World History Through Film & Primary Sources: From WWI to the 21st Century
In this 14-week class students get immersed in history using films to set the stage and bring history to life. We will use the movies, video clips, articles, and original documents to learn about the past in a fun way.
Courtney Runchey
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(58)
What's included
14 live meetings
11 hrs 40 mins in-class hoursHomework
2-4 hours per week. Part of this class is watching major motion pictures most weeks. The movies are typically between 1.5 - 2 hours. Some additional video clips, and articles will be assigned some weeks and they are usually 10 minutes.Assessment
Students who choose to get assessments will be doing a final project. This will be a topic of students' choice event or person during the time frame we cover that they are interested in they will present information using slides.Letter Grade
1 after class completionClass Experience
US Grade 9 - 12
Are you looking for an engaging and thought-provoking history course for your teen? This 14-week course explores key events, revolutions, and transformations that have shaped modern human history—from the dawn of World War I to the early 21st century. Using major motion pictures, primary source documents, and curated resources from the OER Project, students will explore cultural movements, political systems, economic upheavals, and social revolutions across the globe. Our approach emphasizes "usable history"—helping learners connect events into meaningful narratives that deepen their understanding of the world today. This class supports diverse learners through flexible content delivery, visual storytelling, and guided discussions. Students may choose whether to receive feedback on their work, and homeschoolers are welcome to request grading aligned with their academic needs. ⚠️ Content Note: This class uses historically-based films and primary sources that may include war, genocide, political violence, and oppression. While presented with care and sensitivity, some content may be upsetting. Students may opt out of any film without penalty. Parents are encouraged to review Common Sense Media ratings and consider co-viewing films for discussion.
Learning Goals
Analyze major historical events from WWI through the early 2000sDistinguish fact from dramatization in film portrayals of history
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created CurriculumStandards
Aligned with National Curriculum Standards for Social Studies (NCSS)14 Lessons
over 14 WeeksLesson 1:
✅ Week 1: Welcome + Course Overview
🎬 No film this week
Focus:
Welcome, learner intros & expectations
What is “usable history”?
Timeline overview: WWI to 21st century
Source types: Primary vs secondary
🧠 Activity: Interactive timeline game + primary source challenge
📘 OER Project: World History 1750 – Unit 6.0 50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
✅ Week 2: The Road to World War I & The Middle East
🎬 Film Options:
They Shall Not Grow Old (R, intense but historically rich – OPTIONAL)
🎬Alternate: War Horse (PG-13) or
🎬Gallipoli (PG) – both offer accessible WWI perspectives
Focus:
European alliances, imperialism, and nationalism
Middle Eastern fronts & Ottoman Empire’s collapse
🧠 Activity: WWI propaganda poster analysis
📘 OER Project: 6.1 & 6.2
📺 Homework Option: Crash Course #209 + articles on British colonial troops 50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
✅ Week 3: WWI as a Global War + Economic Impacts
🎬 The Promise (PG-13, Armenian perspective in Ottoman Empire)
Focus:
WWI as a global event: Africa, Asia, and the Middle East
Economic and societal upheaval from the war
🧠 Activity: Economic cause/effect roleplay – students take on postwar roles
📘 OER Project: 7.0 & 7.1
📺 Crash Course #36 & #37 50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
✅ Week 4: The Armenian Genocide & Memory of Atrocity
🎬 The Imitation Game (PG-13) – use to pivot into ethics of secrecy, repression, and marginalization
🎬 Alternate for younger audiences: The Book Thief (PG-13)
Focus:
Understanding the Armenian Genocide in WWI’s context
Ethics of remembrance and denial
🧠 Activity: Primary source diary excerpts + moral dilemma discussion
📘 OER Project: 7.2
📺 “What is Fascism?” overview + survivor testimony readings 50 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Learning Needs
This class is designed to use videos, movies, and articles that can be adjusted to different reading levels. This is a great option for students with ADHD, Dyslexia, ASD, or other issues.
Parental Guidance
⚠️ Content Note:
This class uses historically-based films and primary sources that may include war, genocide, political violence, and oppression. While presented with care and sensitivity, some content may be upsetting. Students may opt out of any film without penalty. Parents are encouraged to review Common Sense Media ratings and consider co-viewing films for discussion.
