Track Selection
Students' Agency Is The Highest ValueAll students taking this course have their own agency, their own vision for their future. This two track system is design to respect students’ agency rather than require they conform to banking model rules.
The track gives each student a choice in how to engage with the course. It is not a trap, a trick, or a way to categorize students.
The instructor has faith in the sovereignty of every student in this class and wants very much to channel it.
Everyone gets an A. Everyone gets the tools.
The only difference: engagement level.
| Track 1: Credit Only | Track 2: Engaged Learning | |
|---|---|---|
| Grade | A (guaranteed) | A (guaranteed) |
| Claude Pro | ✓ 3 months | ✓ 3 months |
| Super Whisper | ✓ 4 months | ✓ 4 months |
| Attendance | Please don’t come | Mandatory |
| Participation | None required | elenchus.talk, pair work, dialogue |
| Syllabus Input | Optional | Expected |
| Portfolio | Optional | Encouraged |
| Weekly Expected Time | Up to you | 3hrs (class time) + 3-6hrs (preparation) |
Mandatory attendance — You show up. Consistently.
Active participation:
- Sign up for elenchus.talk sessions (Socratic questioning dialogues to extend thinking)
- Engage in pair work and dialectic hours
- Contribute to syllabus co-creation
Intellectual partnership — You’re not just receiving content. You’re helping shape the course.
Track 2 needs to be a space where:
- Interested students meet other interested students
- Pair work works because everyone chose to be there
- Real conversations happen because everyone wants them
If you’re not sure: Start with Track 2. You can always switch to Track 1 later.
If you’re conflicted: That might be your inner voice saying you want more. Listen to it.
Deadline: Sunday, Feb 8, 11:59 PM
What if I’m afraid to commit to Track 2?
- That fear might be banking model conditioning (“what if I fail?”)
- Track 2 isn’t about performance — it’s about presence (showing up)
- Try it. You can’t do it “wrong.”
What if I’m scared to commit?
- You are committing to take the class seriously, not committing to unspecified amounts of work
- Imagine yourself in the middle of semester when pressure in other courses mounts: Do you let other courses dictate what you focus on, or are you able to set your own boundaries ahead of time?
Can I switch tracks later?
- Track 1 → Track 2: No, after the track selection is made, you cannot change
- Track 2 → Track 1: Discouraged, but yes if needed
What if I miss the deadline?
- You’ll default to Track 1
- Can still switch to Track 2 in Week 4
Can I audit the course?
- If you’re enrolled, choose a track
- If you want to audit unofficially, email the instructor
What if I don’t know what I want?
- Orange flag territory (see Philosophy)
- Choose Track 2 for now, reflect, switch if called