Fandom High School

Sociology Special Topics: Sex Cultures (6th Period)

The lab is organized in the same fashion as it was yesterday, so that each student has a private work station at which to take his or her final. The Sex Cultures final contains only two sections - multiple choice on vocabulary, history, and concepts (no fill-ins for you dirty kids), and a short essay (which is on porn!). It's of moderate difficulty, and there are no trick questions.

The exam is timed to be completed in one class period. Grissom also explains that extra time will be allowed with permission, but that students may not exit and re-enter the classroom once the test begins (allowances of course would be made for things like seizures and body swaps.)

Any student not able to complete the exam today will be assigned a 10 page, researched and properly cited paper in lieu of a test, to be completed by the end of term. It should be submitted to a TA (Bel, Veronica, Cally, Lyta, or Paige) in a handwavey kind of manner so a grade can be received for their coursework and that so no one is punished for RL hiatus or brainfart.

While the students take the exam, Grissom is at his desk, wrapping what suspiciously looks like a very girly present in a manner than can only be described as disturbingly methodical. The paper is also pink and sparkly, so chances are it's a gift for Lorelai.

[OOC: Give me two grades - exam grade, and final grade! I'm catching up on tags today omg emo is draining and pulling his access for the main comm by later tonight, so drop me e-mails or AIMs with any outstanding problems after then! :) ]

Sex Cultures : 6th Period

"By now you may have heard that the Sociology Department's final exams have been moved up to next week. I'm sorry to say that this is true, and that your exam will be administered next week. I apologize for the inconvenience and the short notice, but you will receive full term grades and I have prepared a study guide for you, to make up for the lack of time to properly prepare. Please take one before you leave. I have enjoyed having each and every one of you as students, and I wish you luck with the rest of your semester and hope you have a pleasant summer.

If you have any questions, now would be the time to ask them. If not, please sign in and then you may go."

[OOC: I spazzed on class for Tuesday, sorry. You watched the end of the porn documentary, and were here or not as you said you were IG *does magical handwave*]

Soc. of Violence

Grissom entered the classroom, uncharacteristically late, and began a dense and rapid-fire lecture on Prisoner Rights and Correctional Law.

He also seems to have an assignment to pass out, but obviously forgets, and dismisses the class before he can hand it out.

---

Soc. of the Paranormal

Ushered into the A/V lab, the students are supposed to be working their way through an online program describing various terminology for class, but Grissom cues up the wrong website without noticing, obviously lost in thought.

"Complete the website, and then you may go."

Feel free to be befuddled as to why Grissom just assigned his class to play Hugo's House of Horrors.

Sociology of Violence

Please pass in your assignments from last class and then you may go. Have a good weekend.

---

Sociology of the Paranormal

Pop Quiz! On basic vocabulary and lecture topics. 50 multiple choice questions, each worth two points, for a total of 100. Five extra credit questions worth one point each. Maximum score of 105 possible, grades will be curved based upon the highest score.

Give me a grade between 0 and 105, please.

Sociology of Violence

Grissom is in a phenomenally grumpy mood, which is not exactly rare, but it is exceedingly noticeable. So if you want to get thrown into detention, it wouldn't take much today. He's moody, yo.

He directs the class next door into the A/V lab, and screens Das Experiment, as he can't exactly recreate the Standford Prison Experiment in the Danger Shop even if that would be all kinds of wrong and awesome.

"Your assignment for Wednesday is an essay based on this concept. You are to select two of your fellow students, and write an essay in which one of them is assigned as a guard, and one as a prisoner. I want a realistic analysis of what you believe would occur in that scenario. You're dismissed."

---

Sociology of the Paranormal

As they didn't get to report on their homework during the last handwaved class, Grissom sets up the desks in the lab to allow his students ease in fulfilling their assignment.

"I'd like you to state what your topic was, and why you chose it, before you present any other relative data or analysis."

Sex Cultures

And then there were ten...

"So, group projects... perhaps not the best idea in hindsight, considering the amount of turnover in the student population of Fandom High."

"Instead, I am going to divide you into two groups with my fancy out-of-a-hat method."
Group A: Phoebe, Anders, Izzie, Alanna, Paige
Group B: Bel, Allie, Cally, Sawyer, Pip

"I'd like you each to show your example of a polyamorous culture, but in a context. Group A, present your culture to the class in a positive manner, as an acceptable social institution. Group B, present your culture to the class in a negative manner, and persuade us that the culture is an unacceptable social institution.

