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.