"What If" History: Exploring Alternate Realities in Counterfactual History
What's included
70 live meetings
64 hrs 10 mins in-class hoursHomework
2-4 hours per week. After exploring the historical events of a particular period, our group will collaboratively formulate a "What If" question. Each student will then respond to this question in their own unique way, such as writing a story, crafting an essay, or creating another form of project. Students will present and discuss their projects during the second class of the week.Certificate of Completion
includedClass Experience
US Grade 6 - 9
Welcome to the Alternative History class! This course will explore the captivating world of what could have been had history taken different turns. We will delve into the alternate realities that could have emerged from other decisions, events, or circumstances. Together, we'll examine how various outcomes might have affected the world and shaped our present. Alternative history, also known as counterfactual history, is a subgenre that investigates what might have happened if events had unfolded differently. This intriguing area of study not only encourages us to think creatively and challenge our assumptions about the world but also has practical applications. It can be used to analyze the impacts of different policy decisions, military strategies, or scientific discoveries, making it a valuable tool for critical thinking and decision-making. Throughout this course, we will explore a diverse range of alternative historical scenarios, from the thought-provoking to the downright bizarre. By studying these and other alternate realities, we will develop a deeper understanding of the past, the present, and the power of the decisions we make. Get ready to step into a world of what-ifs and explore the fascinating realm of alternative history! Week of Sept 2: What if the dinosaurs had not gone extinct? Week of Sept 9: What if the Vikings had permanently settled in North America? Week of Sept 16: What if the Black Death had not occurred? Week of Sept 23: What if Christopher Columbus had never discovered the Americas? Week of Sept 30: What if Pocahontas had not saved John Smith? Week of Oct 7: No Class Week of Oct 14: What if the American colonies had lost the Revolutionary War? Week of Oct 21: What if the Declaration of Independence was never written? Week of Oct 28: What if George Washington had refused to be the first President? Week of Nov 4: What if Thomas Jefferson had not made the Louisiana Purchase? Week of Nov 11: What if the South had won the Civil War? Week of Nov 18: What if Abraham Lincoln had not issued the Emancipation Proclamation? Week of Dec 2: What if the Wright brothers had never invented the airplane? Week of Dec 9: What if Archduke Franz Ferdinand was never assassinated? What If WWII and the Holocaust: Week of Dec 16: What if the Treaty of Versailles had been fairer to Germany? Week of Jan 6: What if Hitler had been accepted into art school? Week of Jan 13: What if Anne Frank had survived the Holocaust? Week of Jan 20: What if Dr. Martin Luther King had never been assassinated? Week of Jan 27: What if the Japanese had not attacked Pearl Harbor? What If Black History: Week of Feb 3: What if the 1968 Olympics Black Power salute never happened? Week of Feb 10: What if Claudette Colvin’s case was not dropped by civil rights campaigners? Week of Feb 24: What if the Tulsa Race Massacre had not occurred? What If Women’s History: Week of March 3: What if women had been granted the right to vote in 1776? Week of March 10: What if Anne Hutchinson had not been banished from the Massachusetts Bay Colony? Week of March 17: What if Hedy Lamarr's inventions had been recognized during her lifetime? Week of March 24: What if Edith Wilson had openly taken over presidential duties after Woodrow Wilson's stroke? Week of March 31: What if Marie Curie hadn't founded the science of Radioactivity? What If Earth Month: Week of April 7: What if deforestation in the Amazon Rainforest had been banned 50 years ago? Week of April 14: What if global leaders had heeded early warnings from climate scientists in the 1970s? Week of April 21: What if nuclear power had been more widely adopted as a clean energy source? Week of April 28: What if plastic production had been strictly regulated from its inception? What If Mental Health Month: Week of May 5: What if Vincent van Gogh had received proper mental health treatment? Week of May 12: What if asylums used proper treatment for their patients? Week of May 19: What if Princess Diana's advocacy for mental health had led to global policy changes? Week of May 26: What if Emily Davison had not been killed at the Epsom Derby? Week of June 2: What if Russia won the Space Race by landing on the moon first?
Learning Goals
Understand Key Historical Events: Identify and describe significant historical events and the key figures involved, gaining a comprehensive understanding of what actually happened.
Analyze Historical Contexts: Evaluate the context and circumstances surrounding major historical events, understanding the factors that influenced their outcomes.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
In this history class, we will be exploring a range of topics that may touch on sensitive issues such as violence, racism, guns, and more. As with all my classes, I am committed to fostering a safe and respectful learning environment that is appropriate for the age and maturity level of the students.
While we will not shy away from exploring challenging topics and historical events, all discussions will be conducted in an age-appropriate and sensitive manner. It is my priority to create a space where students feel comfortable expressing their ideas and opinions while also respecting the diverse perspectives of their classmates.
Language of Instruction
English
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Teacher expertise and credentials
Master's Degree in English from Simmons University
I have had the pleasure of teaching various classes that explore the strange, unusual, and often overlooked stories of our past. Some of my most popular courses include "Weird and Interesting History," "Paranormal and Supernatural History," and "Life in the Shadows." These courses delve into the diversity and mysteries of history that are often omitted from traditional textbooks.
In addition to my teaching experience, I am also a writer, working on a young adult novel set during the Holocaust. Through my writing and teaching, I am passionate about bringing history to life for young learners, creating engaging and thought-provoking content that encourages critical thinking and empathy.
Reviews
Live Group Course
$35
weekly or $1,225 for 70 classes2x per week, 35 weeks
55 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 12-16
4-10 learners per class