Week Movie
2 They Shall Not Grow Old
Rated R, 2019, 99 MIn.
Common Sense 16+, Parents 14+
Parents need to know that They Shall Not Grow Old is a documentary by Oscar-winning director Peter Jackson that takes century-old footage of World War I and gives it an upgrade; it's restored, corrected, colored, and given sound effects, spoken voices, and narration. The effect is astonishing, groundbreaking, essential viewing, although the mature material makes it best for older teens and adults. The wartime violence is extreme: Expect to see dead bodies; mangled corpses; bloody, gory wounds; and other shocking, horrifying images. There are also graphic descriptions of dire conditions, and you'll see guns/shooting, shells, and explosions. Narration talks of soldiers visiting brothels; some (fairly tame) cartoon drawings depict this. Men's naked bottoms are shown in a nonsexual context. Soldiers are shown smoking and drinking beer, both of which are also discussed at some length. Language includes "piss," "hell," "damn," and "bastards."
3 The Promise
Rated PG-13, 2017, 132 Min.
Common Sense 14+, Parents 13+
Parents need to know that The Promise is an earnest but disturbing wartime drama about the Armenian genocide in Turkey during World War I. Scenes depict graphic atrocities, hangings, beatings, street riots, burning buildings, mass graves full of women and children, execution-style killings, and other brutal, intense images. There's also some drinking (sometimes to excess) and kissing, as well as implied sex (no graphic nudity); language is very infrequent, but there is one use each of "s--t" and "hell." While it's not easy to watch, the movie does show how war can prompt some people to rise to the occasion, demonstrate courage, and work to save innocents. Christian Bale, Oscar Isaac, and Charlotte Le Bon star.
4 The Imitation Game
Rated PG-13, 2014, 114 MIn.
Common Sense 13+, Parents 12+
Parents need to know that The Imitation Game is a historical drama that explores the role that cryptologists and mathematicians played in World War II. Expect candid discussions about lives lost during war, accompanied by footage showing bombs falling and soldiers firing guns. A boy is also tormented by school bullies. Leading the team of scientists trying to break the Germans' Enigma code is Alan Turing (Benedict Cumberbatch), a closeted homosexual who ends up being vilified for his sexuality. The subject of is handled fairly delicately and is discussed in mostly oblique ways, though characters do call him slurs, like "toff." Ultimately there are strong themes about the power of persistence and the fact that gender doesn't dictate intelligence or competency.
5 Schindler’s List
Rated R, 1993, 196 MIn.
Common Sense 15+, Parents 15+
Parents need to know that Schindler's List is a brutal, emotionally devastating three-hour drama that won several Oscars and has a powerful message about the human spirit -- but it pulls absolutely no punches when depicting the Holocaust. There are arbitrary murders and mass killings, Nazi commanders compare Jews to rats, children are killed, and there are scenes of shocking, grisly violence. There's also plenty of smoking and drinking, and several scenes of nakedness. In two of them, a woman is naked from the waist up in bed and in sexual situations. But in the rest, nakedness is used to humiliate and harass Jewish residents of concentration camps. There's full-frontal nudity of Jewish prisoners in the shower, when they are being stripped and examined, etc. There are anti-Semitic epithets as well as words such as "f--k," "s--t," "bitch," "damn," and "ass."
6 Bridge of Spies
Rated PG-13, 2015, 135 Min.
Common Sense 13+, Parents 11+
Parents need to know that Steven Spielberg's Bridge of Spies is a tense, taut Cold War thriller inspired by real-life events. Tom Hanks stars as James Donovan, an upstanding American insurance lawyer who's assigned to defend a Soviet spy captured in Brooklyn, events that lead to a hostage exchange. Expect occasional swearing (including a couple of "f--k"s during a tense scene, plus "son of a bitch" and "goddamn hell"), a fair amount of era-accurate smoking, celebratory toasting, and some brief, intense violence -- most notably scenes in which a prisoner is harshly interrogated and others in which people are shot while trying to flee East Germany.
7 Cry Freedom
Rated PG, 1987, 157 Min.
