Developing Capacities for Decolonizing
A Reframing and Reimagining of the Middle School Social Studies Curriculum in Waldorf Schools
Course Overview
Instructor: Simone Shurney
Course Description
This three-day weekend intensive professional development workshop is designed for teachers, pedagogical leaders, curriculum coordinators, and all community members interested in exploring opportunities to decolonize and reimagine the social studies curriculum for grades 6-8.
Course Outline
Session I
Major Themes & Content Areas: Establishing Shared Definitions and Common Language
This first day of the course will explore questions such as: What is Social Studies? How can we reimagine social studies instruction for the modern day? What does “decolonizing” mean in education? How do we define “eurocentrism”? Opening examination of Steiner’s curriculum indications & pedagogical principles.
Session II
Major Themes & Content Areas: Deconstructing the Curriculum with a Vision Toward Reimaginging, Reframing, & Reconstructing
During this afternoon session will we examine and deconstruct Steiner’s curriculum indications for 6-8 grade curricula and common instructional strategies, with the intention to explore new possibilities and opportunities.
Session III
Major Themes & Content Areas: Inner Work: Capacities for Decolonization & Reimagination
In our final session we will close with an in-depth look at personal development practices that will help to facilitate capacities for decolonization and reimagination. We will also examine decolonized workviews and ways of thinking, developmentally appropriate truth-telling and collective healing practices, and effective application and integration of innovations for long-lasting impact.
Course Instructors
Simone Shurney MSEd
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