about class and inequality in the United States?  Explain, using specific examples from the book.

General Reflection Questions (answer BOTH!):
  1. What has been the most impactful or interesting thing you have learned this semester about class and inequality in the US?  How has it shaped your thinking?
  2. If I taught this class again, what should I do the same?  What should I do differently?  Think about the whole semester!​
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Week 6: Class and Inequality Book Club

5/1/2020

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Please copy and paste everything on THIS DOCUMENT into ​the top of your Class Notebook document!  Keep all your work in your class notebook as instructed.

Week 6 Reading Assignment (Due: Friday, 5/8 by 8:30 am)
Hillbilly Elegy- Chapter 9-11 (to page 195)
  1. There is a free audiobook of this available here: Hillbilly Elegy Audiobook
Evicted- Chapter 11-18 (to page 226)

Week 6 Dialectical Journals  (Due: Monday, 5/11 by 8:30 am)
You need to complete TWO of these by Monday.  Each one should be at least ½ page in length. Think of these as expanded annotations!  See the Week 5 Book Group document linked here for further detail and instruction.

Week 6 Discussions  (Due: Friday, 5/8.  Times vary)
Discussion Prep and Expectations:
For all of the discussion formats have your dialectic journals and book on hand and ready to reference!  

Option 1: Online Video Discussions- Join one of the two scheduled online discussions.
  • Hillbilly Elegy- 10:00-10:45
    • Join video conference- meet.google.com/uhi-sqts-vaz
    • Join by phone- +1 334-518-1205‬ PIN: ‪474 466 298‬#
  • Evicted- 10:45-11:30
    • Join video conference- meet.google.com/zov-dibr-vrw
    • Join by phone- +1 267-358-6372‬ PIN: ‪709 248 541‬#

Option 2: Online Google Doc Discussion
  • Hillbilly Elegy-Google Doc Discussion
  • Evicted- Google Doc Discussion
Go to the document linked above for your book.  Type in responses to at least TWO of the discussion questions, then make at least FIVE comments on responses that others had.

Option 3: Family Discussion (only available if we have confirmed a lack of internet for you)
Choose a family member to discuss the questions listed below with.  Take notes on what is said as you go, then have them write a quick note at the bottom of the notes confirming that you have discussed the questions for the week.  Take a picture of the notes and confirmation, and text it to me at 970-403-5793.
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Week 5: Class and Inequality Book Club

4/26/2020

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Please copy and paste everything on THIS DOCUMENT into ​the top of your Class Notebook document!  Keep all your work in your class notebook as instructed.

Week 4 Reading Assignment (Due: Friday, 5/1 by 8:30 am)
Hillbilly Elegy- Chapter 5-8 (to page 128)
  1. There is a free audiobook of this available here: Hillbilly Elegy Audiobook
Evicted- Chapter 6-10 (to page 134)

Week 5 Dialectical Journals  (Due: Monday, 5/3 by 8:30 am)
You need to complete TWO of these by Monday.  Each one should be at least ½ page in length. Think of these as expanded annotations!  See the Week 5 Book Group document linked here for further detail and instruction.

Week 5 Discussions  (Due: Friday, 5/1.  Times vary)
Discussion Prep and Expectations:
For all of the discussion formats have your annotations and book on hand and ready to reference!  

Option 1: Online Video Discussions- Join one of the two scheduled online discussions.
  • Hillbilly Elegy- 10:00-10:45
    • Join video conference- meet.google.com/qvy-cbkf-wro
    • Join by phone- +1 484-367-5524‬ PIN: ‪674 538 918‬#
  • Evicted- 10:45-11:30
    • Join video conference- meet.google.com/cvk-frpx-oaq
    • Join by phone- +1 929-287-3630‬ PIN: ‪978 066 657‬#​

Option 2: Online Google Doc Discussion
  • Hillbilly Elegy- Google Doc Discussion
  • Evicted- Google Doc Discussion
Go to the document linked above for your book.  Type in responses to at least TWO of the discussion questions, then make at least FIVE comments on responses that others had.