Common Sense 12+, Parents 8+
Parents need to know Cry Freedom depicts the atrocities committed by South African government authorities during its repressive and inhuman apartheid regime, the country's racist policy that lasted from 1948 to 1994. When the film opened in 1987, it would be another six years before the minority white supremacist government would give way to rule by the black majority, led by imprisoned leader Nelson Mandela. Government police and soldiers massacre unarmed men, women, and children in segregated, impoverished townships. Protest leaders are banned or imprisoned. Language includes "s--t," and "caffer," an ethnic slur used to denigrate blacks. Biko is beaten to death. His bloody body is shown. A man is imprisoned and later falsely reported by the police to have hanged himself. The home of an anti-apartheid editor is shot at by police. A family of black sympathizers are sent child-sized, acid-laced T-shirts by the police. A child's burned face is seen. Briefly shown: A raiding police officer tears off the shirt of a woman. A man beaten into a coma is shown lying face down on the ground, naked. Adults smoke cigarettes and drink alcohol.
8 Thirteen Days
Rated PG-13, 2000, 145 min.
Common Sense 14+. Parents 11+
Parents need to know that Thirteen Days, a docudrama about the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, is exciting and suspenseful, even though the actual outcome is well known. The film is a recreation of a crucial incident in American history that's suitable for teens and mature tweens, as well as adults. There's frequent swearing used to heighten the emotional impact (i.e., "bastard," "asshole," "s--t," "Jesus Christ," one use of "f--k"). Because the film is set in the 1960s, smoking is a casual part of many of the meetings in the White House. Alcoholic beverages are consumed in several scenes, never to excess. President John F. Kennedy is seen taking a prescription drug on one occasion.
9 Hotel Rwanda
Rated PG-13, 2004, 115 Min.
Common Sense 15+, Parents 13+
Parents need to know that this movie includes a realistic, though mostly non-graphic, depiction of genocide and compellingly portrays the sense of horror and insanity. Characters drink, smoke, and use some mild language.
10 Argo
Rated R, 2012, 120 MIn.
Common Sense 16+, Parents 13+
Parents need to know that Argo is based on the true story of a daring covert rescue mission, carried out by CIA operative Tony Mendez (played by Ben Affleck, who also directs), during the 1979 Iranian hostage crisis. A few scenes feature unruly mobs and dead bodies, and there are some extremely tense sequences during the escape, but there's not much actual on-screen violence. Other issues include swearing (there's quite a bit, including "f--k" and "s--t") and several scenes that show people smoking and drinking during social occasions.
11 Charlie Willson’s War
Rated R, 2007, 97 Min.
Common Sense 16+, Parents 18+
Parents need to know that this Tom Hanks/Julia Roberts movie is decidedly adult. For starters, it deals with complex issues connected to political wrangling and Middle Eastern power struggles. And then there's the booze, gunfire, and sexual content (including some nudity), strong language (be ready for lots of "f--k"s)-- it's all here and then some. That said, the movie is also smart, with a main character who's infinitely more interesting than many other people in movies. While it's not perfect, it's still a worthy watch, especially for older teens and adults interested in the political process.
12 Dark Waters
Rated PG-13, 2019, 126 MIn.
Common Sense 14+, Parents 14+
Parents need to know that Dark Waters is a drama based on a 2016 New York Times Magazine article about huge chemical company DuPont knowingly using toxic substances in its billion-dollar products. Mark Ruffalo plays real-life lawyer Robert Bilott, who's trying to fight for the chemical's victims. The movie is harrowing and unsettling but extremely well made and absolutely worth watching. Expect some disturbing images, including sick and dying cows, diseased cow parts, deformities in humans, the shooting of a cow with a rifle (some blood shown), and a house being set on fire. Language is fairly strong, with a couple uses of "f--k," plus "s--t," "goddamn," and more. Teens skinny-dip in one scene, and a bare bottom is briefly seen. There's social drinking at a party and background cigarette smoking.
