Thematic U.S. History: Exploring History by Asking Big Questions, Part 2 Of 2

Darby Kennedy, MA

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Average rating:4.9Number of reviews:(115)

In this 15 week course, learners will explore major questions and themes that occur throughout U.S. history.

Class Experience

US Grade 9 - 12

To study history is to study humans - what they thought, who they fought, what they built, how they organized their lives, what they celebrated, who they worshiped, what they wore, what they ate, who they loved, and more. Without context, studying history can come across as a meaningless set of dates and names with no connection to our lives. But that is not why we study history. Anyone can google a timeline or a definition. But making those connections between past and present, between time...

Students will develop skills of historical interpretation and critical thinking, and a deeper understanding of why it is important to study the history of human interaction in the world. Class discussion promotes good communication skills, and encourages mutual respect for people with different opinions.

I have a BA in Political Science, History, and Secondary Education and a MA in American Studies. I have over 10 years of experience teaching high school and college students social studies and critical thinking skills, and have been developing curriculum for homeschooled students for the last 5 years. I am currently serving as an Education Ambassador for the Council on Foreign Relations. My expertise in teaching is in helping students see the many ways that history, geography, politics, and economics intersect.

Each week, students will prepare for class meetings though reading, watching assigned videos, and responding to a journal prompt.  Homework will take 1-2 hours weekly, and serves to prepare students for class discussion and activities.

All students will be provided with a summary of topics and skills covered in class. Students who wish to receive a grade for their work in this class will be assessed using the following:
 - Class Participation 35%  - - Weekly Journal submission 35% -- Final project 30%

1 hour 50 minutes per week in class, and an estimated 1 - 2 hours per week outside of class.

The study of human history is full of potential controversy. In my classes, I welcome civil, informed discussion. This class will cover the reality of the history of the United States, including topics that some students and their families may find uncomfortable. As most historians will tell you, studying history should make you uncomfortable.

Some Of The Sources That Will Be Used To Inform This Class:

“History Lessons.” Stanford History Education Group, sheg.stanford.edu/history-lessons.

JSTOR Daily. JSTOR Daily. daily.jstor.org.

Lepore, Jill. These Truths: A History of the United States. United States of America, Norton, 2019.

Metro, Rosalie. Teaching U.S. History Thematically: Document-Based Lessons for the Secondary Classroom. Kindle ed., Teachers College Press, 2017.

Meyer, Raoul, and John Green. “Crash Course - USHistory.” YouTube, uploaded by The Crash Course, https://thecrashcourse.com/topic/ushistory/.

“The American Yawp.” Stanford University Press, www.americanyawp.com.

The Gilder-Lehrman Institute of American History, www.gilderlehrman.org.

Available times

Pacific

Table of available sections

Meet the teacher

Darby Kennedy, MA

Average rating:4.9Number of reviews:(115)

Hello! I am a longtime teacher and a lifelong learner. I am passionate about helping middle and high school students find meaningful connections within the social studies. I strongly believe that learning happens more easily when students see how...