Log In
Social Studies

How Did We Get Here? Exploring the History Behind the News

Average rating: 5.0Number of reviews: (1)
Completed by 7 learners
Class
Play
In this ongoing, discussion based current events and media literacy class, learners will explore topics of interest from the news and learn the history behind the major headlines of the week as well as how to evaluate news sources. #academic
Leigh Robertson
Average rating: 4.9Number of reviews: (731)
12-16
year old learners
7th-10th
US Grade Level
3-9
learners per class

$15

Charged weekly
Meets 1x per week
Runs week after week
45 minutes per class
Cancel anytime

Available times

Pacific
Table of available sections

Description

Class Experience

Learners will gain a deeper understanding of the complex current events of the week through discussion, teacher guidance and resources. Learners will evaluate news sources and discuss the accuracy and viewpoints of various media outlets. We will also explore connections to broader themes such as freedom vs. security, conflict vs. peace, etc. 
I have an undergraduate degree in History with minors in Political Science and Middle East Studies. I also hold a Master's of Secondary Social Studies Education. I have had extensive training in teaching difficult topics from organizations such as National Humanities Center and the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching. A high level of care and consideration has been applied when selecting resources for the course that will help learners gain an understanding of the world while remaining age appropriate.
While there is no assigned homework, it is expected that learners will explore major news stories on their own prior to class each week. Learners can choose how to access the news (podcasts, audio, newspapers, news networks, etc.) and a discussion of sources will take place each week.
45 minutes per week in class, and an estimated 0 - 1 hours per week outside of class.
I put a great deal of thought into teaching history and current affairs in a way that is age appropriate for younger learners while also being true to the realities of what really happened. I have had extensive training in teaching difficult topics from organizations such as National Humanities Center and the North Carolina Center for the Advancement of Teaching. A high level of care and consideration has been applied when selecting resources and images for the course that will help learners gain an understanding of the world while remaining age appropriate. These resources include, but are not limited to, materials from PBS Learning Media, the Smithsonian Institution, and Facing History and Ourselves, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping teachers and students stand up to racism through learning and exploring history. No graphic images or videos will be shown in the class. However, sensitive topics will be addressed in a honest and forthright manner. If you have any concerns about whether this is an appropriate course for your learner, please reach out to me.
A high level of care and consideration has been applied when selecting resources for the course that will help learners gain an understanding of news stories while remaining age appropriate. These resources include, but are not limited to, materials from PBS Learning Media, the Smithsonian Institution, and Facing History and Ourselves, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping teachers and students stand up to racism through learning and exploring history. No graphic images or videos will be shown in the class. However, sensitive topics will be addressed in a honest and forthright manner. If you have any concerns about whether this is an appropriate course for your learner, please reach out to me.

Meet the teacher

Leigh Robertson
Average rating: 4.9Number of reviews: (731)
Profile
Hi I'm Leigh! I am a licensed Social Studies teacher (North Carolina) with an M.Ed. in Secondary Social Studies Education. I'm also a homeschooling/world schooling parent of two children (ages 7 and 10) and a lifelong learner.

I joined Outschool... 
About
Support
SafetyPrivacyCA PrivacyLearner PrivacyTerms
Outschool International
Get The App
Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play
© 2023 Outschool