Your personal feelings may be different than your presentation, but perhaps playing Devil's Advocate might change some of your ideas on the subject. You'll be graded on the quality of your thoughts and their presentation, not on their content directly."

There's a notice on the Sociology lab door that states that class is canceled, as are office hours tomorrow, and that Grissom hopes the students have a good weekend.


[OOC: No need to sign in. If this screws anything up for you, use this post for any interaction you needed. The lab is open for that, although Grissom/I won't be present. I'm sorry.]

Soc. of Violence: 2nd Period

Grissom hands out a pop quiz to his students.

After a few minutes, they'll get to the part where it is revealed to have no real answers, and is actually an exercise to prove a point.

"What's the solution to this problem? Is it a computerized database? A more powerful federal law enforcement system to oversee state and town officials? A new method of classifying and reporting the data?"

---

Soc. of the Paranormal: 6th Period

After the class has taken a seat, Grissom begins a lecture on Satanism, being careful to point out that most Satanists do not in fact worship a deity called Satan, nor do they follow a principle of evil according to their definition.

( 9 Satanic Statements and 11 Satanic Rules (Oh Boy!) )

"We've certainly touched on the role of evil sexy demons in class as a part of paranormal activity, so that you should be working on your own definition at this point, and these ideas stand directly opposed to some of the other philosophies we've taken a look at in the past few months.

So... reactions?"

HOMEWORK FOR BOTH CLASSES: The Body Farm field trip is Wednesday. You are invited, although attendance is not mandatory for Sociology students. The rules will be explained to you the day of, wear comfortable, old clothes and sturdy shoes.

[OOC: Link NWS if your boss is going to be displeased with your casual reading on Satanism at your desk during lunch. Spoilsport.]

Sociology of Violence/Biology Combo Class | 2nd Period

"First of all, I'd like to welcome the Biology students joining us today. Please take a seat anywhere. I'll give a short lecture, and then feel free to join in class discussion with the Sociology students. Your perspectives will be refreshing."

Lecture on the Biology of Violence

( Your Discussion Question )

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Sociology of the Paranormal | 6th Period

Grissom is still in a lab coat when he arrives to class. "First thing, I want to apologize. Your exams have not been graded yet because I'm still waiting for a few of them because I've had some, uhhhhh, personal, umm, I unfortunately didn't have time to complete them. You'll receive them back on Monday."

Grissom then gives a lecture on terminology and basic history of Paganism and Neo-Paganism as background for the upcoming projects, and then dismisses class early.

Sociology of Violence

Grissom hands out the midterm. It has two sections, multiple choice, and an essay portion.

The essay question reads as follows: Now that you've had the chance to speak to Mr. Fraser, the school's head of security, and using what you have learned in this class, what recommendations would you make to him when it comes to this school's safety? Please provide at least one method of security in your answer, whether is be a rule or restriction, a defense mechanism, etc. and justify your reponse.

---

Sociology of the Paranormal

Grissom hands out the midterm. It has two sections, multiple choice, and an essay portion.

The essay question reads as follows: A close friend comes to you, and tells you that they have experienced a paranormal event, one that you find difficult to believe actually happened even in Fandom. What is your reaction? And how would that reaction affect both you, and the person in question?

( OOC Notes )

Sex Cultures: 6th Period

Grissom waits until his students have taken their seats, and then rolls in a TV unit. He starts up a video from this collection.

"This does involve your upcoming project. I just thought we'd start a little lower on the food chain."

Homework (over break) : Research and prepare a short presentation on the mating rituals of one species of animal besides human (or dominant alien lifeform, as the case may be) from the place you chose last class. However, you may work with your partner, if you'd like, and present just one together, as your time over Break allows.

Asia: Izzie and Alanna
America/Oh Canada: Cally and Anders
South America: Phoebe and Shep
Space: Bel Cole Bel and Allie
Europe: Pip and Paige
Africa: Sawyer and Han

( OOC Note Regarding Partners )

Sex Cultures

Grissom welcomes each member of the class as they enter. There are six sets of two desks set up in the Lab, and each has a piece of paper with one word written on it in the middle.

"What I'd like you to do is take a seat at a set of desks. You may choose a free set of desks, or sit down with someone else. They will then be your partner for the next class project."

