Curriculum: Course/Activity-Specific

Requirements:

Descriptions of Required Courses

(Credit areas noted)

 

 

 

° Weekly writing seminar in Burlington - (Language Arts)

    Students will create narrative, creative, and reflective pieces

that draw upon the diverse social, economic, and cultural

elements of Burlington, Vermont.  For example, for one week’s

writing assignment students might be asked to observe someone’s walk.  They will be asked to look closely at how the person moves and then try to make some creative inferential leaps about that person.  They will then use this person as a model for a character study where they create a fictitious narrative account about who this person is.  Another week, they might be asked to write a narrative reflection of their own perceptions about how the promise of American Democracy is evident as they observe a public protest or tour a homeless shelter for runaway youth.  They would then formulate this into a series of reflective essays, while relating this to the philosophy of Thoreau.  As they share their work with their peers, and through constructive group feedback, they develop an understanding of the revision process while participating in a literate community.  They will also gain a keen understanding of how the written/spoken word relates to their understanding and perception of the world.

 

° Foundations in Social Systems Theory - (Social Science)

This course is an amalgam of political science, sociology, psychology, anthropology, history, philosophy, and current social issues.  As students gather around the fire at the Willowell Land on Mondays and Wednesdays, they will be asked to discuss the current happenings of the world.  Invoking a polemic style, Walden instructors will ask students to frame their understanding of contemporary social issues by seeing how they intersect with their culture, their society, and their own burgeoning sense of self. They will be continually pushed to understand the interplay between local, state, national, and international initiatives.  They will also be asked to look at how institutions and government impact the individual, and to develop an understanding about how the rights and roles of members of society have changed over time.   For example, a conversation about political tensions in the Middle East might include a discussion about the historical tensions between the Israelis and their Arab neighbors.  This in turn might lead to a conversation about the way that Muslims are portrayed in the media, which might in turn lead to a conversation about how religion is regarded within our own society.  It is important to note that these conversations are designed to get students to ask questions about the world around them, without indoctrinating them into a particular belief system.  Liberal and conservative perspectives alike will be challenged so that the students are forced to articulate their own perspective and value system in an intelligent fashion and so they can understand how they fit within the political and social discourse of their community.

 

° Professional Internship / Apprenticeships - (Various)

As noted in the previous section, every student will be required to have a professional internship one day a week, ideally Fridays.  This internship will give them a direct experiential understanding of the world and will also allow them to develop real job skills that they will be able to apply towards future employment, if they so choose.  

 

° Natural Studies - (Environmental Science)

This course is designed to help students understand their local eco-system by becoming aware of the various plants, birds, mammals, amphibians, and reptiles that exist within the Champlain Basin.  By working with amateur naturalist and Willowell VISTA Emily Watson-Blagden at the Kingsland Bay Wilderness Area, they will be able to develop real wilderness skills including shelter building, tracking, and wild-crafting plants.  This will help them understand the diverse impact that humans have on their environment.

 

° Health & Physical Education - (Health-PE)

The outdoor component of the program allows for students to regularly hike, ski, snowshoe etc.  Additionally students will be encouraged to be physically active and to look at the relationship between their physical habits and their overall health.  Regular discussions about

choices with regards to eating, exercise, and substance abuse will give students a road map for creating a long-term commitment to physical health.  Additionally, meal planning and nutrition will be addressed though weekly community lunches. Students will learn basic wilderness first-aid skills as part of this course.

 

 

 

° Journals - (Language Arts)

Every student will be required to keep a journal to document their own personal growth and process during Walden.  While the journal as a whole is only for the individual student’s eyes, six to twelve excerpts will be included in the final portfolio as a mark of student development during the course of the year.  It will also allow the students to develop a conscious recognition of how they are making sense of the unique elements connected to their Walden experience.

 

° Field Trip to Walden Pond - (Social Science / Language Arts)

Our study of the philosophy of Henry David Thoreau culminates in a trip to the site of the very cabin where he retreated into the solitude of the woods to front “the essentials” of life.  This three day trip will give resonance to the readings and discussions that we will be involved in over the course of the year.

 

° Organic Farming - (Environmental Science)

With support from the Willowell Foundation, students will learn the basics of gardening and learn the art of self-reliance by becoming familiar with how to grow their own food.

 

° Attending Plays - (Fine Arts / Language Arts)

Students will regularly attend plays at the UVM Royal Tyler Theater and the Flynn Theater to be exposed to the arts in the area and to participate in a literate community.  Whenever possible, the ideas and themes explored in the plays will be related to the course of study.

 

° Camping Trips - (Health-PE & Environmental Science)

In order to apply the notions of self-reliance and to create a general level of comfort with the natural world of Vermont, students will go on several extended trips into the mountains during the school year.  All meal preparation and setting up of camp will be done in a collaborative fashion to underscore the interdependence of the Walden Community.

 

° Community Lunch - (Health)

Once a week, there will be a community lunch where students will organize and prepare a shared meal.  This lunch will provide more than an opportunity for Walden students and teachers to come together over a bag of Doritos.  Rather, it will serve as a chance to learn about nutrition, while recognizing the spirit of community that pervades the Walden community.

 

° Public Speaking - (Language Arts)

Given the emphasis in Walden on the finding of one’s own voice and being comfortable sharing one’s perspective in a diverse community, students will asked to speak in front of the group on a regular basis.  The confidence gained by doing this within the Walden community will ideally translate into the community-at-large, where the students might participate in a variety of activities which draw on their confidence and ability in speaking in front of others.  Opportunities for this will arise on a regular basis, and all students are expected to avail themselves.

 

° Guest Speakers - (Various)

As noted earlier, there will be a range of guest speakers that represent diverse ideological, social, political, and professional backgrounds coming to Walden.  In order to gain a community perspective, students will interact with and question guest speakers in a respectful yet critically-aware manner, strengthening their ability to think analytically and listen actively.

 

           Walden Project