Supply List
📦 Learner Supply List To participate fully and get the most out of this course, learners will need the following: 🖥️ Technology A reliable internet connection Access to a laptop, desktop, or tablet (mobile phones are not recommended for extended viewing or written work) Headphones or earbuds (helpful for watching videos or participating in live discussions) A Google account for access to Google Docs and Google Slides (used for writing assignments and final project presentations) 📚 Materials A dedicated history notebook or binder for notes, reflections, and activities Pen/pencil and highlighters for annotation and notetaking Printed handouts or worksheets (optional—these will also be provided digitally) 🧠 Recommended Learning Tools Access to Google Drive or Microsoft OneDrive to organize written assignments and save primary/secondary source readings A quiet space for watching films and completing readings with minimal distractions Access to a local or online library (optional, but helpful for additional research or enrichment reading) 🎬 Films Most films will be available via common streaming platforms (such as Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Netflix, or library streaming services like Kanopy or Hoopla). Parental discretion is advised for each film. Note: Learners are never required to watch a specific film and may opt out for any reason. Alternate summaries or clips will be provided where possible.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Sources
📚 Sources Used in This Class
This course draws on a variety of credible educational resources, multimedia content, and historical texts to support learning and foster critical thinking. Students engage with materials from the following sources:
🔹 Primary Source Materials
Personal letters, journals, diaries, and newspaper articles from historical figures and everyday people
Ledgers, pamphlets, and government documents from a range of historical periods
Religious and philosophical texts from diverse cultures and global perspectives
Historical archives that provide multiple viewpoints on major events
Emphasis is placed on interpreting sources within their historical context, acknowledging how language, values, and laws evolve over time
🔹 Secondary Source Texts
Zinn, H. (2011). A Young People's History of the United States: Columbus to the War on Terror. Seven Stories Press
Selected textbook excerpts, overview articles, and scholarly summaries to support understanding of complex topics
🔹 Digital & Multimedia Educational Resources
OER Project – World History 1750 to Present:
Comprehensive online curriculum offering text, video, and project-based activities aligned with global history standards
PBS.org:
Documentary content and educational articles on world events, revolutions, and historical figures
TED-Ed YouTube Channel:
Animated mini-lessons and historical explainers that make big ideas accessible
CrashCourse YouTube Channel:
Engaging video series covering world history, economics, geography, and political systems
Newsela:
Leveled news articles and primary documents adapted for middle and high school learners
Joined August, 2020
4.9
58reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree from Northwood University
👩🏫 Teacher Expertise
For more than 15 years, I’ve been deeply engaged in education, with the last 9 years spent homeschooling my own children. I specialize in helping students navigate complex historical topics through multiple perspectives, emphasizing critical thinking and the power of storytelling to understand the past.
My teaching blends primary source analysis, literature, and major motion pictures to bring history to life in an age-appropriate and thought-provoking way. I work to ensure students understand not just the "what" of history, but the "why"—examining socioeconomic influences, religious impacts, and the role of narrative bias. Through guided discussions, learners are encouraged to explore differing viewpoints and consider the motivations behind historical events and decisions.
Over the past 7 years, I’ve taught middle and high school students at a local homeschool co-op, both in person and online. I’ve led literature-based courses, facilitated historical book clubs, and introduced “Literature Through Film” to help learners connect with stories across multiple mediums. I’m especially passionate about using film and primary sources side-by-side to help students separate dramatization from historical fact.
I’ve completed diversity and sensitivity training and bring this lens into my teaching. My classes aim to elevate underrepresented voices while creating a space where all learners feel seen, heard, and safe to express themselves. I am committed to fostering inclusive, respectful conversations—particularly when navigating difficult topics such as war, genocide, and colonialism.
While I began my education with a B.B.A. from Northwood University and later pursued a teaching degree at Eastern Michigan University, I chose to dedicate myself full-time to homeschooling. I continue my own professional development through programs like EdCamp, NerdCamp, and educator workshops, always striving to enhance my teaching methods and keep students at the center of the learning experience.
In all of my classes, I aim to spark curiosity, deepen understanding, and equip students with the tools to thoughtfully analyze the past—and how it continues to shape the present.Reviews
Live Group Course
$15
weekly1x per week, 14 weeks
50 min
Completed by 22 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 13-18
3-12 learners per class