"I want you to spend the class discussing what you know about the place mentioned on your desks with your new partner, and getting to know them if you haven't worked with them before. This project will count as your midterm as I am not giving you a 'sex exam', yo., and I will give you the details on Thursday."



[If you have decided OOC on a partner you want for whatever reason, and that person has agreed OOC, just put a wee note on your "sit down comment" to avoid confusion. So if Cally wants to work with Anders, she'd sit down and say OOC: OMG RESERVED FOR MY DARLING ANDERS or something. :) This project will last for a while, but it won't require anything other than in-class torture interaction, FYI.]

Grissom comes in to his office a little later than usual, but he doesn't seem to be overly concerned with his tardiness.

His door is open, because the puppy is contained to her own little play area, and also he's in the best. mood. ever. So he's grinning, slightly but still, and 'rocking out' to King Crimson by occasionally tapping his fingers on his desk while he works on the upcoming Sociology midterms.

And no, he can't explain why you stick to the ceiling or smell like Nyquil, but he'll certainly come up with some theories for you.

Soc. of Violence: 2nd Period

Grissom brings his class to the A/V lab next door, and sets them each up at a computer work station.

Each has a browser window open to a page with various "police videos".

"This content can be disturbing, so if you don't want to watch them, you are under no obligation to do so, and may return to the lab to sit quietly and do some reading. But I'd like your reactions to this kind of footage and feel free to handwave a video not on that site, you know the type, please."

Homework: "Next week we will have a guest speaker in class, who has a background in both law enforcement and security. I'd like you to prepare a few questions for this speaker, and you may include issues you are concerned about on the island. Any questions?"

---

Sociology of the Paranormal: 6th Period

"Today, we're going to talk about magic. At this point, a conversation on whether magic does, or does not, exist, would be rather silly," Grissom smiles in the direction of a few students in his class. "However, understanding how magic is generally perceived off the island could be helpful."

Generic Wiki Grissom Lecture

"Next Monday, I will be setting you up again in groups to work on a project in this field. Therefore, all I'd like you to share in class today is what you are interested in studying and pursuing further, by way of knowledge. Think in a sociological frame of reference. Magic and its involvement with religion and spirituality? How we treat those who believe in magic, or say they practice magic, or in our cases, without a doubt practice magic? Ethical and moral guidelines surrounding the subject? Historical significance? Inside the subculture of those who practice magic, or those who are exposed to it? Or any other topic that you wish."

"No homework tonight, have a good weekend."

Sex Cultures: 6th Period

"First of all, I would like to thank you all for your wonderful presentations on Tuesday. I was pleased with all of your work."

"For our class today, we're going to study something a little bit different. The course is called Sex Cultures, but there must also, logically, be a state on the opposite side of that spectrum.

So... No-Sex Cultures. Today, we'll take our virgin plunge into the world of chastity, abstinence, celibacy, and asexuality.

Now, I am not going to ask for technical definitions when we discuss these ideas in class because I like my brain unbroken, kthx, as we are going to function using the most base, widely accepted interpretations.

And instead of lecturing you this afternoon, I'm going to give you this handout, and I want you to pick one name save Hamlet wtf and write a quick reaction to their presence on the list. Hand it in before you go. Thank you."

( OOC Note )

Sociology - Sex Cultures: 6th Period

Grissom's students find a note on the Sociology lab door that they should meet in Danger Shop.

When they arrive, they find that a performance area has been set up for them, complete with room for an audience.

"Welcome, everyone! I'm glad you made it. I know that you have all been working hard on your presentations, so I wanted to give you the opportunity to share them with your fellow students. We'll begin in a few minutes, and I'll let the audience in. Happy Valentine's Day!"


[Let me set up OCD threads. Post away! Anyone is welcome to come and mock watch! Yay.]

Sex Cultures

Grissom is definitely smirking.

"No lecture today. Instead, I am going to assign you a partner, and give each team a unique assignment.

Today in class, you should chat with your partner and discuss how you are going to develop your presentation on the topic I am going to give to you. Each team will present on Tuesday.

Now, as you may remember, we have been discussing marriage and its role in our society. Most cultures have a ceremony of some kind, to officially begin such a union. Generally, that's called a wedding. However, different societies have much different ways of conducting weddings, and I think it would be very useful for everyone to see some of these differences first hand.

