Howard Zinn: A Young People's History of the United States- First Semester
In this 12 week course, students will cover Chapters 1-12 of A Young Peoples History of The United States. Live weekly discussion of each chapter. A weekly selection of videos, comprehension questions will be added. Final class projects.
Alycia Wright, M.Ed
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(1,522)
What's included
12 live meetings
9 in-class hoursClass Experience
Students will meet weekly to discuss the assigned reading/topic and any outside research they may have. This conversation will be largely driven by the chapter themes they found the most interesting. The teacher will act as a guide, asking thought provoking questions and balancing the conversations. Each week students will have between 10-15 guide questions to help with comprehension. These questions may be turned in weekly for grading, no additional cost. Many of the questions will be reviewed in class as well, as time permits. Students will be charged with coming up with one additional thought question per chapter to ask their peers and engage in conversation. It is these thought questions that will guide most of our conversations. I have found that asking students to invest in their learning by coming up with questions and engaging directly with peers significantly increases critical thinking skills. Students are encouraged to share their responses and any supporting materials during the class discussions. They may also post their thought questions in the classroom prior to class. Students will be provided a weekly array of articles, videos, websites, or book suggestions to further explore the topic at hand. Any required items will be listed and provided for. The class is heavily conversational in nature. Students are encouraged to turn on their cameras as much as possible. Students can choose to communicate via chat if needed. No prior knowledge is required for this class however it is helpful for students to have a foundational base to pull from regarding major US events, people and themes. A private link for the second semester of this course will sent to parents approximately two weeks before the class ends.
Learning Goals
Students will leave with a greater appreciation of US History being told from the perspective of various historically marginalized groups. Chapter Titles for chapters are:
Week 1: Columbus And The Indians
Week 2: Black And White
Week 3: Who Were The Colonists
Week 4: Tyranny Is Tyranny and Revolutions (Two chapters this week)
Week 5: The Women Of Early America
Week 6: As Long As Grass Grows Or Water Runs
Week 7: War With Mexico
Week 8: Slavery And Emancipation
Week 9: The Other Civil War
Week 10: Robber Barons And Rebels
Week 11: The American Empire
Week 12: Student Presentations. This class will be extended 15 mins. at the end.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
This text covers the history of the United States often from the perspective of the marginalized. Topics of racism, gender inequality, and the economically disadvantaged are discussed in depth.
Supply List
Copy of the textbook, A Young People's History of the United States. Students may also choose to listen to the text, if so, a link to the audiobook will be sent a week prior to class.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Joined January, 2020
4.9
1522reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
I am a licensed (but former) k12 teacher with multiple years experience teaching Civics and History. I have thought this text several in local homeschool groups both in person and online.Reviews
Live Group Class
$250
for 12 classes1x per week, 12 weeks
45 min
Completed by 48 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-14
4-15 learners per class
