Part 1: complexity in one's self
The student understands and contemplates her internal complexity. She is expected to understand:
- the differences between character and caricature in literature and real life:
- DNA by Kendrick Lamar
- Everybody’s Protest Novel by James Baldwin
- Human by One Republic
- the study of how imperfection, insecurity, and vulnerability shape all human behavior:
- The Power of Vulnerability by Brené Brown
- Tiny Beautiful Things by Cheryl Strayed
- the study of the role parental baggage plays in shaping identity:
- In the Blood by John Mayer
- Prodigal Son by Rationale
- East of Eden by John Steinbeck
- the study of Stoicism and the role it plays in executing self-control and managing emotions, for example:
- Principle 1 - Ask, “is this within my control?”
- Look Up & Take the View from Above
- Look Down & Meditate on Your Mortality
- “This Too Shall Pass” Remember this is all Ephemeral
- Train Perception to Avoid Good And Bad
- Practice Misfortune
- the study of the exploration of the aforementioned themes in Disney’s The Lion King
"I got power, poison, pain, and joy inside my DNA." - Kendrick Lamar
By studying the teachings of Kendrick Lamar, students learn to practice introspection.
Part 2: complexity in one's neighbor
The student learns how to be in a healthy relationship with others. He learns how to:
- articulate the concept of “Mirror Images” and how all human beings wrestle with similar internal challenges. This will be explored through the prism of several texts in pop culture, including:
- ‘Look Me in the Eyes’ Air Jordan Ad
- Wings by Mac Miller
- Decoded by Jay Z
- articulate the difference between “monsters” and “men” so as to avoid the pitfalls of prejudging or misjudging others. This will be explored through a series of Disney movies, including:
- The Hunchback of Notre Dame
- Aladdin
- Beauty and the Beast
- articulate the concept of empathy and the role it plays in helping to shape better relationships in human endeavors
- explain how even when human beings are engaging in monstrous behavior, one can still respond in a way that values their wellbeing -- with the understanding that such a response makes it more likely that they will change.
- explore how the above principles and themes are promoted in the film Freedom Writers
"We experience the same reality through different dimensions." - Jay Z
By studying Jay Z's autobiography, students learn that the emotional baggage that informs their perspective often informs the perspective of those they're in conflict with.
Part 3: The Purpose of Criticism
The student understands that criticism should be rooted in positive intent & personal edification:
The student learns to:
- articulate the difference between criticism that edifies and criticism that exploits:
- The Fire Next Time by James Baldwin
- Between the World & Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
- discuss and practice the art of observing value in others, as especially argued by many, including:
- Dr. Maya Angelou
- Joyce DiDonato
- Denzel Washington
- David Foster Wallace
- articulate the concept of Appreciative Inquiry and its 5 principles, for example:
- The Constructionist Principle
- The Principle of Simultaneity
- The Anticipatory Principle
- The Poetic Principle
- The Positive Principle
- explore the role these themes play in Dr. Martin Luther King Jr’s ‘I have a Dream’ speech.
"A person cannot develop moral character unless they are valued." - Maya Angelou
Students study the writings and teachings of Dr. Maya Angelou to learn how to constructively criticize and bring out the very best in their peers.
Part 4: The ROLE OF LOVE
The student understands that ToE is a practice in love both for one's self and for one's neighbor:
The student is expected to:
- explore the concept of love as articulated in prominent writings, for example:
- “A More Perfect Union” by Barack Obama
- “An agenda for Moderates” by David Brooks
- articulate how love requires sacrifice, and action, and what that looks like:
- practice the solution to and articulate the challenges of how to love when it is unreciprocated
- explore the role that love plays in Disney’s Moana.
"Let us be our brother's keeper; Let us be our sister's keeper."- President Barack Obama
Students study some of the writings of President Barack Obama and learn how to honor the intellectual and emotional complexity and sacredness of both themselves and their neighbor, whether foe or friend.