Option 3: Family Discussion (only available if we have confirmed a lack of internet for you)
Choose a family member to discuss the questions listed below with.  Take notes on what is said as you go, then have them write a quick note at the bottom of the notes confirming that you have discussed the questions for the week.  Take a picture of the notes and confirmation, and text it to me at 970-403-5793.
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Week 4: Class and Inequality Book Club

4/17/2020

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Please copy and paste everything on THIS DOCUMENT into ​the top of your Class Notebook document!  Keep all your work in your class notebook as instructed.

Book Study Structure
Every week, you will have the following components that you will need to complete.  It will all be assigned on Monday, and due on the following Monday! Please keep it all in your Digital Comp Book for this class, with the newest work AT THE TOP.  I suggest copying and pasting directly from this document into your Comp Book. 
  1. Reading
  2. Dialectical Journals
  3. Discussion
  4. Written Response (this will probably happen every 2 weeks)

Week 4 Reading Assignment (Due: Friday, 4/24 by 8:30 am)
Hillbilly Elegy- Introduction- Chapter 4 (to page 60)
  1. There is a free audiobook of this available here: Hillbilly Elegy Audiobook
Evicted- Prologue-Chapter 5 (to page 63)

Week 4 Dialectical Journal  (Due: Friday, 4/24 by 8:30 am)
You need to complete TWO of these by Friday.  Each one should be at least ½ page in length. Think of these as expanded annotations!  See the Week 4 Book Group document linked here for further detail and instruction.

Week 4 Discussions  (Due: Friday, 4/24.  Times vary)
Discussion Prep and Expectations:
For all of the discussion formats have your annotations and book on hand and ready to reference!  

Option 1: Online Video Discussions- Join one of the two scheduled online discussions.
  • ​Meeting 1: 10:00-10:45.  Password: 6UZbZA
  • Meeting 2: 10:45-11:30.  Password: 5KLHh4. 

Option 2: Online Google Doc Discussion
  • Hillbilly Elegy- Google Doc Discussion
  • Evicted- Google Doc Discussion
Go to the document linked above for your book.  Type in responses to at least TWO of the discussion questions, then make at least FIVE comments on responses that others had.

Option 3: Family Discussion (only available if we have confirmed a lack of internet for you)

Choose a family member to discuss the questions listed below with.  Take notes on what is said as you go, then have them write a quick note at the bottom of the notes confirming that you have discussed the questions for the week.  Take a picture of the notes and confirmation, and text it to me at 970-403-5793.
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Week 2: Social Mobility Specific Topic Research/Poster

4/3/2020

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Please copy and paste everything on THIS DOCUMENT into your Class Notebook document!  Keep all your work in your class notebook as instructed.

Notes on Resources (DUE: Wednesday, 4/8, 8:30 am)
Choose two resources for your topic from the ones listed on the DOCUMENTS page of my DP.  Take notes for each resource in the format developed in the document linked above.

Social Mobility Poster (DUE: Monday, 4/13, 8:30 am)
You are now going to create a poster based on the article you read yesterday.  Your poster must include:
  1. Title:  Clearly states the focus of the poster (your topic)
  2. Summary:  One sentence summary of how this factor impacts social mobility
  3. 2-4 Important Points:  Each one needs one sentence of explanation and a relevant symbol/visual
  4. Proposed Solution:  1-2 sentences describing a proposed solution and a relevant symbol/visual
  5. Size:  11 x 8.5".  Regular printer paper size.
  6. By Hand or Digital:  Your choice, but it needs to look polished and professional

Your poster should be inserted or linked to your Class Notebook document.

Social Mobility Discussion (Wednesday, 4/15)
Stay tuned for more details on this!  I will send you instructions for discussions on Friday of next week.  You will probably have 2 options- a Zoom discussion with me, or an online google doc based discussion.
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Week 1: Introduction to Social Mobility Assignments

3/27/2020

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Week 1 Assignments- All due on MONDAY, April 6th by 8:30 am
Please make sure to TITLE each assignment clearly in your Digital Comp Book, to make it easy for me to figure out what is what!


Google Form:  Fill out this short google form to let me know which sub-topic in social mobility you are interested in diving into!

