Homeschool Modern World History: Cold War Era & Beyond
Is getting your learner excited about modern history harder than getting rival superpowers to agree? From the Cold War to independence movements, this full-curriculum course brings history to life with simulations & real-world connections!
What's included
12 live meetings
12 in-class hoursHomework
1 hour per week. 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.Assessment
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.Letter Grade
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.Progress Report
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.Class Experience
US Grade 7 - 9
Is your learner curious about how the world they live in today? In this course, they’re not just learners—they’re leaders, advisors, and historians stepping into pivotal moments of recent history. From the tense halls of the Yalta Conference to the dramatic skies of the Berlin Airlift, learners will navigate the Cold War and beyond, exploring the rise of Communism, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the Space Race. They’ll witness the struggles for independence in Africa and Asia and learn about the challenges of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Through dynamic simulations, learners will make critical decisions as leaders during the Korean and Vietnam Wars, or advisors in high-stakes scenarios like the Cuban Missile Crisis. Hands-on projects, like the Cold War Conspiracy Theory Investigation, challenge students to uncover the truth behind era-relevant mysteries, sharpening their research and critical-thinking skills. This course is more than a history class—it’s an adventure through the challenges, conflicts, and breakthroughs that defined the late 20th and early 21st centuries. By the end, learners will not only understand history but connect its lessons to the complexities of today’s global world. ********************************************************* *Heads-Up: This Class is NOT a Spectator Sport! This isn’t your typical sit-back-and-zone-out history class—your learner is part of the action! Whether we’re diving into simulations, debates, or critical-thinking challenges, their participation is what makes this class engaging, exciting, and, well… not just another lecture! That said, if participation turns into radio silence, we’ll have to shift into a lecture-style format to ensure all key material is covered. But let’s be real—that’s way less fun. So, encourage your learner to jump in, share their thoughts, make decisions, and engage! The more they put into this experience, the more they'll get out of it (and the less likely we are to drift into Lecture Land). **Another Heads-Up: Punctuality Matters! This class runs on engagement and interaction, so arriving on time is key! While late arrivals are always welcome to jump in, we won’t be able to restart simulations or backtrack on missed activities—there’s just too much to cover. To get the most out of the experience (and avoid feeling lost mid-simulation), being on time is strongly encouraged. Help your learner hit the ground running from the start—it makes for a smoother, more immersive class for everyone! ***Be Prepared & Ready to Dive In! Each week, all required materials will be posted in the classroom—most are digital-friendly, with a few that may need printing. If printing isn’t your thing, no worries! PDFs can be easily viewed on your device. Bringing materials to class ensures a smooth, engaging experience—so have everything ready, and let’s make history come alive! ****On a More Serious Note: Refunds & Flexibility I get it—plans change! While booking in advance secures your learner’s spot, sometimes schedules shift. If you need to withdraw your learner up to ten days before the class starts, I’m happy to issue a full refund—no hassle, no stress. Just reach out, and I’ll take care of it. For questions about sibling discounts or other inquiries, feel free to contact me—I’m always happy to help! ********************************************************* Want a Self-Paced Class Option? This course is also offered as a self-paced class! Check it out here: https://outschool.com/classes/self-paced-homeschool-modern-world-history-cold-war-era-beyond-RRkl3Tpq Which Course Should You Take First? While my courses can be taken in any order based on individual preferences and needs, I would highly recommend taking them in chronological order. This sequencing allows for a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter and enhances the learning experience. Therefore, I suggest following this chronological order for optimal learning: 📜 Homeschool Middle School Ancient World History: Early Civilizations 🏛 Homeschool Middle School Ancient World History: Classical Era ⚔️ Homeschool Middle School Medieval World History: Europe, Asia & the Islamic World 🎨 Homeschool Middle School Early Modern World History: Renaissance to Revolutions 🌍 Homeschool Middle School Modern World History: Industry to World Wars 🛰️ Homeschool Modern World History: Cold War Era & Beyond Following this order helps learners see the evolution of ideas, societies, and historical events over time, creating a cohesive and engaging learning experience. That said, you’re free to start wherever fits your interests and learning goals—history should be flexible and fun!
Learning Goals
Examine post-WWII geopolitics and the Cold War, focusing on key strategies like containment and the Truman Doctrine.
Analyze decolonization leaders and events of Asia and Africa, including the partition of India.
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created CurriculumStandards
Aligned with State-Specific Standards12 Lessons
over 12 WeeksLesson 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.
60 mins online live lesson
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.
60 mins online live lesson
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.
60 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Korean War & Rise of 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.
60 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
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.
Supply List
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.
1 file available upon enrollment
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Sources
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
Teacher expertise and credentials
Alabama Teaching Certificate in Social Studies/History
Master's Degree in Education from University of Montevallo
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.
Reviews
Live Group Course
$19
weekly1x per week, 12 weeks
60 min
Completed by 20 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 13-15
4-9 learners per class