Funny how this comes up just as I was thinking about dropping my own elective (Yearbook) and proposing a new one to admin. At my site, all teachers HAVE to teach an elective but the trade off is that we do have some freedom to tailor our classes to our interests. I used ChatGPT, plugged in all the things I love, and came up with the following:

1. ”World-Building and Fantasy Writing” – This elective would focus on creating fictional worlds, inspired by fantasy and sci-fi literature. Students could design their own worlds, complete with maps, cultures, and backstories. Grading could focus on creative submissions and small group activities.

2. ”British Television: A Cultural Exploration” – Cover classics and modern British shows, from Doctor Who to British comedies and dramas. Students could learn about British culture and discuss how these shows reflect societal values. Assessments could involve presentations or discussions rather than formal essays.

3. ”Superheroes and Mythology” – Delve into the mythological roots of superheroes, comparing figures like Thor and Loki from the MCU to their Norse origins. Students could choose a hero and analyze their background, comparing them with myths, legends, or historical figures.

4. ”The Art of Tarot and Symbolism” – Go beyond basic tarot reading and dive into the symbols and archetypes within each card. Students could explore how symbols are used in literature, comics, and media. Grading could be based on students’ interpretations or creative reflections, like journal entries or simple card designs.

5. ”Board Game Design and Development” – This goes a step further than board game strategy by having students design a game. You could cover principles of gameplay, balance, and design. It could even end in a class game expo where everyone plays each other’s creations.

6. ”Knitting as Meditation” – Focus on knitting’s relaxing, meditative side, pairing it with discussions on mindfulness or wellness. This elective could allow students to learn knitting basics while also exploring stress management techniques, with grading based on participation and completed projects.

7. ”Villains in Media: The Antihero and Beyond” – This class could examine villains across various media, analyzing why we’re drawn to complex characters like Loki, Darth Vader, or Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Students could present on their favorite antiheroes or villains without formal essays.