Is America Dreaming?  Understanding Social Mobility
  1. As you watch, write down three interesting things that you learned from this video.  Just list them.
  2. When the video is over, what surprised or stood out to you?
  3. What kinds of policies, programs, or solutions could make our society more socially mobile?  Brainstorm 3-5.

Intro to Social Mobility Texts
Read the following resources:
  1. Harder for Americans to Rise From Lower Rungs- A short article from NYT detailing the problems with US social mobility
  2. Understanding Mobility in America- A list of key findings

Intro to Social Mobility Notes
In your Digital Comp Book, please title these notes as I did above!
  1. What is the thesis of each piece, summarized in one sentence?
  2. What explanations did these give for America’s limited social mobility?  List them. You should have at least five (I found 9).
  3. What are two questions you have after reading this?

 JD Vance TED Talk
  1. What barriers to upward social mobility does Vance talk about?  List them.
  2. What are the factors he talks about that helped him become upwardly mobile?  List them.
  3. One Paragraph:  What implications does what he said have for improving social mobility?  If his experience is not unique, what strategies do we need to help people become more upwardly mobile?
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Inequality for All Discussion and Social Mobility Intro

3/6/2020

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Inequality for All- Documentary
Let's watch this documentary, that makes some clear links between inequality and democracy.  As you watch, I want you to take notes on two things.  I've linked some key visuals and data from the film above to help you:
  1. Why is inequality getting worse?
  2. Why is the middle class so important?
  3. What are things that can be or have been done in the past about this issue?
  4. What impacts does this inequality have on democracy and our system of government?
  5. List 3 new things you learned, or things that you have strong reactions to, or questions that are raised for you in this film, or connections you made.

When the movie is over, get into groups of 4-5, and discuss the questions from your notes.

​Starter- Inequality Summit 4 Corners
Answer both questions below in writing first, then do 4 corners.
  1. Economic inequality is one of the biggest problems facing America today.
  2. It is our responsibility as citizens to make our country more equal.​
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Inequality for All- Movie and Notes

3/5/2020

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Inequality for All- Documentary
Let's watch this documentary, that makes some clear links between inequality and democracy.  As you watch, I want you to take notes on two things.  I've linked some key visuals and data from the film above to help you:
  1. Why is inequality getting worse?
  2. Why is the middle class so important?
  3. What are things that can be or have been done in the past about this issue?
  4. What impacts does this inequality have on democracy and our system of government?
  5. List 3 new things you learned, or things that you have strong reactions to, or questions that are raised for you in this film, or connections you made.
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Panel on Poverty in Durango

3/3/2020

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Panel on Poverty
Ask questions of our panel!  Take some notes! (You're going to have to write about this later...)
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Prep for Poverty Panel, Documentary on Inequality

3/2/2020

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Starter: Poverty Panel Questions
Tomorrow we have a group of people coming in tomorrow to discuss their experiences with poverty in Durango, and with their perceptions on inequality in our community.  These people include:
  1. Sean Woytek
  2. Jess Adams 
  3. Casey (Jess' husband)- EMT/firefighter
  4. Emma Salazar- TRIO program
  5. Taylor- Student supported by TRIO program
  6. Wendy Allsbrook-Javier- TRIO Talent Search

For your starter, I want you to come up with 3 questions that you could ask the entire panel, and 3 questions that are developed for specific people on the panel.  These questions should help to get a clearer picture of how poverty impacts people in Durango, and how these particular professions engage with issues of poverty and social mobility.

Debrief Inequality Research
Meet in a group, discuss what you discovered.  Come up with a 1-2 description of the current state of inequality in the United States.  Write it on the board!

Inequality for All- Documentary
Let's watch this documentary, that makes some clear links between inequality and democracy.  As you watch, I want you to take notes on two things:
  1. Why is inequality getting worse?
  2. Why is the middle class so important?
  3. What are things that can be or have been done in the past about this issue?
  4. What impacts does this inequality have on democracy and our system of government?
  5. List 3 new things you learned, or things that you have strong reactions to, or questions that are raised for you in this film, or connections you made.
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    I've been teaching at AHS since the beginning- I love to explore ideas with students, and to help them bring their amazing ideas to fruition.

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