Upper School Intersession 2025

The way we view science and the past has been strongly informed by scientific research that did not have good intentions, and did not view humans across the globe as equals. In the past 15 years, archaeologists and museum researchers have been trying to identify how ideas of inequality and superiority have affected our understanding of the past, using archaeology as a tool of empire and European supremacy. This session covers how European researchers used their colonial view of their own high intelligence to build up a scientific practice that reinforced their role as “objective”, and how that view permeates science today, including AI and data science. The session aims to deconstruct some of the myths of science as fully objective, identify ways to break down these concepts, and figure out how science can move forward with inclusive research. We will discuss archaeological theories and developments that led to our current understanding of non-objectivity and decolonising praxis.

Key questions: What role did scientists’ belief in their objectivity influence the kinds of research they practiced? How can we practice science today without falling into the same traps?

Part of a series: “Ethical issues in archaeology." Students are invited to attend one or more sessions in this series by Stacy.

In this session, we will be discussing facets of science that can be uncomfortable in the interest of learning and understanding.

Learn from activists across disciplines, from political leadership to social justice, as they reflect on their decades of experience and their perspectives on the future of social equity. If you’re interested in learning about grassroots organizing, community activism, or a career in public service, this panel is for you! Our speakers will include the executive director of Women’s Building SF, founder of FundHer Valerie McGinty, a local director of Public Allies (former collaborators with Michelle Obama), and other E&I leaders!

Can you pick the next president via looks alone? This course will explore whether voters can accurately predict politician competence and performance in office based on facial appearance alone. Research indicates that quick judgments about candidate appearance often predict election outcomes. Voters' response to facial appeal fits into broader concerns that citizens do not base their decisions on things that matter —policy and talent—but what appeals to their basic instincts.

You will investigate this facial phenomenon by examining recent studies and engaging in an in-class facial appearance study. We will ultimately review our own study and examine what it means for the future of democracy and what it tells us about our own concepts of fairness, prejudice, and leadership.

Some basic knowledge of the U.S. electoral process is helpful but not required.

This workshop explores magic and witchcraft as tools of the radical imagination—experimental and empowering methods for challenging the dominant narratives and systems of control in our lives and “rewiring” reality itself. Together, we’ll examine these multifaceted concepts, tracing their evolution, cultural significance, and philosophical relevance to our world today. Students will explore the intersections of magic with politics, art, and psychology, and have a chance to craft their own “spells” to confront and transform the limiting structures they encounter in their lives. No previous knowledge of the subject matter will be expected. All are welcome.

We now know that sex and gender are an interrelated spectrum. These are reflected in the way archaeologists view skeletons, and helps to problematise our view of sex and gender concepts and roles in ancient societies. This session will teach methods used to perform scientific sex assessments and the ways we use that and other archaeological indicators to suggest gender. From there, we will discuss and problematise the ways that sex and gender have been discussed in archaeology, and how that has impacted the public understanding of ancient societies.

Key questions: Were women always confined to domestic spaces? Were men always hunters? Is there archaeological evidence for trans, non-binary, and other gender identities across the ancient world? How have researchers misidentified sex and gender of archaeological individuals, and how does this change our understanding of their identities and societies?

Part of a series: “Ethical issues in archaeology." Students are invited to attend one or more sessions in this series by Stacy.
In this session, we will be viewing images of ancient human remains.

Women represent only 25% of the workforce of major technology companies. Women were also disproportionately affected by pandemic-driven spikes in global unemployment and reductions in labor force participation. What does this mean for young women trying to enter the tech industry? What struggles do women face and how can leaders in the field make change to these inequities? This is a special opportunity to hear from three women who have spent their careers in tech. Topics to be covered include tips for getting started in the tech industry, obstacles that women may face, career advice; and more. Don't miss out on hearing from these industry leaders. Questions and audience participation encouraged!

Panelists:

• Monica Ea Chander – Senior Director of Product Marketing at Meta
• Deepa Diwakar – Director of Engineering at Meta
• Erica Lockheimer – Founder, Investor, Podcaster. Formerly: VP of Engineering of LinkedIn

The way we view science and the past has been strongly informed by scientific research that did not have good intentions, and did not view humans across the globe as equals. In the past 15 years, archaeologists and museum researchers have been trying to identify how ideas of inequality and superiority have affected our understanding of the past, using archaeology as a tool of empire and European supremacy. This session covers how European researchers used their colonial view of their own high intelligence to build up a scientific practice that reinforced their role as “objective”, and how that view permeates science today, including AI and data science. The session aims to deconstruct some of the myths of science as fully objective, identify ways to break down these concepts, and figure out how science can move forward with inclusive research. We will discuss archaeological theories and developments that led to our current understanding of non-objectivity and decolonising praxis.

Key questions: What role did scientists’ belief in their objectivity influence the kinds of research they practiced? How can we practice science today without falling into the same traps?

Part of a series: “Ethical issues in archaeology." Students are invited to attend one or more sessions in this series by Stacy.

In this session, we will be discussing facets of science that can be uncomfortable in the interest of learning and understanding.

We now know that sex and gender are an interrelated spectrum. These are reflected in the way archaeologists view skeletons, and helps to problematise our view of sex and gender concepts and roles in ancient societies. This session will teach methods used to perform scientific sex assessments and the ways we use that and other archaeological indicators to suggest gender. From there, we will discuss and problematise the ways that sex and gender have been discussed in archaeology, and how that has impacted the public understanding of ancient societies.

Key questions: Were women always confined to domestic spaces? Were men always hunters? Is there archaeological evidence for trans, non-binary, and other gender identities across the ancient world? How have researchers misidentified sex and gender of archaeological individuals, and how does this change our understanding of their identities and societies?

Part of a series: “Ethical issues in archaeology." Students are invited to attend one or more sessions in this series by Stacy.

In this session, we will be viewing images of ancient human remains.

Through this session, you will:
- Hear why the Peace Corps is often described as “the toughest job you’ll ever love,” along with the challenges and unique experiences associated with this role.
- Discover the power of community empowerment and entrepreneurship through the firsthand experiences of a former Peace Corps Volunteer.
- Learn about microfinance programs and initiatives that support small businesses in Panama.
- Explore the significance of Panamanian indigenous crafts in preserving cultural heritage. Beautiful crafts created by artisans from the Ngobe-Bugle, Kuna Yala, and Embera communities will be showcased, and Anne will discuss how these crafts reflect the country’s rich culture and creativity.
- Understand the impact of learning a foreign language on building connections, fostering trust and becoming a unique candidate for work. 

This session is for anyone interested in global citizenship, cultural exchange, unique crafts and community-based entrepreneurship. Let’s explore how we can empower communities and celebrate diversity together!