By looking into the past we can better understand the present. Learners will practice critical thinking and expressing complex ideas in a way that is understandable, if not always agreeable.

I HAD to study history at Hampton University (B.A) and U.S. History at Southern Methodist University (M.A. abt) because I found the complex topics and dynamic issues endlessly fascinating. My education allowed me to study questions of Race, Class and Gender extensively, topics that should ALWAYS figure prominently when understanding The United States. Teaching high school and college history felt more like a prize than a job as I loved sharing our nation's struggles and stories with young learners and challenging them to think critically. I have decades of experience doing this and excel at leading conversations about racism, race relations, and people. While I am no longer in the classroom I still find opportunities to guide people through the topics and timelines of America from time to time, and this is one of those times. Teaching this topic to young people gives me hope and brings me so much happiness- our children are amazing!
As social studies is ALWAYS a conversation about the past AND the present, I will encourage and model conversation that weighs multiple perspectives. Learners should come expecting to share and hear a variety of ideas. 

We will explore episodes from Lear's television shows made in the 1970's and 80's. To view a list of all of his works, visit https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norman_Lear. 
When possible, episodes will be available on YouTube and available for review for free after class. However, I may also use other resources such as DVDs or streaming services which may or may not be readily available. My general preference is to provide easy access but this is not always possible.