Writing About Modern History Through Literature With IEW Semester 1(High School)
Utilize IEW writing skills to write about history as learned through literature, covering 1870 - present.
Mrs. Jen Altman MSEd
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(406)
Popular
What's included
16 live meetings
14 hrs 40 mins in-class hoursHomework
2-4 hours per week. Homework will be assigned each week and should be uploaded to the classroom before class. Each writing assignment includes a composition checklist, so what is expected is easily outlined. Papers are graded on a rubric, based on a checklist provided with each assignment.Letter Grade
By request a report card will be provided, grades can also be seen in google classroom.Certificate of Completion
At the end of Semester TwoClass Experience
US Grade 9 - 12
Writing About Modern History Through Literature with IEW Part 1 of 2 - 16 Week Course Course Overview: While exploring historical topics from 1870 to the present, students will enhance their writing skills, focusing on thesis statements, MLA format, persuasive essays, research papers, and more. This course integrates literature written by cultural experts or those deeply knowledgeable about the historical periods, fostering a comprehensive understanding of pivotal events. Semester Structure: Industrial United States 1870-1900 Week 1 - Introduce book and history - Ashes of Roses by Mary Jane Auch Week 2 - Unit 5, Writing from Pictures - Arriving at Ellis Island Week 3 - Introduce book and history - Sweet Grass Basket by Marlene Carvell Week 4 - Unit 6, Summarizing multiple references - Writing 2 researched paragraphs about problems with Residential Schools Modern America 1890-1930 Week 5 - Introduce book and history - Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor Week 6 - Unit 7, Writing a Letter to the Past - Reflect on racial confrontation and violence in the novel's society vs. present times Week 7 - Introduce book and history - Angel of Greenwood by Randi Pink Week 8 - Unit 7, Inventive Essay - Explore nuanced character portrayals and personal revelations The Great Depression and World War II 1929-1945 Week 9 - Introduce book and history - They Called Us Enemy by George Takei, Justin Eisinger, and Steven Scott (alternative: Farewell to Manzanar by Jeanne Wakatsuki) Week 10 - Unit 7, Inventive Essay and Haiku Poems - American Flag Prompt: What is an American? What does it mean to be an American? Week 11 - Introduce book and history - Code Talker by Joseph Bruchac Week 12 - Unit 8, Research Essay on Code Talkers Week 13 - Introduce book and history - Night by Elie Wiesel and Marion Wiesel (alternative: Prisoner B-3087 by Alan Gratz) Week 14 - Unit 8, Persuasive Essay - Discuss the corrupting influence of power using historical and literary examples Week 15 - Introduce book and history - Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis Week 16 - Unit 9, Optional Literary Critique - Analyze instances of inner strength in the protagonist and its impact on others Literature Selections (Required Reading): • Ashes of Roses by Mary Jane Auch • Sweet Grass Basket by Marlene Carvell • Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor • Angel of Greenwood by Randi Pink • They Called Us Enemy by George Takei, Justin Eisinger, and Steven Scott (alternative: Farewell to Manzanar by Jeanne Wakatsuki) • Code Talker by Joseph Bruchac • Night by Elie Wiesel and Marion Wiesel (alternative: Prisoner B-3087 by Alan Gratz) • Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis Course Information: • This course covers units 5-9 of the IEW structural models. • Each lesson includes a clear writing assignment with a detailed checklist of Structure and Style requirements. • Homework will be assigned weekly and should be uploaded to the classroom before class. • Disclaimer: The course addresses challenging historical topics such as residential schools, internment camps (Japanese and Nazi), racism-related violence (e.g., Selma Voting Rights March, Tulsa Massacre). Critical thinking and thoughtful discussion are encouraged. ________________________________________ This syllabus is designed to foster deep engagement with historical themes through literature, while strengthening students' writing abilities using the IEW approach. Get $15 off my class "IEW Fix It! Grammar” with coupon code JENALBUNDLE215 if you enroll in a writing class too!
Learning Goals
Moving through Units 5–9 of the IEW methods, students will take notes, write from pictures, put together a mini research report, and compose creative essays.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
We will deal with hard history topics such as resedential schools, internment camps (Japanese and Nazi), racism related violence, such as the Selma Voting Rights March and Tulsa Massacre. We will learn to think critically about these events and after reading about them from carefully selected literature, we will use them as a jumping off point for essay writing of various types.
Supply List
Students are required to read the follow books which may be purchased at bookstores or borrowed from the library. Ashes of Roses by Mary Jane Auch Sweet Grass Basket by Marlene Carvell Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor Angel of Greenwood by Randi Pink They Called Us Enemy by Geroge Takei, Justin Eisinger, and Steven Scott (this is a quick read so another add-on option is Farewell to Manzanar by Jeanne Wakatsuki) Code Talker by Joseph Bruchac Night by Elie Wiesel and Marion Wiesel (this is a quick read so another add-on option is Prisoner B-3087 by Alan Gratz) Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis Paper, Pencil, Folder
1 file available upon enrollment
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Joined April, 2019
4.9
406reviews
Popular
Teacher expertise and credentials
Master's Degree in Education from Capella University
I am a registered IEW instructor and have been using IEW for many years. I have a Master's Degree in Education. Additionally, I have completed the Anti-Racism I course through University of Colorado Boulder to better prepare me to discuss sensitive racial topics that have occurred throughout history. I continue to educate myself on these topics from those from the communities which are most greatly affected. I am also working through Anti-Racism II from University of Colorado Boulder and Black History, Black Freedom and Black Love from MasterClass. Reviews
Live Group Course
$18
weekly or $285 for 16 classes1x per week, 16 weeks
55 min
Completed by 26 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 14-18
4-13 learners per class
