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!