weekly
Advanced World Events Discussion: Context, History, Connections
Completed by 4 learners
Ages 14-18
Live Group Class
Live video meetings
1x per week
2-10 learners per class
55 min
What's included
1 live meeting
55 mins in-class hours per weekMastery Evaluation
1 hour per week. Students may be asked to pre-read an article, or to investigate a topic if the class chooses to do that.Class Experience
US Grade 9 - 12
Advanced Level
Come each week for an engaging, student-led discussion on the most important news and global events shaping our world. In this interactive class, high school students will explore international headlines, delve into popular culture, analyze different perspectives, and build critical thinking and communication skills. Perfect for curious minds who love to ask questions, share ideas, and stay informed. Come ready to think deeply, bounce around new ideas and perspectives, and understand your world more clearly—one week at a time. Students will be expected to engage in discussion during the class, either via voice or chat and should plan on keeping their cameras on as much as possible. There is no regular homework, beyond keeping abrest of world news. Discussion must be kept civil! While opposing viewpoints are welcome when backed up with non-biased sources, discussion in this class is built on the assumption that we affirm the value of all humanity, regardless of country of origin, religion, economic status, gender, etc. Students who choose to disparage ethnic, religious, cultural, social, racial, or gender-based groups will be given guidance in class as to how to best approach the subject. However, if the lack of civility continues, the student will be withdrawn from the class. Students or parents who have questions about this should feel free to contact me.
Learning Goals
Students will evaluate the relationship between current events and historical contexts by drawing connections, identifying patterns, and analyzing how past events influence present-day issues
Students will practice critical thinking skills
Other Details
Parental Guidance
In this class, we will discuss a wide variety of current news events. The very nature of current news topics may, on occasion, lead us to discuss difficult topics like war, climate change, migration and refugees, religious or ethnic persecution, LGBTQ+ issues, etc.
Regardless of the issues discussed, we will affirm the value of all humanity, regardless of country of origin, religion, economic status, gender, etc. This class may not be appropriate for all learners.
Pre-Requisites
Students must have proven interest and aptitude in understanding world current events, and an ability to engage in constructive conversation through involvement in a history or current events class with the instructor.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
News websites used regularly in this class include the following: Reuters, Associated Press, Euronews, Africanews, DW.com, France24, ElPais, National Public Radio, PBSNewshour, Semaphor, BBC, ProPublica, Politifact, NewsNation, Pew Research, AlJazeera, CNN, and Vox. Media bias is checked using the AdFontes media bias chart.
Meet the teacher
Teacher expertise and credentials
3 Degrees
Master's Degree in American Studies from The University of Alabama
Bachelor's Degree in History from Birmingham-Southern College
Bachelor's Degree in Political Science and Government from Birmingham-Southern College
I have a BA in Political Science, History, and Secondary Education and a MA in American Studies. I have over 10 years of experience teaching high school and college students social studies and critical thinking skills, and have been developing curriculum for homeschooled students for the last 8 years. I have served as a Teacher Ambassador for Retro Report. and as an Education Ambassador for the Council on Foreign Relations for 3 years. My expertise in teaching is in helping students see the many ways that history, geography, politics, and economics intersect.
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