We use an activity guide that include map work, timelines, supplemental reading, art projects, science projects, research projects, recipes, review activities and more to ensure we will be able to expand and build upon our learning in a meaningful way.

Prerequisites

Some prior study of history - basic age-appropriate awareness

We will be sight-reading out loud. This is not a requirement, but is preferable. Many kids have trouble with this initially but get much better with practice.

On a weekly basis, students will be assigned a short independent research project to present to the class.

Lessons include

• Section 1: The Mechanics of Empire
• Section 2: The Sun Never Sets on the British Empire
• Section 3: British Citizens Abroad
• Section 4: European Nationalism
• Section 5: The Future of the Union
• Section 6: Battle for Latin American Wealth
• Section 7: The Legacy of Slavery
• Section 8: The Reservation System
• Section 9: Modernization in East Asia
• Section 10: Colonization in Southeast Asia
• Section 11: Colonization in Africa
• Section 12: Displacement and Migration
• Section 13: Inventions
• Section 14: Modern Art
• Section 15: Consumerism
• Section 16: Women's Rights
• Section 17: Carry a Big Stick
• Section 18: The End of An Era

The amount and pace of content coverage will depend on the prior knowledge of students enrolled as well as class interest on various topics with a desire to dive deeper into specific content.

This is a secular class.

Schedule

Lecture class is anticipated to meet 11:00 - 12:30pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

The ability to attend class regularly will be important for continuity of information. Students unable to attend a class should expect additional work in order to be prepared. Please arrive promptly, prepared to hit the ground running.

There will be planned time off during the course of the class. These times will often not be during regular public school vacations. We like to travel during unpopular times!

Cost

Tuition is paid monthly, due on the first class of the month.

Attendance

We will take attendance, but only for our own internal accountability. Spaces are limited, so only sign up if you intend to attend regularly, as you will be taking a slot that could have been occupied by somebody else.

Assignments and Grading

There will be homework - reading and video assignments relevant to the upcoming topic. There will also be a weekly short research project on a topic relevant to the period of history we are studying. The results of this research are presented to the class. We call this "One Extra Fact." We do not plan to require tests. We can issue a formal grade for the class, which will be based on homework and class participation. Alternately, parents are welcome to assign their own grade for their child based on our feedback, but this will not be on a Winston Hall Academy transcript.

I will not expect any memorization. Our goal is to understand and be familiar with the sweep of history. I want the students to be able to think critically. Anybody can look up a date on their phone.

Students will need to have access to a computer, internet and a Google account. If your student does not have an email account, we can provide one @winstonhall.org. Students will need to be able to watch videos on YouTube and do Internet research. Students should also have access to a webcam with the ability to meet online. It would not be the intended method, but can be a good alternative for when weather is poor or otherwise dictated by various circumstances. 

Involvement by parents is key, but I will not expect you to do any of the teaching. What I will expect from parents is this:

• Respond to my emails, usually in the form of “Got it”
• Ensure your student(s) complete the homework and reading assignments
• Get your student(s) to class on time
• Don't get mad if we run overtime. Feel free to come in and pull your student(s) out if you need to go, though
• Be responsive if I ask something and abide by the written policies of the school, which will be provided to you prior to registering

Involvement by your student is even more important. What I will expect from students is this:

• Be attentive in class
• Do your homework
• Ask questions

I highly encourage questions. We ask a lot of questions in my current classes. Many of the questions are seemingly unusual and lead us down unplanned paths, but they all educate. I don't tolerate completely frivolous questions, though.

New students will require an in-person interview before being accepted into the class. Students may be denied entry into the class at my sole discretion, for reasons which may include lack of maturity, lack of interest in history or lack of tolerance of viewpoints with which they may not agree.

Class Materials

We will be using the textbook and workbook provided by Curiosity Chronicles. The textbook costs $45 is available here. The workbook is about to be released. There are other bundles and formats available, but this is the least expensive option. As we get closer, we may be able put together a group order.

There are no additional materials required beyond a computer, printing ability, pen and typical classroom materials.