Social Studies
Homeschool Middle School Contemporary World History - Semester 1
Average rating: 5.0Number of reviews: (2)
Completed by 13 learners
Learners will embark on a captivating exploration of the Contemporary World, focusing on the pivotal events that shaped its course. This course delves into the complex dynamics of the Cold War, shedding light on key episodes such as Germany & Berlin, China, Africa, India, the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Korean & Vietnam Wars, and the exhilarating Space Race. Discussion & project based.
Janelle Hopkins, M.Ed - World & US History
Average rating: 4.9Number of reviews: (295)
11-14
year old learners
5th-8th
US Grade Level
3-8
learners per class
$170
Charged upfront
$17 per class
Meets 1x per week
Over 10 weeks
60 minutes per class
Available times
Pacific
Description
Class Experience
Through engaging interactive discussions, captivating class activities, and hands-on projects, learners will embark on an enlightening journey to explore the rich history and significant events of the Cold War era. This dynamic course places a strong emphasis on major turning points that have shaped the contemporary world, offering learners unique opportunities to delve into these events and gain valuable insights into their relevance and impact on contemporary society. To facilitate...
I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science with a concentration in Comparative Politics. This program of study included a diverse range of political and historical courses focused on past and present civilizations worldwide. These classes have provided me with a deep understanding of political systems and historical events across various regions. Furthermore, I have pursued a Masters of Education degree in Secondary Social Sciences, specializing in history and political science. This educational background has equipped me with advanced pedagogical skills and a comprehensive knowledge of teaching methodologies specific to social sciences. In recognition of my qualifications, I have obtained certification from the state of Alabama to teach social sciences to students in grades 7-12. This certification underscores my expertise in delivering quality education in the field of social sciences. For more than four years, I have been actively teaching world history, during which I have honed my instructional techniques and developed a strong rapport with students. Additionally, I have dedicated over two decades to researching world history and its intricate connections with politics. This extensive research has further enhanced my understanding and passion for the subject matter. With this academic background and professional experience, I am confident in my ability to provide students with a rich and engaging learning experience in the field of world history.
While I make an effort to allocate sufficient time for class activities, it may sometimes be challenging to cover everything within the designated class hours. Consequently, learners will need to allocate additional time outside of class to independently complete certain assignments and projects. Recognizing the demands of busy schedules, students will have a minimum of one week to finalize each assignment or project. To facilitate meaningful class discussions, detailed weekly assignments will be provided, which learners are expected to complete independently. As learners' abilities and work pace may vary significantly, it is advisable to allocate approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour for work outside of class. Upon request, optional analysis questions will be made available to further enhance understanding and critical thinking skills. For digital worksheets, please refer to the 'Materials' section, which contains a list of third-party websites where they can be accessed.
1 file available upon enrollmentPlease ensure that you have the following supplies for the course: Paper: It is recommended to have a variety of paper types, such as lined paper for note-taking and plain paper for drawing or writing activities. Pen/Pencil: A reliable pen or pencil for writing and completing assignments. Crayons/Markers/Colored Pencils: These coloring tools will be useful for creative projects and adding visual elements to your assignments. Printer: Access to a printer will be necessary to print out resources provided by the teacher or to access digital documents. Folder or Binder: If you choose to use hard copy printouts, it is strongly suggested to have a folder or binder to keep your materials organized and easily accessible. Additionally, for the PEEP Diorama Project, you may need the following supplies: Peeps: These can be purchased online from websites like Amazon or similar platforms. They will be used as figures in your diorama. Shoe box or slightly larger box: Select a suitable box as the base for creating your diorama. Construction paper: Use construction paper to design the background scene of your diorama. Scissors: You will need scissors for cutting out shapes, figures, and other elements for your diorama. Markers and/or crayons: Use markers or crayons to add color and detail to your diorama. Tape: Secure various components of your diorama using tape. Thread: Thread can be used to suspend or hang objects within your diorama if needed. Paste: This can be useful for attaching small objects or pieces of paper to your diorama. For digital worksheets, please refer to the 'Materials' section where a list of recommended third-party websites will be provided. Make sure to have these supplies ready to fully participate in the course activities and projects.
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Upon request and prior to the start of the course, assessments can be conducted throughout the course to evaluate learner progress and understanding. These assessments may include quizzes, tests, projects, feedback and/or other forms of evaluation (i.e. letter grade). Parents and learners are encouraged to discuss their grading preferences with the teacher. The purpose of assessments and grades is to provide feedback on student learning and measure their achievement. It is important for learners to actively participate in assessments and seek feedback to gauge their progress and areas of improvement. Furthermore, a detailed rubric will be provided specifically for the project. This rubric will serve as a guideline to assess and evaluate the quality and creativity of the learners' project. It will outline the criteria and expectations, ensuring transparency and fairness in the assessment process. Learners will have a clear understanding of the criteria by which their projects will be evaluated, allowing them to strive for excellence in their projects.
1 hour per week in class, and an estimated 0 - 1 hours per week outside of class.
The study of world history encompasses a range of sensitive topics that have shaped our past, including war, slavery, racism, religion, and genocide. It is important to note that religion will be approached solely from a historical standpoint, focusing on its role and impact throughout different time periods. To foster a comprehensive understanding, learners will be exposed to multiple perspectives through the use of peer-reviewed and scholarly sources. They will be encouraged to engage in critical and reflective thinking, particularly when examining the history of contemporary conflicts, issues, religion, and economics. These discussions will be actively moderated, encouraged, and closely monitored by the teacher, ensuring a fair and unbiased exploration of the topics from a secular standpoint. Furthermore, the course will actively seek to incorporate viewpoints from marginalized groups whenever applicable. By including these perspectives, learners will gain a more inclusive and comprehensive understanding of historical events. It is of utmost importance to me that the content is presented in an age-appropriate manner. I strive to ensure that the material is delivered in a sensitive and responsible way, taking into account the developmental stage and maturity of the students.
A History of the World by Andrew Marr The Twentieth Century: A People's History by Howard Zinn A Failed Empire: The Soviet Union in the Cold War from Stalin to Gorbachev by Vladimir Zubok Five Rising Democracies: And the Fate of the International Liberal Order by Ted Piccone Making India Great: The Promise of a Reluctant Global Power by Aparna Pande The Party and the People: Chinese Politics in the 21st Century by Bruce Dickson A History of Modern Africa: 1800 to the Present by Richard J. Reid
Meet the teacher
Janelle Hopkins, M.Ed - World & US History
Average rating: 4.9Number of reviews: (295)
Hey y'all! I'm Janelle, your not-so-average History teacher. I believe in making learning hands-on and engaging for my middle school students. Why is hands-on learning important for middle schoolers, you ask? Well, the simple answer is that middle...