So..." oh, the smirking. "You are your partner will each be assigned a type of wedding. I will give you each a packet with the information you will need. And then, on Tuesday you will act out the ceremony for all of us with your partner.

Kissing of the bride optional.

And your partners are..."

[OOC: Please remember, no godding that your partner is late to class. Slow-play is our friend. Threads with partners and assignments will be going up in the next few minutes, thanks! Up! Also, mwahahaha.]

Sociology: Sex Cultures | 6th Period

After the students have all arrived, Grissom asks them to follow him into the A/V lab next door.

He then screens the documentary Married in America for the class.

There is obviously a big bowl of cheese puffs to share.

At the end of the film, Grissom dismisses the class, with an evil smirk on his face that can't be coming from anywhere good.



[OOC: Easy day, because Thursday is going to be a omgwtf! fun activity day, and I want to give you all a wee bit of a brain-rest. Please post that you were here, and feel free to chat with classmates and pas notes if you want, but no discussion is needed.]

Sex Cultures: 6th Period

Grissom enters the classroom a few minute after the bell rings, holding an overnight bag and wearing a forensics jacket from DC, and quickly puts his things behind his desk and pulls some paperwork out of a drawer.

"Welcome, everyone. I apologize for my absence on Tuesday, and thank you, Ms. Cally, for filling in on such short notice. My notes say that you were all assigned a short essay. Considering the subject matter, I'd actually like you to read those essays aloud to the rest of the class.

Feel free to ask your fellow students questions about their presentations, but remember that we all come from different backgrounds and we are here to learn, not judge.

Your homework for Tuesday is to brush up on the marriage laws of the state of Virginia. Guess what unit we'll be discussing next week?

Also, Bel and Cally, I'll assume you had no problems with any of the students in my absence. If any of them caused you problems, stop by my office after class, and those students will be spending their Saturday with me. Thank you."

Grissom is in his office all day, working on his laptop. He's updating his livejournal, which in no way is bugporn doing some research on the mating practices of Roman snails.

For class.

He has cheese poofs, but they appear to be organic, which is suspicious.

Sociology of Violence

Grissom is rather abrupt, and launches into a lecture defining hate crime before the students can even sign in.


( Soc. of Violence, cont. )

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Sociology of the Paranormal

Grissom wheels in a TV unit, and addresses the class.

"While you are watching the film, I want you to think about why people perpetuate hoaxes. By the end of class, I want a proposal from each of you on my desk for a hoax of your own design. You'll receive extra credit if your proposal involves the paranormal, although that's not required at this time.

Also, those of you that have elected to finally pass in your last homework assignment would be advised to leave it on my desk as well."

He then screens most of the NOVA special The Boldest Hoax.

"Before you go, take this vocabulary sheet. Have all the terms, A-Z, memorized by Monday. You can go."

Sociology of Violence: 2nd Period

Grissom is standing at the front of the class, feeding a few tarantulas who are perched on his desk in their terrariums. They've been officially banned from his apartment and office, and will now live in the lab. Poor T-Boz, Left Eye, and Chili spiders.

"Welcome, everyone. After doing all that reading this weekend, you should be familiar now with the material.

So, instead of lecturing you, today we will participate in a project.

Using the full resources of the Humanities wing (the AV/computer lab, Grissom's creepy stuff, the science materials, etc.), I'd like you to design some sort of Anti-Violence message for the campus.

You will not be graded on this, so feel free to be experimental. At the end of class, share describe, link, whatever what you have done with the class.

---

Sociology of the Paranormal: 6th Period

"Please turn in your homework."

Grissom then lectures on the Sokal Affair as his students probably nod off, and lets them go without assigning any homework.

Sex Cultures: 6th Period

"Aphrodite. Venus. Certainly not the first goddess of love and beauty, but perhaps the most famous. Her cults worshipped her with offerings of incense and the sacrifice of doves. She was celebrated during the festival called the Aphrodisiac, especially in Corinth where she was the patroness.

And of course, she has been captured by artists for centuries in their work, from the Ancient Geeks and later Romans, right through the present day."

Grissom then plays a slideshow for the class.

"While you are watching, I want you to select the depiction of Aphrodite that most appeals to you. Then I want you to share with the class why it was your favorite, but also, how you think where you are from affected your decision."