COURSE CONTENT: 
(*This course is also offered as a flex option*) This course offers an introduction and overview to events in the Crimean War. It is designed as an AP History course and is intended for mature students looking to learn more about Russian and Eastern European history. In each class we will examine the political atmosphere and personalities at the head of the conflict. We will examine the battles that shaped the war, how new technology changed the way the war was fought, and how this impacted the people involved. We will look at diplomats, politicians, civilians, and soldier experiences. Because this is designed as an AP history class, enrolled learners are expected to already have a firm grasp of World History, especially European History. A strong understanding of European geography is highly encouraged as well. 

This class is lecture based with a PowerPoint accompanying the lecture. Images in the PowerPoint may include period photographs, book covers, newspaper articles, maps, statistical information such as graphs, or period video footage of events discussed. Outside of the lecture, the instructor will initiate and facilitate student discussion of the main themes and topics examined in class in a forum setting. Students will engage with one another and the instructor through these discussions, and during the class lectures. Additionally, the instructor will provide access to some referenced or additional reading, films, or documentaries for students to view, and provide study games through Kahoot. 


LEARNER EXPECTATIONS: 
Enrolled learners are expected to remain on camera for the duration of live class sessions. This is to ensure learner security and engagement. Learners who fail to appear on camera during live sessions may be withdrawn from the course without a refund. Similarly, enrolled learners are expected to attend the live sessions, not just watch the recording. Learners who wish to view recordings may take this class as a flex option. I expect learners enrolled in the live session to attend each class and remain on camera for the duration of class. Learners who fail to show up for 2 of the scheduled classes will be withdrawn from the course without a refund. 


DISCLAIMER: 
(*Since Russia is a current topic in the news, any and all current political views and current events will not be discussed. This class is meant to give learners information on Russian history, not discuss current politics. It is the learner's responsibility to take the information presented in this course and apply it as they see fit. We will see how the treaties drawn up at the end of the war influenced the outbreak of World War I in 1914, but that is as modern/ current as our study will go. Students are expected to engage with the lecture and course material. Any attempt to bring current events into discussion will not be permitted, and a student may be muted or dismissed from the live session if they attempt to do so.*) 


COURSE SCHEDULE: 
Class 01: The Seedlings of War
This first class will set the stage for the outbreak of the conflict. We will look at the position of the Ottoman Empire in the late 19th century and its relationship to Europe, the lead political figures of each nation involved, and the political tensions that led to the outbreak of war. 

Class 02: The Outbreak of the Conflict
This class will look at the opening engagements of the war (such as the battles at Varna, Evpatoria, and Alma), the battle strategies and objectives devised by each side, and the revolutionary new technologies that were used. 

Class 03: In the Heights
This class will examine the Siege of Sevastopol, the difficulties experienced by each side during the siege, and both side's daring attempts to break the siege. We will look at the experiences of civilians (like Florence Nightingale) and soldiers who lived through the conflict, and their relationships to commanding officers. 

Class 04: The End of the War
This final class will examine how the war ended and the political situation that arose from it. We will examine the impact of the war on the psyche's of the nations involved (Tennyson's "Charge of the Light Brigade") and the people who survived. We will also see how this war set the stage for the First World War.