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U.S. History: Read and Discuss "These Truths" by Jill Lepore (Part 1 Of 2)

Completed by 20 learners
Ages 14-18
Live Group Course
Using New York Times bestseller "These Truths" as the jumping off point, students will explore, discuss, and analyze U.S. history from 1492 to 1865 over a 10-week period.
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:
(169 reviews)
Popular
Rising Star

Live video meetings
1x per week, 10 weeks
2-8 learners per class
50 min

What's included

10 live meetings
8 hrs 20 mins in-class hours
Homework
2-4 hours per week. Homework each week includes reading a full chapter in the book, and responding to a short journal response question. All students are expected to complete the reading and journal response each week. Chapters are 30+ pages long. Many students find it beneficial to break the reading down into sections over the week. Journal entries are checked for content, but not for grammar/spelling. The purpose of the journaling is to check for reading comprehension and subject understanding.
Assessment
A written assessment of a student's mastery is available upon request, and will be based on participation in class discussion and content of journal responses.
Certificate of Completion
All students will receive a summary of topics covered and skills utilized at the end of class.

Class Experience

US Grade 9 - 12
Intermediate - Advanced Level
In this homeschool-friendly discussion class, we use Jill Lepore's book, "These Truths," to examine the scope of United States history, and to delve into the question asked by founder Alexander Hamilton: [are] societies of men really capable or not of establishing good government from reflection and choice, or whether they are forever destined to depend for their political constitutions on accident and force. The book will not only help learners see that there have been times when the U.S. succeeded in that mission, and times that the country has faltered; it is also one of the few one-volume U.S. histories written in decades, and brings readers all the way to the 2016 election. 

Classes will be discussion based and highly interactive. Students may contribute via voice or chat, but they are expected to contribute. Work outside of class each week will include reading a complete chapter from "These Truths." Students will be provided with organizing questions to go with the reading to help them prepare for class discussion.

As in all of my social studies classes, I strive to help students find the answer to the "so what" question. Why does all of this matter? How does this puzzle piece fit with all of the other pieces I can already see and understand? I work to help students develop critical thinking skills including how to find the links between ideas and events, and how to identify errors or inconsistencies in thinking. I encourage learners to apply what we are learning to what they already know.

Learning Goals

Students will develop skills of historical interpretation and critical thinking, and a deeper understanding of United States history. Class discussion promotes good communication skills, and encourages mutual respect for people with different opinions.

Syllabus

10 Lessons
over 10 Weeks
Lesson 1:
Welcome, introduction, and discussion of the main question
 The class will discuss Lepore's guiding question about whether the ideal of America is possible. Can we function under a government based on a written agreement, established around reason, logic, and compromise? 
50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Discussion of the Introduction and Chapter 1: The Nature of the Past
50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Discussion of Chapter 2: The Rulers and the Ruled
50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Discussion of Chapter 3: Of Wars and Revolutions
50 mins online live lesson

Other Details

Learning Needs
Students can access the text using a traditional book, an ebook, or an audiobook.
Parental Guidance
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.
Supply List
Students must acquire the main text, "These Truths," by Jill Lepore. This can be a physical book, an ebook, or an audiobook. The cost of the book ranges from $10-$27 depending on format. Please make sure you are purchasing the original book, NOT the textbook. This class does not use the textbook.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
These sources are some of those used to provide material for this course: The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. “History Resources | Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History.” History Resources, www.gilderlehrman.org/history-resources. Lepore, Jill. These Truths: A History of the United States. W. W. Norton & Company, 2019. Locke, Joseph, and Ben Wright, editors. “The American Yawp.” The American Yawp, www.americanyawp.com.

Meet the teacher

Joined April, 2020
4.9
169reviews
Popular
Rising Star
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Master's Degree in American Studies from The University of Alabama
Bachelor's Degree in Political Science and Government from Birmingham-Southern College
Bachelor's Degree in History from Birmingham-Southern College
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 7 years. I am currently serving as a Teacher Ambassador for Retro Report and was honored to serve as an Education Ambassador for the Council on Foreign Relations for 3 years. I am in the process of writing much of the social studies curriculum for an online high school for students who communicate best through non-speaking means. My expertise in teaching is in helping students see the many ways that history, geography, politics, and economics intersect. 

Reviews

Darby Kennedy, MA suggests this class next...
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