In this live online class for middle schoolers, students learn ancient history by discussing open-ended questions. Some of the questions we discuss are:
Our course follows the proven methodology of our Take A Stand! books. First, students learn the basic thinking and research skills that all historians need. Then, they engage in Socratic discussions about ancient history. Our Socratic history curriculum covers the major civilizations of the Fertile Crescent, India, China, Greece, and Rome.
We also offer a writing supplement that complements our discussion sessions. Writing students learn how to craft persuasive essays that use evidence to convince readers. Our teacher will provide feedback on an unlimited amount of drafts, so parents can choose the pace that meets their needs.
Here's what one of our parents says about our discussion & writing courses:
"I greatly value your classes because they demand a lot from my children and inspire them to be better thinkers and writers. They also provide an external source of expectation that encourages them to do much more than they would otherwise." --Jennifer C, Mom of four Online Academy graduates
- Was Alexander the Great really great?
- What was the most important achievement of Ancient China?
- What were the two main reasons for the fall of the Western Roman Empire?
Our course follows the proven methodology of our Take A Stand! books. First, students learn the basic thinking and research skills that all historians need. Then, they engage in Socratic discussions about ancient history. Our Socratic history curriculum covers the major civilizations of the Fertile Crescent, India, China, Greece, and Rome.
We also offer a writing supplement that complements our discussion sessions. Writing students learn how to craft persuasive essays that use evidence to convince readers. Our teacher will provide feedback on an unlimited amount of drafts, so parents can choose the pace that meets their needs.
Here's what one of our parents says about our discussion & writing courses:
"I greatly value your classes because they demand a lot from my children and inspire them to be better thinkers and writers. They also provide an external source of expectation that encourages them to do much more than they would otherwise." --Jennifer C, Mom of four Online Academy graduates
HOW IT WORKS
This is a live online course that teaches history through the Socratic discussion. At the beginning of the school year, students learn the "tools of the historian." In other words, they learn how to differentiate between fact and opinion, form judgments on the basis of historical evidence, and develop arguments that are based on facts, not emotions.
Once they have mastered these critical thinking skills, students turn their attention to history. In a step-by-step process, their teacher guides them through research, discussion, and debate. In addition to their textbook, students analyze primary sources and historical texts throughout the year.
Classes are held once a week for 50 minutes at a time. Class recordings will be posted on the website the day after each class. To encourage participation and ensure full attention, students must join our live classes with their webcams on.
Once they have mastered these critical thinking skills, students turn their attention to history. In a step-by-step process, their teacher guides them through research, discussion, and debate. In addition to their textbook, students analyze primary sources and historical texts throughout the year.
Classes are held once a week for 50 minutes at a time. Class recordings will be posted on the website the day after each class. To encourage participation and ensure full attention, students must join our live classes with their webcams on.
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COURSE GOALS
Students who complete this course will be able to: 1. Critically read primary and secondary sources 2. Provide cogent arguments in a Socratic discussion 3. Search for the truth in honest dialogue 4. Develop strong speaking and listening skills |
WRITING SUPPLEMENT
Our writing supplement runs in parallel to our live discussions. The online writing course starts with a two-hour video lesson on the basics of persuasive writing. Then, students will complete assignments that are based on our discussion topics.
Our teacher, Adam De Gree, has over 11 years of professional writing experience under his belt. He will be grading every essay submitted in this course. At minimum, students must write one essay per month. Based on Mr. De Gree's feedback, they will then have to revise that essay before moving on to the next assignment.
While students need to complete at least one essay a month, Mr. De Gree will grade an unlimited amount of essays. Parents are encouraged to have their students write at a more frequent pace if they want a bigger challenge.
All communication between students and Mr. De Gree will occur via email.
Our teacher, Adam De Gree, has over 11 years of professional writing experience under his belt. He will be grading every essay submitted in this course. At minimum, students must write one essay per month. Based on Mr. De Gree's feedback, they will then have to revise that essay before moving on to the next assignment.
While students need to complete at least one essay a month, Mr. De Gree will grade an unlimited amount of essays. Parents are encouraged to have their students write at a more frequent pace if they want a bigger challenge.
All communication between students and Mr. De Gree will occur via email.
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TEXTBOOK AND COURSE MATERIALS
1. Take a Stand! Ancient Civilizations 2. Free Primary Resources Provided by Classical Historian 3. World History Detective 4. Go Fish! Ancient History card deck |
CONTACTS
Teacher: [email protected] Administrative Questions: [email protected] Technical Questions: [email protected] |
REQUIREMENTS
DAILY WORK/HOMEWORK
Students are expected to read and answer questions for about one to two hours per week in preparation for class. There is no required work before the first class in September, and each homework assignment will be posted on the last slide of the PowerPoint presentation of each class. If a student misses the assignment for whatever reason, it will be available in the course recording.
CLASS PARTICIPATION
One hundred percent of the grade is based on class participation. All interactions in class will be civil and respectful. Reasoned debate requires polite disagreement. Students who do the reading and participate in class will fulfill the course requirements. Students are required to have their cameras on during class and are expected to engage in discussion. Please have the student sitting in a quiet room with no distractions.
MISSED CLASSES
If students miss class for whatever reason, they are responsible for watching the recording on the Classical Historian website. Students must watch the recording to complete the homework assignment.
TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
All classes take place using Zoom, so access to a computer or tablet with a good internet connection is needed. In August you will receive an email from Zdenka De Gree ([email protected]) explaining how to log in to the class and how to access the course recordings.
Students are expected to read and answer questions for about one to two hours per week in preparation for class. There is no required work before the first class in September, and each homework assignment will be posted on the last slide of the PowerPoint presentation of each class. If a student misses the assignment for whatever reason, it will be available in the course recording.
CLASS PARTICIPATION
One hundred percent of the grade is based on class participation. All interactions in class will be civil and respectful. Reasoned debate requires polite disagreement. Students who do the reading and participate in class will fulfill the course requirements. Students are required to have their cameras on during class and are expected to engage in discussion. Please have the student sitting in a quiet room with no distractions.
MISSED CLASSES
If students miss class for whatever reason, they are responsible for watching the recording on the Classical Historian website. Students must watch the recording to complete the homework assignment.
TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS
All classes take place using Zoom, so access to a computer or tablet with a good internet connection is needed. In August you will receive an email from Zdenka De Gree ([email protected]) explaining how to log in to the class and how to access the course recordings.
SELF-PACED OPTION
For a self-paced year of ancient history, choose the recorded course. Students enrolled in the recorded course watch the recordings of our live discussions and complete the homework assignments on their own. The cost of the recorded course is only $5 per class.
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COURSE SCHEDULE/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 in the following topics:
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INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION
Adam De Gree is a Philosophy graduate from the University of California, Santa Barbara and holds a Master of Arts in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics from Prague’s CEVRO Institute. His research covers the intersection of aesthetics and economic theory. He and his wife Tessa are raising their three children in a quaint village in the Czech Republic. Adam is available to parents and students at [email protected] COST
Enroll Through February $400
Enroll Through May $425 Enroll After May $450 WRITING CLASS COST
$450 DISCOUNTS
SCOPE AND SEQUENCE
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CHARTER SCHOOL REGISTRATION
REGISTRATION IS FINAL
Because there is a limited number of students in each class, all registration is final and no refunds are provided. However, credit for future courses can be given if an unforeseen event arises.
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SUPPORT
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