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Homeschool Middle School Cold War Era & Beyond

Class
Janelle Hopkins, M.Ed - World & US History
Star Educator
Average rating:4.9Number of reviews:(324)
Explore events of the Cold War era & beyond: Berlin, China's rise, African decolonization, Indian independence, Cuban Missile Crisis, Korean/Vietnam conflicts, Space Race, Globalization, UN, & Israel-Palestine. Ideal for active learners!

Class experience

US Grade 6 - 9
12 lessons//12 Weeks
 Week 1
Lesson 1
Intro to the Cold War & Decolonization of Africa
Examine the Yalta Conference's impact on post-WWII geopolitics and the Cold War, analyzing key players and strategies like containment and the Truman Doctrine. Analyze decolonization leaders and tactics, exploring the reasons behind the desire for independence.
 Week 2
Lesson 2
Intro to the Cold War & Partition of India
Examine the Yalta Conference's impact on post-WWII geopolitics and the Cold War, analyzing key players and strategies like containment and the Truman Doctrine. Investigate decolonization leaders and tactics, exploring motives for independence. Identify and analyze the events preceding the partition of India, leading to the creation of India and Pakistan.
 Week 3
Lesson 3
Korean War & Chinese Civil War
Investigate the Korean War, evaluating its political and social impacts. Explore the ascent of Communism in China from the fall of the empire to the Chinese Civil War and Mao Zedong's rise, analyzing his vision for China.
 Week 4
Lesson 4
Korean War & Communist China
Investigate the Korean War, evaluating its political and social impacts. Assess the societal shifts post-revolution, the impact of the Great Leap Forward and the Cultural Revolution on society, and economic transformations post-Mao.
 Week 5
Lesson 5
Vietnam War & Other Proxy Wars
Investigate the Vietnam War, evaluating its political and social impacts. Recognize and describe other significant proxy wars that occurred during the Cold War era.
 Week 6
Lesson 6
Vietnam War & Cuban History
Investigate the Vietnam War, evaluating its political and social impacts. Describe the history of Cuba.
 Week 7
Lesson 7
Cuban Missile Crisis & Cuba's Revolutions
Provide historical context for the Cuban Revolution. Outline the significant events of the Cuban Revolution. Analyze the perspectives of the United States, the Soviet Union, and Cuba during the Cuban Revolution and Cuban Missile Crisis.
 Week 8
Lesson 8
The Space Race
Identify and outline the social, racial, technological, and political events surrounding the Space Race.
 Week 9
Lesson 9
Detente & Fall of the USSR
Compare and contrast the policies and significant events of the Reagan and Gorbachev administrations. Define détente and describe the end of the Cold War.
 Week 10
Lesson 10
Israeli-Palestine Conflict & Arab Nationalism
Understand the historical origins of nationalism in the Middle East, including key movements, figures, and events. Explore the complex roots and progression of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, examining British Mandate policies, the UN Partition Plan, and subsequent wars and peace initiatives. Analyze the conflict's impact on Middle Eastern politics, international relations, and global views on conflict resolution and peacekeeping.
 Week 11
Lesson 11
Global Interdependence & International Organizations
Articulate what globalization means and examine the evolution of the global economy, international security challenges, and the fusion of various cultures. Detail the functions of contemporary international bodies and assess their roles in fostering global interconnectedness and cooperation.
 Week 12
Lesson 12
Cold War Era Conspiracy Theory Projects
This project immerses learners in exploring Cold War-era conspiracy theories. After selecting approved theories, students become researchers and historians, uncovering truths behind these mysteries. The project offers a structured framework, guiding students through each step and fostering essential skills development.
Examine post-WWII geopolitics and the Cold War, focusing on key strategies like containment and the Truman Doctrine. 
Analyze decolonization leaders and events, including the partition of India. 
Investigate the Korean War and the rise of Communism in China, emphasizing Mao Zedong's vision. 
Assess the societal impacts of the Chinese Revolution and the Vietnam War, along with other significant proxy wars. 
Provide context for the Cuban Revolution and the Cuban Missile Crisis. 
Explore the Space Race's social, racial, and political dimensions. 
Compare Reagan and Gorbachev's administrations, defining détente and the Cold War's end. 
Understand nationalism in the Middle East, focusing on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Analyze its impact on Middle Eastern politics and global views on conflict resolution. 
Define globalization and explore its economic, security, and cultural dimensions. 
Detail the roles of contemporary international bodies in fostering global interconnectedness. 
I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science with a concentration in Comparative Politics. My academic journey included a wide range of courses focusing on various political and historical aspects of civilizations from different time periods and regions around the world. This comprehensive study allowed me to develop a deep understanding of the complexities of past and present societies.

Furthermore, I pursued a Master of Education degree specializing in Secondary Social Sciences, which provided me with advanced knowledge in teaching history, political science, and related subjects. I obtained certification from the state of Alabama, qualifying me to teach social sciences to students in grades 7-12.

Over the course of my teaching career, I have gained extensive experience instructing students in US and World history; dedicated to delivering engaging and informative lessons in these subjects. Additionally, I have conducted extensive research in both history and politics for over 20+ years, allowing me to stay informed and up-to-date with the latest developments in these fields.

My educational background, teaching experience, and research expertise have equipped me with the necessary skills and knowledge to provide students with a comprehensive and engaging learning experience. I am committed to fostering a deeper understanding of historical events and political dynamics while encouraging critical thinking and a passion for learning in my learners.
Homework Offered
Weekly materials will be posted in the classroom, with most being digital-friendly and a select few requiring printing. For those who prefer not to print, PDFs will be available to view on your device. Brief, independent assignments will often extend outside classroom time due to our packed agenda. Every learner will get at least one week to complete assignments and will receive advanced notice for larger projects. Homework, necessary for a deeper understanding, will be light—expect about 30 to 60 minutes per week. It's important to note that learners have varying speeds and styles of learning, and this may reflect in the time taken to complete tasks. Completing these assignments diligently on one's own time will not only reinforce the material discussed in class but will also prepare learners for more engaging and productive class experience. For digital worksheets, please refer to the 'Materials' section, which contains a list of third-party websites where they can be accessed.
0 - 1 hours per week outside of class
Assessments Offered
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.
Grades Offered
Upon request learners can opt to receive grades and/or feedback. In the absence of a specific request for grades, only feedback will be provided.
 1 file available upon enrollment
Please 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. 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:
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
Star Educator
Average rating:4.9Number of reviews:(324)
Profile
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... 
Group Class

$216

for 12 classes
1x per week, 12 weeks
60 min

Completed by 20 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 12-15
4-8 learners per class

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