The Story of Black America: African American History Part 1
Embark on a journey through pivotal moments and movements in African American history, from the harrowing Transatlantic Slave Trade to the transformative Civil War, and discover how these events continue to shape our society today.
What's included
16 live meetings
20 in-class hoursAssignments
1-2 hours per week. 1-2 per weekProgress Report
includedCertificate of Completion
1 after class completionGrading
Rubric-style grading shifts the focus from simply achieving a grade to understanding the learning process and mastering specific skills and knowledge while continuing to enforce high-quality work in preparation for syllabus style collegiate-level. It leaves room for learner feedback and parental collaboration. Other benefits include Transparency: Rubrics make the grading criteria explicit, helping students understand what is expected of them and how their work will be evaluated. Consistency: Rubrics provide a standardized framework for grading, reducing subjectivity and ensuring that all students are assessed fairly. Feedback: Rubrics offer detailed feedback on specific strengths and weaknesses, guiding students in their learning and improvement. Self-Assessment: Rubrics can be used by students to self-assess their work, promoting metacognition and self-regulation. Differentiation: Rubrics can be adapted to accommodate different learning styles and levels of proficiency.Class Experience
US Grade 8 - 11
What Will Be Taught and Topics to be Covered: Embark on a profound exploration of the African American experience, tracing their resilience from the Transatlantic Slave Trade to the Civil War. This course delves deep into the lives of enslaved Africans, examining the historical context of their forced migration, the brutal realities of slavery in North America, and their powerful narratives of resistance and survival. Through a combination of seminal texts, engaging podcasts, immersive virtual tours, and historical documents, we'll uncover the enduring significance of slavery in shaping American history and its continued impact on contemporary society. Topics we will cover: The Transatlantic Slave Trade: Uncover the origins, human cost, and lasting impact of this brutal system. Slavery in North America: Explore the harsh realities of plantation life, the resilience of enslaved communities, and their ongoing fight for freedom. Narratives of the Enslaved: Analyze powerful first-person accounts, gaining insights into the diverse experiences of enslaved individuals. The Civil War: Examine the war from the perspective of the enslaved, highlighting their hopes, struggles, and contributions to their own liberation. Teaching Style and Learner Interaction: My teaching style is dynamic, interactive, and student-centered. In our live classes, I encourage open dialogue and active participation. I believe that every student's voice matters and strive to create a supportive space where everyone feels comfortable sharing their thoughts and perspectives. Expect lively discussions, debates, and collaborative projects that bring history to life. We'll utilize a variety of resources, including: Mini-lectures (30%) to provide historical context and background information. Engaging discussions and debates (30%) to analyze texts, primary sources, and historical events. Podcasts, virtual tours, and interactive activities (20%) to enhance understanding and foster critical thinking. Individualized feedback and guidance (20%) to support your learning journey and ensure your success. I also offer weekly office hours for questions and concerns, and provide regular feedback to both students and parents. My goal is to create a vibrant learning community where we can explore this important history together! I'm looking forward to having your learner in class!
Learning Goals
Trace the origins and impact of the Transatlantic Slave Trade:
Understand the economic, social, and political factors that fueled the slave trade.
Analyze the human cost and lasting consequences of this forced migration on both Africa and the Americas.Examine the evolution of slavery in North America:
Identify the key events and legal frameworks that established and maintained the institution of slavery. Explore the various forms of resistance and rebellion employed by enslaved individuals.
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum5 Units
16 Lessons
over 8 WeeksUnit 1: The Transatlantic Slave Trade
Lesson 1:
The Origins and Human Cost of the Slave Trade
OBJECTIVE: Students will be able to identify: the economic and social factors that fueled the Transatlantic Slave Trade, the timeline of the slave trade and its impact on global demographics, the lived experiences of enslaved.
CONTENT: Discuss the role of capitalism in driving the slave trade, highlight key timeline events, and introduce reading assignments to include Olaudah Equiano's and Venture Smith's autobiographies, as well as fictionalized accounts like "Copper Sun" by Sharon Draper. 75 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
The Middle Passage: A Journey of Trauma and Resistance
OBJECTIVE: Students will understand the conditions and brutality of the Middle Passage and will analyze the physical and psychological impact of the Middle Passage on enslaved Africans.
CONTENT: Explore conditions on slave ships, the emotional and physical trauma of the middle passage, and forms of resistance Africans used to evade their captors. Visit slave trading ports such as Route des Esclaves, Gorée Island, Senegal, and the Door of No Return, Cape Coast. 75 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Enslaved Africans: The Seeds of Resistance
OBJECTIVE: Students will understand the long-term consequences of the slave trade across continents and examine the cultural, economic, and analyze the ways in which enslaved Africans resisted and maintained their cultural identities.
CONTENT: We will re-try the case of the Amistad, watch exerpt from the 1997 film, and analyze the outcomes on enslaved Africans. Additional discussion will include researching the enslaved Africans efforts to maintain cultural traditions and form communities. 75 mins online live lesson
Unit 2: North American Slavery
Lesson 4:
The Roots of Slavery in North America
OBJECTIVE: Students will understand the historical and economic context that led to the establishment of slavery in North America, the evolution of slavery from indentured servitude to chattel slavery and the role of white supremacy in justifying and perpetuating slavery.
CONTENT: Explore indentured servitude and its transformation into slavery. Research the growth of the plantation system and its dependence on slave labor. Read Plantation Records and Correspondence from masters and overseers. 75 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Abby Weiss wisely reminds us, "We take seriously the responsibility for helping teachers navigate what's happening in the world right now." This sentiment holds true for exploring history, which often involves sensitive and challenging conversations.
In this class, we prioritize creating a safe and respectful space where all students feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and feelings. We embrace diverse perspectives and encourage thoughtful dialogue. By utilizing a variety of resources, narratives, and fostering open communication, we believe that everyone contributes to the collective learning experience.
To ensure a productive and inclusive environment, we establish and reinforce clear guidelines for conversation at the beginning of every class:
Be Respectful: Value and honor the perspectives of others, even if you disagree.
Be Open-Minded: Approach discussions with curiosity and a willingness to learn from different viewpoints.
Consider the Context: Understand the historical and social context surrounding the topic at hand.
Use "I" Statements: Express your thoughts and feelings using "I" statements to avoid generalizations or assumptions about others.
Apply the THINK Rule: Before speaking, ask yourself if your comment is True, Helpful, Inspiring, Necessary, and Kind.
This course addresses sensitive historical themes, including depictions of slavery, violence, and language that may be challenging for younger audiences. All such content is presented with thoughtful consideration for its historical context and educational value, avoiding any unnecessary graphic detail or prolonged focus. We strongly encourage parents to review the syllabus and consider their child's maturity level before enrolling in this course.
Ultimately, the educator reserves the right to moderate discussions in a way that fosters the best possible learning experience for all students.
Supply List
Common supplies suchh as a laptop, pencil or pen, paper, etc are expected. Other items will be supplied.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Joined September, 2024
Teacher expertise and credentials
Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) with 15+ years of homeschooling experience, dedicated to creating inclusive learning environments. I bring a decade of teaching in local co-ops, nonprofit leadership experience, and a deep commitment to empowering all students through my BlackOut Homeschool Academy.Reviews
Live Group Course
$25
weekly or $195 for 16 classes2x per week, 8 weeks
75 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 13-17
3-12 learners per class
