Foundations of America: Quakers, Revolution, Taxes, and Tea (US History #1)
Step into colonial America with this engaging four-week, self-paced course! Explore daily life, the bold ideas that sparked revolution, and its lasting impact. Uncover the roots of change that shaped a nation!
Caitlyn Jacobs, M.A.
Average rating:
4.3
Number of reviews:(9)
What's included
4 pre-recorded lessons
4 weeks
of teacher support1 year access
to the contentAssessment
The assessments are activities that will increase the learner's knowledge of each topic.Class Experience
Course Title: Foundations of America: Exploring Early American History Course Description: In "Foundations of America," students will embark on an immersive journey through the formative years of the United States, examining the pivotal events, figures, and ideologies that shaped the nation's identity. Through a series of engaging lectures, interactive materials, and thought-provoking discussions, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of early American history, from the age of exploration to the birth of a new nation. Although this course does not go into depth of Indigenous populations, it is important to view these events from a de-colonization perspective. Indigenous peoples lived in the Americas longed before the Europeans arrived. They had diverse populations and cultures. Upon the arrival of Europeans, many died from diseases. Many that survived disease dealt with years of enslavement and massacre at the hands of colonizers. Course Format: "Foundations of America" is structured as an asynchronous online course, allowing participants to engage with course materials and complete assignments at their own pace. Each week will feature a combination of pre-recorded lectures, reading assignments, multimedia resources, and discussion forums, providing a dynamic and interactive learning experience.
Learning Goals
Comprehend the Complexity of Early American History: By the end of the course, students will be able to demonstrate a nuanced understanding of the diverse social, cultural, economic, and political factors that influenced early American history, including the interactions between European colonizers, indigenous peoples, and enslaved Africans.
Analyze Key Historical Events and Developments: Students will develop the ability to critically analyze and evaluate primary sources, historical interpretations, and scholarly arguments related to significant events and developments in early American history, such as colonization, the American Revolution, and the establishment of the United States as a nation.
Synthesize and Apply Historical Knowledge: Through discussions, assignments, and interactive activities, learners will synthesize their understanding of early American history to identify patterns, draw connections between past and present, and evaluate the enduring legacies of historical events and movements on contemporary American society and culture.
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum4 Lessons
over 4 WeeksLesson 1:
Introduction to English Colonies
Introduction of key figures such as Christopher Columbus, Hernán Cortés, and Jacques Cartier. Students will identify different explorers and will examine background information on Europe that led to colonization. We will also discuss how English colonies were different from competing nations such as Dutch, French, and Spanish. 3 assignments
17 mins of video lessons
Lesson 2:
English Colonial Life and Conflict
Students will learn about the daily life in early Americans in colonial days. We will first examine Roanoke and attempt to uncover what happened to the lost colony. We will uncover how Indigenous peoples helped the early English settlers survive such as Powhatan providing food to the starving settlers at Jamestown and the Lenape tribe who lived peacefully among the Quakers in Pennsylvania. We will examine how differing religious beliefs impacted the first settlements in New England. 3 assignments
10 mins of video lessons
Lesson 3:
Road to Revolution
We will examine the influence of Enlightenment ideas on colonial thought and how they significantly contributed to the causes of the American Revolution. We will also explore key events such as the Stamp Act, the Boston Massacre, and the Boston Tea Party, which played crucial roles in escalating tensions and rallying colonial resistance against British rule. 3 assignments
6 mins of video lessons
Lesson 4:
Birth of a Nation
We will examine the Declaration of Independence and its significance. We will also explore the major battles and turning points of the Revolutionary War and its legacy. 4 assignments
6 mins of video lessons
Other Details
Parental Guidance
I want to inform you about the topics in this course that may involve sensitive or challenging subject matter. Throughout the course, your child will be exploring historical events such as war, The Boston Massacre, and colonization.
It's important to note that while studying The Boston Massacre, we will be delving into primary sources that reflect the language and emotions of the time period. One such phrase, "fire, damn you fire!", may appear in these materials. Please be assured that this language is only presented within the context of the historical event and is meant for educational purposes.
I understand that these topics may provoke strong emotions or questions from your child. My aim is to provide a safe and supportive learning environment where they can engage with these subjects critically and thoughtfully.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Sources
Declaration of Independence
American Yawp Primary Reader
Voices of Freedom by Eric Foner
John Locke’s writings
Primary Sources from Boston Massacre
Videos
Joined April, 2020
4.3
9reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Oklahoma Teaching Certificate in Social Studies/History
Master's Degree in History from University of Central Oklahoma
I hold a Master’s degree in history and I taught this topic in a public school setting for two years. Reviews
Self-Paced Class
$10
weekly or $40 for all content4 pre-recorded lessons
4 weeks of teacher support
Choose your start date
1 year of access to the content
Choose your start date
Ages: 11-15
