Outschool
Open currency, time zone, and language settings
Log In

A Young People’s History of the United States

This course teaches U.S. history from different perspectives, using Howard Zinn's 𝑨 𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒈 𝑷𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒍𝒆'𝒔 𝑯𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒚 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑼𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒔 as the text book.
Beth Foster | Humanities Educator
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:
(348)
Star Educator
Popular
Class

What's included

24 live meetings
18 in-class hours
Homework
2-4 hours per week. Learners will have two to four chapters of reading, two journal responses, a quiz, a project to complete each week. Additionally, there is a final quiz and final presentation. Most students should be able to complete the homework in two to three hours per week.
Assessment
This class is for learners who just want to learn more about Zinn’s book and people's history, as well as learners who want to get a letter of completion. All student workbooks are graded throughout the course. The final grade is calculated based on: Weekly Homework: 50 Points Final Presentation: 40 Points Final Quiz: 10 Points Weekly homework grades are calculated based on: Journal Responses: 40 Points Weekly Quiz: 10 Points Weekly Project: 25 Points In-Class Participation: 15 Points Final Presentation Progress: 10 Points Students receiving a final grade of C (70 percent) or greater will be issued a letter of completion reflecting the final grade.
Letter Grade
Students who complete the course with a C (70 percent or greater) will receive a letter of completion with their letter grade within a month of the course's last meeting.
Certificate of Completion
Students who complete the course with a C (70 percent or greater) will receive a certificate of completion within a month of the course's last meeting.

Class Experience

US Grade 7 - 9
𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀: 

❶ 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 If the class fee is a barrier to your learner's enrollment, message me for more information about payment plan options and scholarship opportunities. 

❷ 𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗹𝗲:  The summer section, beginning on June 3, meets four times per week (Monday-Thursday) for six weeks in order to fit the entire course into summer break. There are no classes the week of July 1. The final day of class is July 17. 

❸ 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝗦𝗲𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗹𝗲: The fall and spring sections meet on Mondays and Wednesdays. The fall section begins on Monday, September 16 with no meetings the week of October 28 for fall break and no meetings the week of November 25 for Thanksgiving break. The final class meeting for the fall section is December 18. The spring section begins on Monday, January 27 with no meetings the week of March 10 for spring break. The final class meeting for the spring section is April 23. 

❹ 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸𝘀 Students will receive a virtual interactive workbook before the course begins. The workbook is created using Google Slides. Students will complete homework in the workbook and the teacher also provides feedback on homework in the workbook. 

❺ 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝘂𝗻𝗱𝘀 No refunds of course fees are given after the workbooks are distributed. 

❻ 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝘆 𝗛𝗮𝗹𝗹 Learners enrolled in any of my semester courses are invited to attend study hall, held on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons during the semester, at no additional cost. This is a time when students can get extra help with assignments, ask questions, work with classmates on group projects, or just log in and work on homework with other learners. (Note for summer section students: Study hall does not meet in June and July.) 

❼ 𝗛𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 Homework is assigned following each class meeting. Most students will need some adult assistance with the homework. Students are welcome to attend the course and complete as much or as little homework as they and their adult wish. In order to receive a letter of completion, however, students must complete homework in order to earn at least a 70 percent of better on their final grade. 

········································································

𝗔𝗕𝗢𝗨𝗧 𝑨 𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒈 𝑷𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒍𝒆'𝒔 𝑯𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒚 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑼𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒔

This course teaches U.S. history from a different perspective, using Howard Zinn's 𝑨 𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒈 𝑷𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒍𝒆'𝒔 𝑯𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒚 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑼𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒔 as the text book. This is a semester-long course that gives learners a broad survey of U.S. history from before Columbus’ arrival through current events. History in this course is taught from the perspective of marginalized groups and with a focus on efforts at resistance to systemic injustice. We will learn using the young adult edition of Howard Zinn's classic 𝑨 𝑷𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒍𝒆'𝒔 𝑯𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒚 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑼𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒔 that has been adapted by Rebecca Stefoff. The book begins with a look at Christopher Columbus' arrival through the eyes of Arawak people. It follows worker's rights, women's rights and civil rights struggles into the 21st Century. 

"My history ... describes the inspiring struggle of those who have fought slavery and racism, of labor organizers who have led strikes for the rights of working people, of the socialists and others who have protested wars and militarism," Zinn wrote.

𝗥𝗲𝗴𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝗦𝗲𝗺𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝟭𝟮-𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀

Learners will have a reading assignment for each class with a study guide provided for each chapter. Classes will consist of lecture, group activities, and discussion. Weekly homework includes two journal responses, a project to complete in the medium of the student's choice, and a quiz. Students also work throughout the semester on a final presentation that is shared with the class during Week 12. 

𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝟭:
First Meeting: Course Introduction; Assignment of Chapter 1-"Columbus and the Indians"
Second Meeting: Discussion of Chapter 1; Assignment of Chapter 2-"Black and White" 

𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝟮:
First Meeting: Presentation of Project 1; Discussion of Chapter 2; Assignment of Chapter 3-"Who Were the Colonists" 
Second Meeting: Discussion of Chapter 3; Assignment of Chapter 4-"Tyranny is Tyranny" 

𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝟯:
First Meeting: Presentation of Project 2; Discussion of Chapter 4; Assignment of Chapter 5-"Revolutions" 
Second Meeting: Discussion of Chapter 5; Assignment of Chapter 6-"The Women of Early America"

𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝟰:
First Meeting: Presentation of Project 3; Discussion of Chapter 6; Assignment of Chapter 7-"As Long As the Grass Grows or Water Runs"
Second Meeting: Discussion of Chapter 7; Assignment of Chapter 8-"War with Mexico"

𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝟱:
First Meeting: Presentation of Project 4; Discussion of Chapter 8; Assignment of Chapter 9-"Slavery and Emancipation"
Second Meeting: Discussion of Chapter 9; Assignment of Chapter 10-"The Other Civil War"

𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝟲:
First Meeting: Presentation of Project 5; Discussion of Chapter 10; Assignment of Chapter 11-"Robber Barons and Rebels"
Second Meeting: Discussion of Chapter 11; Assignment of Chapter 12-"The American Empire"

𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝟳:
First Meeting: Presentation of Project 6; Discussion of Chapter 12; Assignment of Chapter 13-"Class Struggle"
Second Meeting: Discussion of Chapter 13; Assignment of Chapter 14-"World War 1"

𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝟴:
First Meeting: Presentation of Project 7; Discussion of Chapter 14; Assignment of Chapter 15-"World War II and the Cold War"
Second Meeting: Discussion of Chapter 15; Assignment of Chapter 16-"Black Revolt and Civil Rights"

𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝟵:
First Meeting: Presentation of Project 8; Discussion of Chapter 16; Assignment of Chapter 17-"Vietnam"
Second Meeting: Discussion of Chapter 17; Assignment of Chapter 18-"Surprises"

𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝟭𝟬:
First Meeting: Presentation of Project 9; Discussion of Chapter 18; Assignment of Chapter 19-"Under Control"  and Chapter 20-"Politics as Usual"
Second Meeting: Discussion of Chapter 19-20; Assignment of Chapter 21-"Resistance" and Chapter 22-"The End of the 20th Century"

𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝟭𝟭:
First Meeting: Presentation of Project 10; Discussion of Chapter 21-22; Assignment of Chapter 23-"The War on Terror" and Chapter 24-"War in Iraq, Conflict at Home"
Second Meeting: Discussion of Chapter 23-24; Assignment of Final Quiz; Assignment of Chapter 25-"Rise Like Lions" 

𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝟭𝟮:
First Meeting: Discussion of Chapter 25, final presentations
Second Meeting: Final presentations 

𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝟲-𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀

Learners will have a reading assignment for each class with a study guide provided for each chapter. Classes will consist of lecture, group activities, and discussion. Weekly homework includes four journal responses, a project to complete in the medium of the student's choice, and a quiz. Students also work throughout the semester on a final presentation that is shared with the class during Week 6. 

𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝟭:
First Meeting: Course Introduction; Assignment of Chapter 1-"Columbus and the Indians"
Second Meeting: Discussion of Chapter 1; Assignment of Chapter 2-"Black and White" 
Third Meeting: Discussion of Chapter 2; Assignment of Chapter 3-"Who Were the Colonists" 
Fourth Meeting: Discussion of Chapter 3; Assignment of Chapter 4-"Tyranny is Tyranny" 

𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝟮:
First Meeting: Presentation of Project 1; Discussion of Chapter 4; Assignment of Chapter 5-"Revolutions" 
Second Meeting: Discussion of Chapter 5; Assignment of Chapter 6-"The Women of Early America"
Third Meeting: Discussion of Chapter 6; Assignment of Chapter 7-"As Long As the Grass Grows or Water Runs"
Fourth Meeting: Discussion of Chapter 7; Assignment of Chapter 8-"War with Mexico"

𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝟯:
First Meeting: Presentation of Project 2; Discussion of Chapter 8; Assignment of Chapter 9-"Slavery and Emancipation"
Second Meeting: Discussion of Chapter 9; Assignment of Chapter 10-"The Other Civil War"
Third Meeting: Discussion of Chapter 10; Assignment of Chapter 11-"Robber Barons and Rebels"
Fourth Meeting: Discussion of Chapter 11; Assignment of Chapter 12-"The American Empire"

𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝟰:
First Meeting: Presentation of Project 3; Discussion of Chapter 12; Assignment of Chapter 13-"Class Struggle"
Second Meeting: Discussion of Chapter 13; Assignment of Chapter 14-"World War 1"
Third Meeting: Discussion of Chapter 14; Assignment of Chapter 15-"World War II and the Cold War"
Fourth Meeting: Discussion of Chapter 15; Assignment of Chapter 16-"Black Revolt and Civil Rights"

𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝟱:
First Meeting: Presentation of Project 4; Discussion of Chapter 16; Assignment of Chapter 17-"Vietnam"
Second Meeting: Discussion of Chapter 17; Assignment of Chapter 18-"Surprises"
Third Meeting: Discussion of Chapter 18; Assignment of Chapter 19-"Under Control"  and Chapter 20-"Politics as Usual"
Fourth Meeting: Discussion of Chapter 19-20; Assignment of Final Quiz; Assignment of Chapter 21-"Resistance" and Chapter 22-"The End of the 20th Century"

𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝟲:
First Meeting: Presentation of Project 5; Discussion of Chapter 21-22; Assignment of Chapter 23-"The War on Terror" and Chapter 24-"War in Iraq, Conflict at Home"
Second Meeting: Discussion of Chapter 23-24;  Assignment of Chapter 25-"Rise Like Lions" 
Third Meeting: Discussion of Chapter 25, final presentations
Fourth Meeting: Final presentations 

This class is for learners who just want to learn more about Zinn’s book and people's history, as well as learners who want to get a letter of completion. There is about three hours of outside classroom reading and homework per week. See the rubric below for how the learner will be evaluated if they are seeking a letter of completion.
Learning Goals
The learning goal of this course is to understand a different perspective of history than one learners are most often presented. It is also to develop critical thinking skills and to question from what perspective historical information is being presented.
learning goal

Syllabus

Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum
24 Lessons
over 12 Weeks
Lesson 1:
Welcome and Introductions
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Chapter 1-"Columbus and the Indians"
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Chapter 2-"Black and White"
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Chapter 3-"Who Were the Colonists"
45 mins online live lesson

Other Details

Parental Guidance
As we study history, students will engage with content about different cultures, religions, and times. Some of this content will contain depictions of colonization, violence, slavery, genocide, war, disease, death, racism, poverty, sexism, heterosexism, and oppression. The historical realities we will study are disturbing to almost all students, but may be especially difficult for some learners. Please consider whether your learner is ready to grapple with this content before enrolling. In addition, this class will address a diversity of experiences. Students will learn about the experiences of people of different religions, races, genders, sexes, and sexual orientations. All of the content used in this course is recommended for middle school readers and will be discussed in as age-appropriate manner as possible while also allowing learners to make their own connections. These connections will lead to conversations about current political debates and modern controversies. My objective when this happens is to facilitate a civil, thoughtful, leaner-led conversation in which students arrive at connections through their own analysis.
Supply List
A hard copy or electronic copy of Howard Zinn's 𝑨 𝒀𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒈 𝑷𝒆𝒐𝒑𝒍𝒆'𝒔 𝑯𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒚 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝑼𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝑺𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒔 (any edition).
 1 file available upon enrollment
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Joined July, 2020
4.9
348reviews
Star Educator
Popular
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Master's Degree in History from Gettysburg College
Bachelor's Degree in English from Campbellsville University
I have a master of arts degree in American history, and bachelor of arts degrees in political science, English, and communications with a journalism emphasis. I am lead teacher at The Foster Woods Folk School, which focuses on humanities education within an ecosocial justice framework aimed at celebrating and improving our connections as a global community of humans and non-humans living on Planet Earth. In this role, I work with learners of all ages with a primary focus of working with learners in grades three through 12. I was the director of a social justice center for three years during which time I routinely taught about and facilitated conversations about historical and current political events for both teen and adults participants. Before that, I was a newspaper editor and reporter for 15 years. I have been teaching history, social studies, and English Language Arts classes for several years. 

Reviews

Live Group Course
Share

$350

for 24 classes
2x per week, 12 weeks
45 min

Completed by 208 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 12-15
4-16 learners per class

About
Support
SafetyPrivacyCA PrivacyLearner PrivacyManage Data PreferencesTerms
Financial Assistance
Get The App
Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play
© 2024 Outschool