U.S. Election 2024 & Political Party Basics
Political Parties, Advertisements, and Rallies -- Oh My! This class offers an UNBIASED and NEUTRAL exploration of the 2024 election, delving into how political parties function and examining the most significant current events of 2024!
New on Outschool
What's included
10 live meetings
9 hrs 10 mins in-class hoursHomework
1 hour per week. Students will read and analyze a source about the same specific event (event will be determined by the news cycle and what current events are happening at the time) from one moderate and two opposing news media sources. For example: find an article from Newsweek (moderate), MSNBC (left), and Fox News (right) about the same event/topic. Read the moderate article first, then read both biased articles. Look for opinion statements and biases within the articles. Think about or answer these questions: 1. What biases did you find within the articles? Try to find at least one in the Fox News article and one in the MSNBC article. 2. What was different about the biased articles from the Newsweek article? 3. Relate this exercise to seeing a political commercial or reading a news headline in the future-- how can we ensure the information we're taking in is true/not biased?Certificate of Completion
1 after class completionClass Experience
US Grade 6 - 9
Beginner Level
Each week, we will spend approximately half of our class time discussing current events related to the 2024 election, including but not limited to, party conventions, VP picks, ongoing court cases, news coverage biases, and more. The other half of our class time will be spent exploring the history of our two-party political system, how political parties work, campaign financing, and the election process in general. All topics will be presented in an unbiased and energetic way that gets students excited to talk about what is happening in our country! Each learner will feel respected and empowered as they delve into the politics of our nation and focus on the FACTS. Learners will be expected to remain respectful to each other and practice civil discourse while discussing sensitive topics and/or their opinions. For each topic discussed during the course, I will ensure that each ‘side’s’ opinions are adequately explained and heard so that students have the opportunity to understand the beliefs and perspectives of both parties. This course is inclusive, will include multiple perspectives, and focus on the FACTS (LOTS of facts!). Learners will interact with me throughout the entire class, whether that is through discussion, short lecture, games, etc!
Learning Goals
Students will improve their understanding of the American political system including political parties, and the election process.Students will learn how to appropriately and respectfully discuss potentially sensitive topics through the art of civil discourse.
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum3 Units
10 Lessons
over 10 WeeksUnit 1: History of Political Parties in the United States
Lesson 1:
The U.S. Constitution and Elections
For the first half of class, students will learn what the U.S. Constitution is, and what it says about voting and elections for the Legislative and Executive branches of government. For the second half of class, we will discuss current events from the week regarding U.S. politics and the American government 55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
America's First Political Parties
For the first half of class, we will discuss how political parties began in the United States. This will lead to a discussion on Washington's Farewell Address and whether students believe political parties are helpful or harmful. For the second half of class, we will discuss current events from the week regarding U.S. politics and the American government. 55 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Shifting Party Views and Values
For the first half of class, students will learn about our two current major political parties and how the platforms of the parties have shifted over time. For the second half of class, we will discuss current events from the week regarding U.S. politics and the American government. 55 mins online live lesson
Unit 2: Right vs. Left: It's all a Spectrum!
Lesson 4:
Political Spectrum
For the first half of class, students will learn about the political spectrum (right vs. left) and how political parties fall on the spectrum. My goal for this lesson is to show students that Americans fall on a spectrum, and there is no "us vs. them." For the second half of class, we will discuss current events from the week regarding U.S. politics and the American government. 55 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Politics and political platforms can be sensitive to some students. I am dedicated to ensuring that all student voices are heard and respected throughout my class. When one political side or opinion is expressed, I will always present the other side as well to ensure that all students feel respected!
External Resources
Sources
As part of this course concerns current events, articles and video clips will be used. When choosing these sources, I will either use a neutral source of factual information or utilize multiple sources to discuss both sides of the argument (for example, for factual information, we will be studying moderate news sources such as Newsweek. If we are studying bias and/or source credibility in the media, we would look at both right and left-leaning news sources like Fox News and MSNBC. Students will always be shown both sides of every argument to ensure that this course is inclusive and includes multiple perspectives.
Joined August, 2024
New on Outschool
Teacher expertise and credentials
North Carolina Teaching Certificate in Social Studies/History
Bachelor's Degree in Education from East Carolina University
I have taught history and social studies to classroom students for twelve years. For six of those years, I have specifically taught civics, political parties, and the political process to students! I hold a BS in History education as well as a teaching license in my state of residence. Reviews
Live Group Course
$13
weekly1x per week, 10 weeks
55 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 10-15
2-12 learners per class
