Resistance Women Book Club: Democracy in Peril in 1930s Germany
Through the lens of this incredible historical fiction novel, we’ll discuss real-life resistance movements and how democracy crumbled in 1930s Germany. Participants can expect engaging discussion and relevant history lessons.
Hub of Curiosity
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(718)
What's included
9 live meetings
6 in-class hoursMastery Evaluation
2-4 hours per week. includedProgress Report
We are happy to provide a progress report or a letter grade upon request.Class Experience
This discussion-based book club centers around Resistance Women by Jennifer Chiaverini, a gripping historical novel based on a real resistance cell that operated inside Nazi Germany. Through the eyes of brave women who risked everything to stand against tyranny, learners will explore how democracy crumbled and how ordinary people responded with extraordinary courage. Each week, participants will read approximately 75 pages and come to class ready for meaningful discussion and reflection. To enrich the reading experience, we'll dive beyond the text—exploring propaganda posters and historical footage, including chilling video from a 1939 Nazi rally held at Madison Square Garden. We’ll also explore the 1936 Berlin Olympics and how Hitler used the event to manipulate global perception and promote Nazi ideology. We'll connect the historical context to current events, drawing careful, thought-provoking parallels between past and present threats to democracy. This class is designed for learners ready to grapple with complex themes and engage in respectful, nuanced conversations. Active participation is essential, and learners should be prepared to read, think critically, and share their perspectives each week.
Learning Goals
Learners will analyze how individuals and small resistance networks challenged authoritarianism in Nazi Germany.Learners will draw connections between historical events and current threats to democracy through guided discussion and critical thinking.
Syllabus
9 Lessons
over 9 WeeksLesson 1:
Resistance Women Discussion
Learners will read approximately 75 pages/week to prepare for class. My book club participants prefer a Google Doc with our weekly chapter breakdown. It will be provided in the classroom for easy reference throughout class. 40 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Resistance Women Discussion
Learners will read approximately 75 pages/week to prepare for class. My book club participants prefer a Google Doc with our weekly chapter breakdown. It will be provided in the classroom for easy reference throughout class. 40 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Resistance Women Discussion
Learners will read approximately 75 pages/week to prepare for class. My book club participants prefer a Google Doc with our weekly chapter breakdown. It will be provided in the classroom for easy reference throughout class. 40 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Resistance Women Discussion
Learners will read approximately 75 pages/week to prepare for class. My book club participants prefer a Google Doc with our weekly chapter breakdown. It will be provided in the classroom for easy reference throughout class. 40 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
This book club is for mature learners only. The story contains emotionally intense material, including the tragic consequences many characters face for daring to resist Hitler. While we avoid spoilers in class, parents should be aware that several characters will ultimately be executed by the Nazi regime for their resistance work. This is not a young adult book, and there is a brief but direct reference to contraception by one of the characters.
All material will be discussed in an age-appropriate and respectful manner, with space intentionally made for processing big emotions and asking thoughtful questions. This class is not recommended for sensitive readers or those under the age of 13.
Supply List
Each learner will need a copy of Resistance Women by Jennifer Chiaverini. Audiobooks, eBooks, physical books are all welcome!
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
Our class time will include viewing footage of a Nazi rally held in NYC in 1939.
https://youtu.be/NC1MNGFHR58?si=JjZlrzpgHFOHwL1F
Joined October, 2018
5.0
718reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
2 teachers have teaching certificates
Ohio Teaching Certificate in Social Studies/History
North Carolina Teaching Certificate in English/Language Arts
Ohio Teaching Certificate in English/Language Arts
1 teacher has a Graduate degree
Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering from University of Idaho
4 teachers have a Bachelor's degree
Bachelor's Degree in International Business from The Ohio State University
Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering from University of Idaho
Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering from University of Idaho
Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and Management from Nova Southeastern University
Bachelor's Degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences from Bowling Green State University
1 teacher has an Associate's degree
Associate's Degree in Animal Science from The Ohio State University
Meagan is the founder of Hub of Curiosity and has been teaching on Outschool for 6 years. She's a veteran homeschool mom who strongly believes in a multi-disciplinary approach to learning. She believes learning should be fun, engaging, and interactive.
Expect a casual atmosphere in class where learners can ask questions, share their ideas, and have fun... all while learning. Meagan is an avid reader and can't consume enough historical fiction from the World War II period. Additionally, she brings stories to life with firsthand insights. Meagan has walked the haunting grounds of Auschwitz, visited the Warsaw Ghetto and Mila 18, and stood on the D-Day landing beaches in Normandy. Her deep respect for history and her passion for learning make each class immersive and meaningful.
She's also a keen adventurer and can be packed to go to the next town or around the world in under an hour. Meet Meagan: https://youtu.be/s_P4jmzt7Sg?si=dXZFl4DcVtnG8533Reviews
Live Group Course
$12
weekly1x per week, 9 weeks
40 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 13-18
4-8 learners per class
