Autobiographical Investigation: Tupac Shakur
Age Range: 8+
Class Time (EST): 10 AM EST
Class Days: Wednesdays
Date Range: Mar 26 - May 28
Instructor Email: [email protected]
Instructor cell phone: 2177222931
Class Description
In the 5 week course, students will be engaged in a literary and autobiographical investigation of a mystery person (Tupac Shakur). Modes of study/investigation will include his poetry, music, and interviews. We will be studying the real life of a controversial, complicated, and misunderstood human being. One we can learn and possibly draw inspiration from. This course is devoted to analysis, writing, and reflection. Students will acquire skills that promote careful reading, thorough reflection, and creative writing.
Class Skills Development
Critical Thinking & Analysis – Evaluate multiple perspectives, analyze primary and secondary sources, and identify biases in media portrayals. Inquiry – Synthesize information, and develop evidence-based conclusions. Literacy & Communication – Enhance reading comprehension, strengthen written and verbal expression, and draw connections between history, social justice, and artistic expression. Media & Cultural Literacy – Understand hip-hop’s cultural impact, examine Tupac’s influence on society, and explore the role of artists in activism and social change.
Class Materials
Scholars will be provided a virtual investigation notebook with pre-added prompts/sections. Students are also welcome to use their own notebooks.
Class Norms
-Respect for ourselves and others. -Willingness to be challenged, make mistakes, learn, and GROW. -Have FUN
About the Instructor
Saarah Na'Allah is a proud Black/African centered elementary educator and consultant with 5 years of experience served in both Peoria Public Schools, Chicago Public Schools and today serving students nationwide + internationally with her e-learning platform, Mwalimu Saarah's Learning Lab. She received her B.S. in Neuroscience from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and M.A. in Teaching + Elementary Education from the University of Chicago, Urban Teacher Education Program. As an educator, Saarah recognizes the importance of instruction that is both rigorous and relevant. Our children deserve encounters that speak to their curiosity, intelligence, and cultural wealth. Saarah does not teach towards a world as it. Her commitment is to teach towards a world as it should be. Her ultimate goal is for students to recognize that what they learn is not meant to sit in their mind, but rather, be applied towards the uplifting and building of their communities. Where does the name 'Mwalimu' come from? Saarah wears the title Mwalimu一 meaning teacher, according to the Kiswahili language一as a tribute to her African heritage. By entering spaces as Mwalimu Saarah, she hopes to inspire her students to enter the world just as culturally empowered as they are academically fulfilled. In her free time, Saarah loves to cook new recipes, and start DIY projects for interior renovation and design. On the weekends, Saarah and her husband go bike riding and explore the attractions of their city. Saarah's goal is to learn how to sew her own skirts, dresses, and baby clothes for her son.
03/26/2025, 04/02/2025, 04/09/2025, 04/16/2025, 04/23/2025, 04/30/2025, 05/07/2025, 05/14/2025, 05/21/2025, 05/28/2025
Participants must currently be 8 years to 15 years old.
Minimum: 1
Registration starts on 02/17/2025 and ends on 03/31/2025.
Zoom
Please contact Sankofa Homeschool Collective if you have any questions.