In our book club meetings, John De Gree gives an overview of the main topics of the book and explains which type of open-ended questions can be discussed based on the readings. He critiques the author's work and provides insight into his own opinions.  De Gree then shows which other resources in The Dolphin Society can help the teacher lead discussions in the content area. 

A PATRIOT'S HISTORY ​OF THE UNITED STATES
by Larry Schweikart and Michael Allen

​1. Discussion #1
Introduction
1. The City on the Hill, 1492-1707
2. Colonial Adolescence, 1707-1763
3. Colonies No More, 1763-1783

​Discussion #2
4. A Nation of Law, 1776-1789
5. Small Republic, Big Shoulders, 1789-1789

Discussion #3
6. The Promise and Perils of Jackson's America, 1815-1836
7. Red Foxes and Bear Flags, 1836-48
8. The House Dividing, 1848-60
9. The Crisis of the Union, 1860-65
​10. Ideals and Realities of Reconstruction, 1865-76

​Discussion #4
11. Lighting Out for the Territories, 1861-1890
12. Sinews of Democracy, 1876-1896

Discussion #5
​
13. Building Best, Building   Greatly, 1896-1912
14. War, Wilson, and   Internationalism, 1912-1920
15. The Roaring Twenties and   the Great Crash, 1920-1932
16. Enlarging the Public Sector,   1932-1940


​
Discussion #6
17: Democracy's Finest Hour, 1941-1945
18. America's "Happy Days," 1946-1959

Discussion #7
19. The Age of Upheaval, 1960-1974

Discussion #8
20. Retreat and Resurrection, 1974-1988
21. The Moral Crossroads, 1989-2000
22. Decline and Restoration: The Twenty-First Century

WESTERN CIVILIZATION, ​A BRIEF HISTORY 
by Marvin Perry


​Discussion #1
1. The Ancient Near East, The First Civilizations
2. The Hebrews: A New View of God and the Individual
3. The Greeks: From Myth to Reason
At the end of this 30 minute talk there is no discussion. 
Discussion #2
4. Rome: From City-State to World Empire
5. Early Christianity: A World Religion
Discussion #3
Chapter Six: The Rise of Europe: Fusion of Classical, Christian, and Germanic Traditions
Chapter Seven: The Flowering and Dissolution of Medieval Civilizations
In addition to reviewing these two chapters and presenting open-ended questions which teachers could use with this history content, John De Gree discusses the differences between ancient, medieval, and modern history. And, De Gree talks about the history of religious freedom and state religions in colonial America.