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U.S. History: Read and Discuss "These Truths" by Jill Lepore (Part 1 Of 2)
Darby Kennedy, MA
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4.9
Number of reviews:(149)
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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.
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....
10 lessons//10 Weeks
Week 1Lesson 1Welcome, introduction, and discussion of the main questionThe 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?Week 2Lesson 2Discussion of the Introduction and Chapter 1: The Nature of the PastWeek 3Lesson 3Discussion of Chapter 2: The Rulers and the RuledWeek 4Lesson 4Discussion of Chapter 3: Of Wars and RevolutionsWeek 5Lesson 5Discussion of Chapter 4: The Constitution of a NationWeek 6Lesson 6Discussion of Chapter 5: A Democracy of NumbersWeek 7Lesson 7Discussion of Chapter 6: The Soul and the MachineWeek 8Lesson 8Discussion of Chapter 7: Of Ships and ShipwrecksWeek 9Lesson 9Discussion of Chapter 8: The Face of BattleWeek 10Lesson 10Analysis of Chapters 1-8, and revisiting the central question
- 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.
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.
2 - 4 hours per week outside of class
Homework
Frequency: 7 or more throughout the classFeedback: as neededDetails: 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
Frequency: includedDetails: 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
Frequency: 1 after class completionDetails: All students will receive a summary of topics covered and skills utilized at the end of class.
Students can access the text using a traditional book, an ebook, or an audiobook.
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.
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.
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.
Joined April, 2020
4.9
149reviews
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Teacher expertise and credentials
3 Degrees
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
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...
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Group Class
$200
for 10 classes1x per week, 10 weeks
50 min
Completed by 18 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 14-18
2-8 learners per class
