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US History Herald: Exploring United States History - Middle & High: Part ONE!

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Courtney Murray, M. Ed, M. Hist. World US History
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Embark on a captivating journey through America's rich tapestry of history, from the vibrant cultures of Indigenous civilizations to the tumultuous era of Reconstruction as we engage with the triumphs and challenges that define the America.

Class experience

US Grade 5 - 8
Beginner Level
14 lessons//14 Weeks
 Week 1
Lesson 1
Pre-Columbian America
- Introduction to Prehistory: Migration to the Americas, Early Civilizations (e.g., Maya, Aztec, Inca) - Native American Cultures: Diversity, Social Structures, Religion, and Trade
 Week 2
Lesson 2
European Exploration of the Americas and Settlement
- Reasons for European Exploration - Impact of European Exploration: Contact, Exchange, and Conflict
 Week 3
Lesson 3
Colonial America
- European Colonization: Settlement Patterns, Economic Systems (e.g., Jamestown, Plymouth) - Colonial Society: Social Hierarchies, Gender Roles, Religious Diversity
 Week 4
Lesson 4
The American Revolution – 1776-1791 Part One: Road to Revolution
- Causes and Effects of Colonial Conflicts (e.g., French and Indian War) - Causes of the American Revolution: Ideological, Economic, and Political Factors
 Week 5
Lesson 5
The American Revolution – 1776-1791 Part Two: The British Are Coming
- Key Events and Figures: Battles, Declaration of Independence, Founding Fathers
 Week 6
Lesson 6
American Founding Documents and Government Structure
- Impact of the Revolution: Formation of a New Nation, Constitution, Bill of Rights
 Week 7
Lesson 7
Westward Expansion and Thomas Jefferson
- Expansion of the United States: Louisiana Purchase, Growth of U.S. economy
 Week 8
Lesson 8
The War of 1812
- The historical context and events surrounding the War of 1812 - Social and Economic Changes caused by the conflict
 Week 9
Lesson 9
The Industrial Revolution
- Social and Economic Changes: Agriculture, Industry, Transportation
 Week 10
Lesson 10
Westward, Ho!
- Manifest Destiny: Ideology, Consequences for Native Americans and Mexicans - Expansion of the United States: Oregon Trail, Texas Revolution, & Mexican-American War
 Week 11
Lesson 11
Reforms of Progress
- Social Reform Movements: Abolitionism, Women's Rights, Temperance
 Week 12
Lesson 12
The Civil War- Causes and Beginnings
- Sectionalism and Conflict: Slavery, States' Rights, Compromise - Road to Civil War: Election of 1860, Secession Crisis
 Week 13
Lesson 13
The Civil War
- Civil War: Causes, Battles, Homefront, Emancipation Proclamation
 Week 14
Lesson 14
Reconstruction Era
- Plans for Reconstruction, Freedmen's Bureau, Civil Rights Amendments - Legacy of Reconstruction: Reconstruction Amendments, Jim Crow Laws, Continuing Struggles for Equality
Course Objectives:

* Develop an understanding of the major themes and concepts in United States history.
* Analyze primary and secondary sources to interpret historical events and perspectives.
* Examine the causes and consequences of key events and movements in U.S. history.
* Evaluate the impact of historical events on different groups within American society.
* Develop skills in historical inquiry, research, and writing.
For the past decade, I have been encouraging students through education and personal development to explore the challenges of the past. Through my own personal education and professional development, I create a safe environment for students to learn about challenging topics of the past. My undergraduate is in history, focusing on United States and European integration, past cultures, and empire. My first master's degree is in education with a focus on English/Language Arts and History. My second master's degree is in history with a focus on world empires and United States/Europe during the premodern era and modern era. I am currently pursuing my PhD in history focusing on immigration and relations with indigenous peoples and cultures. 
I have taught Ancient Civilizations in World History classes as well as classes on the history of Africa, Asia, and Australia, Ancient and Medieval Europe, and Early American history. I have taken and taught classes on world religions and practices starting with the ancient traditions of prehistoric cultures through modern day transitions of religions such as druidism. I have also taught about episodes of religious hysteria such as the Inquisition and the Salem Witch Trials. I also teach classes on the myths and legends that have defined these cultures. This extensive background will be utilized to create a well-rounded and thorough explanation of the topic.
Homework Offered
Each week will have required reading from the book this class along with a weekly note page to helps students record information. They will also receive optional activities to help deepen the content they are learning each week.
1 - 2 hours per week outside of class
Assessments Offered
Students will be given multiple ways to show their understanding each week: * Primary Source Analysis: Analyze historical documents, speeches, and artifacts. * Class Discussions: Participate in discussions on historical topics and debates. * Activities & Projects: Research and activities on specific historical events, figures, or movements. Assessment is not mandatory. Each family may chose to complete weekly assignments or not depending on the student's learning needs and the family's schooling style.
Grades Offered
Students can receive a grade for this class through attendance, participation, and weekly assignments if parents/guardians choose to do so.
Students will need a copy of the book "Everything You Need to Ace U.S. History In One Big Fat Notebook - 2nd Edition" by Workman Publishing and Philip Bigler. ISBN: 978-0-7611-6083-0  (New on Amazon for 8.99, but cheaper other places if purchased used.) (Link for reference: https://a.co/d/a2mLQZg)

If students are using the first edition - there might be a few chapter changes that won't match up- but it shouldn't hinder too much from the class. 
History is often ugly, and we do discuss topics that are extremely sensitive such as genocide, slavery, war, and sectional conflict. Please be advised that some content might be disturbing for some learners (i.e. The Holocaust and American Slavery). 
Students will need their own copy of the book "Everything You Need to Ace U.S. History In One Big Fat Notebook 2nd EDITION" by Workman Publishing and Philip Bigler. This is just the primer for the students as each topic will be covered in depth in class through the use of multiple historical and diverse sources.
(Link for reference: https://a.co/d/a2mLQZg)

Students will be provided with weekly handouts/activities. 

A vast collaboration of sources will be utilized to create this content to provide the students with a multi-faceted explanation of events from differing perspectives. Some sources utilized to create the content of the course:

A People's History of the United States by Howard Zinn 

An Indigenous Peoples' History of the United States for Young People  by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz

The Constitution of the United States and The Declaration of Independence by Delegates of The Constitutional Convention

A Little History of the United States (Little Histories) By James West Davidson

A Documentary History of the United States by Richard D. Heffner and Alexander B. Heffner

A Different Mirror for Young People: A History of Multicultural America (For Young People Series) by Ronald Takaki
Star Educator
Popular
Average rating:5.0Number of reviews:(519)
Profile
Hello!
I am so excited to join you on this education adventure! I absolutely love teaching and learning and believe it can be exciting for every student! I am a certified classroom educator with a master's degree in education and a second master's... 
Group Class

$200

for 14 classes
1x per week, 14 weeks
45 min

Completed by 283 learners
Live video meetings
Ages 11-14
5-15 learners per class

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