Exploring 20th-century History through Classic Texts
In this 12-week seminar course, students explore key themes and events of the twentieth century through classic texts. With a focus on genre, reading, and writing, the course delivers content for both History and English Language Arts.
Teacher Linford
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(6)
What's included
13 live meetings
10 hrs 50 mins in-class hoursHomework
1-2 hours per week. Homework includes reading and/or writing each week. All assignments will be required for all students. Writing assignments will be checked for correctness, with at least minimal feedback given. Please request a copy of the syllabus for a full overview of the assigned homework.Assessment
Two vocabulary and writing assessments will be given, plus a final paper. Assessments are required for all students.Grading
Grades are not default for this course, but are offered for learners upon request.Class Experience
US Grade 8 - 11
This 13-week course of study investigates major events and movements of the twentieth century through the lens of 4 classic texts: Animal Farm, Night, Persepolis, and The Central Park Five. These 4 core texts are access points to 4 defining events/movements of the twentieth century 1) Totalitarianism, 2) the Holocaust, 3) the Iranian Revolution, and 4) Mass Incarceration. More broadly, we will consider both the ways in which war, revolution, and survival have shaped our world, and also how social change, media, and appeals to authority continue to remake society. Supplementary materials will include short media clips, and articles, among other materials. Because this course fulfills the goals of an English Language Arts class, we will pay special attention to the genre, rhetorical analysis, authorial purpose, and vocabulary of the texts we read. Genres of the 4 texts include short story, political satire, graphic memoir, and creative nonfiction. Historical analysis involves the cultivation of efficient and compelling writing. Writing projects include a 1-page literary analysis of Animal Farm, a vocabulary assessment, and the Final Project. Class sessions consist primarily of a short orienting lecture, with most of the class period devoted to a Socratic seminar format. A Socratic seminar emphasizes careful listening and discourse with fellow classmates. Classes are intentionally small in order to help learners engage in focused discussion with the instructor and other students around a prearranged set of questions. Week 1: Introduction Week 2: Animal Farm; Power and Propaganda Week 3: Animal Farm; Stalin's History Week 4: Animal Farm; Review and Write Week 5: Night; Memory and the Holocaust Week 6: Night; Memory and the Holocaust Week 7: Night; Authority Week 8: Persepolis; Authority Week 9: Persepolis; Vocabulary assessment Week 10: Central Park Five; Mass Incarceration Week 11: Central Park Five; Language Week 12: Central Park Five; Review Week 13: Final Project Please request a full syllabus for a precise structure of readings and assignments. Image Citation (RIA Novosti archive, image #910794 / Grigoriy Vasilenko / CC-BY-SA 3.0)
Learning Goals
Learners explore key themes and events of the twentieth century through important works of literature. Students observe, learn, and practice close reading, writing, as well as historical analysis.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Since this class focuses on major events like revolution, genocide, incrimination, and war, some topics and resources in the class portray or at least mention disturbing content such as violence, abuse, racism, and mass murder.
The course is not for anyone of the age of 12 or under. Please feel free to contact the instructor for more information.
Pre-Requisites
Basic writing and reading skills at the 8th-grade or above.
Supply List
You can obtain the following at your local library or purchase them. Please contact me for any questions about editions or access. George Orwell, Animal Farm Sean McCollum, Stalin (Wicked History Series) Elie Wiesel, Night Marjane Satrapi, Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood Sarah Burns, The Central Park Five
Joined September, 2023
5.0
6reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
3 Degrees
Master's Degree in Religious Studies from Yale University
Master's Degree in History from Northwestern University
Bachelor's Degree in History from Millersville University
With both a BA and MA in History, and a MDiv in Religious Studies, I am passionate about helping young minds connect the threads of history, geopolitics, and social movements that make up the fabric of the modern world. I have taught US History, World History, Writing, and ELA to highschoolers.Reviews
Live Group Course
$20
weekly or $260 for 13 classes1x per week, 13 weeks
50 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 13-18
3-10 learners per class
