American History, The Story of Liberty
America's Heritage Through the Civil War
This is a unique history and critical thinking class for home school students that teaches through analysis of history, research, games, and the Socratic discussion. Students will use the new book by John De Gree, American History, The Story of Liberty, America's Heritage through the Civil War. Students will read primary sources and history texts and engage in the Socratic discussion. As certain historical topics are open to debate, our course shows students how to use logic and the search for truth to find the best interpretation of historical events.
Course: Meets once per week, 30 times per year
Ages: Grades 6-8
(5th and 9th graders could also take this course, if it is more convenient for the family. Please realize that 5th graders will have more difficulty with the reading and ideas, and it might be too easy for 9th graders.)
Required Materials:
1. American History, The Story of Liberty, Amerca's Heritage through the Civil War
2. Online primary source materials provided free by Mr. De Gree
3. American History Go Fish Game and Game Booklet
Reading Content:
Students will learn how to read non-fictional writing, focusing on history textbooks and primary source documents. They will learn how to read a textbook for information and analyze primary and secondary sources and recognize bias.
History Content:
Students will learn the independent and critical thinking skills specific to the study of history. They will apply these skills to the open-ended, analytical questions. Below is the Table of Contents of the text:
Unit I. America’s Ancient Heritage
Introduction
1. The Fertile Crescent
2. The Greeks
3. The Roman Republic
4. Western Civilization
Unit II. America’s Medieval Heritage
Introduction
5. The Age of Barbarians
6. Civilizing Europe
7. Foundation of European Kingdoms
8. Development of Liberty in Medieval England
9. The Crusades
10. The Age of Exploration and Christopher Columbus
11. The Reformation and the Enlightenment
Unit III. European Colonization of America
Introduction
12. Native Americans
12. Spanish and French Colonies in America
13. Founding of American Exceptionalism: Jamestown and Plymouth Plantation
14. American Exceptionalism Takes Hold in the English Colonies
16. Life in the English Colonies
17. Early Indian Wars
Unit IV. Founding of the U.S.A.
Introduction
18. Causes of the American Revolution
19. The American Revolution
20. The Articles of Confederation
Unit V. The Constitution
Introduction
21. The Heritage of the American Constitution
22. Principles of the Constitution
23. Individual Rights
Unit VI. Era of the Founding Fathers, 1787-1825
Introduction
24. Ratification of the Constitution
25. The American People
26. Father of The Country
27. Presidency of John Adams (1797-1801)
28. Judicial Review, Capitalism, Free Enterprise and Open Markets
29. Presidency of Jefferson (1801-1809)
30. James Madison’s Presidency (1809-1817)
31. The Era of Good Feelings
32. The Supreme Court and Capitalism
33. American Spirit and Industry in the Free North
34. Railroads, the Telegraph, the Post Office, and the Politicization of News
35. The Missouri Compromise
Unit VII. The Beginning of Big Government, 1825-1836
Introduction
36. The Election of 1824 and the Presidency of John Quincy Adams
37. The Age of Jackson (1828-1835)
Unit VII. Empire of Liberty or Manifest Destiny, 1836-1848
Introduction
38. Change in America: Industrialization, Religion, and Social Change
39. The American Renaissance: Arts and Literature
40. Education in Early America Through the Civil War
41. President Martin Van Buren (1837-1841)
42. President William Harrison (1841) and President John Tyler (1841-1845)
43. The Southwest
44. Presidency of James K. Polk and the Mexican-American War (1846-1848)
45. Oregon and the Oregon Trail
46. The Southwest and the California Gold Rush
Unit VIII. Sectionalism
Introduction
47. The South
48. The North
49. Life in the West
50. Immigration
Unit IX. The Slavery Crisis Becomes Violent, 1848-1860
Introduction
51. Political Instability and the End of Westward Expansion
52. The Decade Preceding the Civil War
53. Abraham Lincoln
Unit X. The Civil War
Introduction
54.1860 Election
55. Secession and the Confederate States of America
56. Fort Sumter and the War on Paper
57. Bull Run and the Beginning of the War
58. Growth of Government
59. Emancipation Proclamation
60. Hard War
61. Unconditional Surrender Grant and Reelection of Lincoln
62. The End of the War
63. The Assassination of Abraham Lincoln
64. Winners and Losers and the Lost Cause Myth
Appendix
The Declaration of Independence
The Constitution
Socratic Discussion:
Students will engage the teacher and fellow classmates in the Socratic Discussion, as it pertains to the study of history. Students will learn how search for the truth in honest dialogue. Students will develop strong speaking and listening skills.
First Class Reading Assignment? There is no required reading for the first class. All homework for the year will be given during the class. If a student misses class, he can download the class and watch the recorded version online, anytime of the week.
When does the Course Meet?
Wednesday Mornings, PST. Click Here for Schedule.
Option to Enroll in Recorded Classes: Only $5 per Class!
Enroll your child in this option and he will receive the recorded class each week, to view and learn from at his leisure. This is the most economical way to learn history!
The Teacher: Adam De Gree
Click here to learn about Adam De Gree
Because there is a limited number of students in each class, and we will hold your place, all registration is final and no refunds are given unless there are extenuating circumstances. However, we will give you a credit for future courses if an unforeseen event arises.
Cost
Enroll Through February $305
Enroll Through April $350
Enroll Through June $400
Enroll After June $420
American History, The Story of Liberty Online CourseAmerican History, The Story of Liberty Online Course Materials |
American History, The Story of Liberty Online Course, Grading of EssaysAmerican History, The Story of Liberty, Recorded Course |
