Grades 6-8
45 mins/lesson
Meets twice a week
None
1-on-1
4 months
Online
Onsite (McLean,VA)
Class Title: Module I
Objectives:
✓ Gain an understanding of what history is, why it is important, and how it helps us better understand the world in which we live
✓ Review fundamental historical concepts and terms
✓ Learn and discuss 6 main themes of history
Learning Outcomes:
✓ Can successfully engage in meaningful historical discussion
✓ Understand what it means to engage in historical investigation
✓ Learn to appreciate varied historical perspectives
Class Timeline:
✓ 45 mins. per lesson (20 mins. for instruction, 20 mins. for discussion & debate, 5 mins. for homework review & Q/A)
✓ Have lessons twice per week
Class Title: Module II
Objectives:
✓ Learn the basics of historical writing such as paraphrasing, evidence and analysis
✓ Produce sound historical writing pieces based on logical reasoning and evidence
✓ Gain advanced essay writing skills needed to inform, critique, and persuade
Learning Outcomes:
✓ Can analyze historical events and facts effectively through evidence and reasoning
✓ Capable of debunking flawed claims in historical writing
✓ Able to identify logical fallacies
✓ Learn the differences between primary and secondary research
✓ Utilize Chicago referencing style with proper annotated bibliography
Class Timeline:
✓ 45 mins. per lesson (20 mins. for instruction, 20 mins. for discussion & debate, 5 mins. for homework review & Q/A)
✓ Have lessons twice per week
Detailed Lesson Plan:
Week 1a: Paraphrasing #1
Week 1b: Paraphrasing #2
Week 2a: Historical analysis #1
Week 2b: Historical analysis #2
Week 3a: 2 Types of research: Primary and secondary
Week 3b: Chicago referencing style
Week 4a: Annotated bibliography
Week 4b: Capstone Project-evaluation/feedback
Class Title: Module III
Objectives:
✓ Critically read and discuss historical texts from Jared Diamond, Karl Marx, Adam Smith, Plato and Charles Darwin
✓ Practice breaking down arguments and claims from major scholars
✓ Apply your understanding of historical inquiry, argumentation, and evidence in writing to form your own unique historical perspective(s)
Learning Outcomes:
✓ Can identify false claims, weak evidence and irrelevancies in writings from the forementioned scholars
✓ Gain a strong understanding of how a logical argument is formed, defended, and refuted
✓ Gain a deeper understanding of how to apply history to multiple disciplines
Class Timeline:
✓ 45 mins. per lesson (10 minutes for instruction, 30 minutes for discussion & debate, and 5 minutes for homework review & Q/A)
✓ Have lessons twice per week
Week 1a: Reading #1: “Guns, Germs, and Steel” by Jared Diamond
Week 1b: Discussing the themes, issues and challenges
Week 2a: Writing Task #1 and in-class evaluation and feedback
Week 2b: Reading #2: “The Communist Manifesto” by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels
Week 3a: Discussing the themes, issues and challenges
Week 3b: Writing Task #2 and in-class evaluation and feedback
Week 4a: Reading #3: “The Wealth of Nations” by Adam Smith
Week 4b: Discussing the themes, issues and challenges
Week 5a: Writing Task #3 and in-class evaluation and feedback
Week 5b: Reading #4: “The Republic” by Plato
Week 6a: Discussing the themes, issues and challenges
Week 6b: Writing Task #4 and in-class evaluation and feedback
Week 7a: Reading #5: “On the Origin of Species” by Charles Darwin
Week 7b: Discussing the themes, issues and challenges
Week 8a: Writing Task #5 and in-class evaluation and feedback
Week 8b: Final Writing Project and in-class evaluation/feedback
