my fall & winter curriculum 🖋️
I am leading with grace, curiosity and embracing the imposter syndrome.
Introduction
I am not the only person who have been seeing the Personal Curriculum trend since the summer and it is one that I am a huge fan of. I think what is funny is that I am actually getting my masters right now so I wanted this to be separate from my academic curriculum. I decided to keep this light and doable because I know myself and like to take my sweet time when accomplishing things. This fall, I want go back to basics in the topics I chose because I am embracing being a learner and failing when I need to.
Sections
CRE 101 - Haitian Creole 101: Learn the basic grammar & sentence structure of Haitian Creole to speak in a casual manner.
I am Haitian-American so growing up my mom spoke Creole to me and I understood what she was saying but I never fully became fluent. Living on my own, I really embraced my culture even more by learning how to cook several meals and discovered new musical artists. During undergrad, I took French as my language credit and it did make me understand Creole a lot more (because creole is a slang of French) and I wanted to speak more but never took it seriously enough. I have recently got in touch with my dad’s side of the family who currently lives in the heart of Brooklyn and while they speak English, it has pushed me to take the leap and take this seriously. Here is the structure I am working with:
30 minutes for foundation learning (through textbook and quizlet)
20 minutes for reading and comprehension
10 minutes for speaking
Weekly Structure
Mon & Wed: Textbook/Workbook (30 min) + Quizlet Review (20-min reading block) + Speaking Drill (10 min)
Tue & Thu: Textbook/Workbook (30 min) + Watching Media (20 min) + Self-Talk (10 min)
Fri: Review/Catch-up (30 min) + Reading a short article (20 min) + Speaking with Family (10 min)
Course Materials: Kreyol Moden textbook & workbook, Quizlet, YouTube, tv, music, film, books, articles, family members for practice.
Final Project: Write a short story and performing it in Creole.
MOV 2704 - Movement 2704 (Daily Movement): Build a consistent movement routine to build flexibility and mobility.
I am on a journey that is definitely familiar to me and that is getting my body moving on a regular basis so my bones don’t get weak and I can maintain a healthy lifestyle. I have ADHD so I tend to get bored with a routine that is mundane and monotonous so I wanted to have some fun and experiment to collect data to see how my body best responds.
Tracking the following
Activity, duration & energy Level Before/After (1-5 scale).
Other Solo Movement Ideas:
Shadowboxing, Dance, Tennis, Pilates, Yoga
Incorporating Weights
Starting with bodyweight then adding on
Weekly Structure
Monday: 1-Hour Walk (Document energy/mood)
Wednesday: 30-Min Full-Body Dumbbell/Kettlebell/Bodyweight Circuit (Document which I like better)
Fun Friday - Switch up the movement by doing a sport or group fitness (YouTube)
Final Project: Create my Personal Workout Guide (include my favorite activities and a custom Yoga Sequence)
ENG 1801 - The Anti-Library: Explore the books that have been sitting on my shelf and tap into the curiosity that I had when I decided to add to my collection.
I think this collection of books that I am reading are very interesting because you definitely see that the team of the books I am reading (minus the graphic novel) are based on book to screen adaptations (my fiilm studies degree coming out to play) or learning about the creative process which is something I am exploring right now so I find that very cool. I have selected questions that I will use for all of the books because I wanted to embrace this book club for one atmosphere because I am in the fight against anti-intellectualism. I actually want to answer these questions in earnest (also get better at my comprehension and analysis skills).
Here are the books I am reading:
Black Women Writers at Work by Claudia Tate - Non-fiction (I am already 5 chapters in)
What is the heart of this story?
What is one question, idea, or image from this work that I will carry forward? How has it shifted my perspective, even slightly?
Which works from these authors that you will add to your TBR?
Sweet Paprika by Mirka Andolfo (graphic novel) - Fiction
How did the author create the fantasy world in the book? Did they provide any maps, glossaries, or appendices to help you understand it?
How did the author explore themes such as heroism, destiny, loyalty, or morality?
Was the romance believable to you? Why or why not?
How did you feel about the main couple’s chemistry and compatibility? Did you root for them or not?
How did you like the level of heat in the novel?
Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams (tv show-optional material) - Fiction
Queenie opens with our protagonist sending a text from her gynecologist appointment. Were you hooked from the first line, or did it make you uncomfortable?
What were your first impressions of Queenie, and did they change as the novel went on?
How do you see Queenie’s experiences reflecting the importance of both the Black Lives Matter and the Me Too movements? Discuss Queenie’s experiences at the intersection of both race and gender, and how they impact her connection to these movements.
At the end of the book, Queenie has a conversation with her younger cousin about how being a black woman will shape her daily experiences and interactions. How does her relationship with Diana evolve throughout the novel? How do Queenie’s own experiences shape her growing relationship with Diana?
Queenie’s relationship with her mother Sylvie is complicated. How do you think their relationship shaped Queenie’s other friendships and relationships?
All The Pieces Matter: The Inside Story of The Wire by Jonathan Abrams (tv show-optional material) - Non-Fiction
Did you prefer hearing from the show’s creators, the writers, or the actors the most? Why?
After reading these behind-the-scenes stories, do you think The Wire showed a true picture of Baltimore? Why or why not?
The title says “all the pieces matter.” What’s one example from the book that shows how a small character or detail was actually really important?
Whose interview changed your mind about a character, or made you see them in a new way?
What’s the one thing you learned about making TV or telling stories from this book that you’ll remember?
BlacKKlansman by Ron Stallworth (film-optional material) - Non-Fiction
When did the actual investigation begin? Where did the investigation take place?
How did the fact that Ron Stallworth was black affect the situation? How did some of the officers think Americans of African descent would speak? Why do you think they could say this right to Ron’s face?
How did Rob provide surveillance when the white Ron would meet with KKK leaders or attend meetings?
Why wasn’t education more of a factor in hiring and promotions in the 1970s?
Why did the author feel he was successful with his work? Was he able to prevent some hurtful events? What happened soon after he left?
Final Project: Create a fun graphic that acts as my Curator note for my collection.
Field Trips - This are the experiences that I would like to have in honor of the Fall Season.
The Columbus Symphony (or other classical concert)
The Circleville Pumpkin Show
NYC (visiting family)
Going to a Halloween Party
Seeing The Nutcracker
Projects - This is mini activities that I am doing to boost my various skills.
Make a loaf of bread (I am making the sourdough starter now!)
Write 3 short films ((1 is in progress - I would like to get some screenwriting practice since that was my focus in undergrad)
Get my first paying client (I am currently working on a marketing research project for class so gaining good information from that)
Complete this season of Joan’s cave on YouTube (5 videos and end of year wrap up)
Add a new portfolio piece (this would be an additional spec project)