This is a unique history and critical thinking class for home school students that teaches classical history through games, analysis of history, research, and the Socratic discussion. Students first learn the tools of the historian then apply them. Students will use the new book by John De Gree, American History, The Story of Liberty, America's Heritage through the Civil War. As the meaning of history is open to debate, our course shows students how to use logic and the search for truth to find the best interpretation of historical events.
Class Information: (please enroll below)
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 May Be Purchased Below: 1. The Story of Liberty, America's Heritage through the Civil War, Student Workbooks 1 and 2 2. The Story of Liberty Student's Edition 3. Online primary source materials provided free by Mr. De Gree 4. 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 in the following topics: 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 13. Spanish and French Colonies in America 14. Founding of American Exceptionalism: Jamestown and Plymouth Plantation 15. 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, PT. 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. Course Cost: Enroll Through February $350 Enroll Through March $375 Enroll Through April $400 Enroll After April $425 Optional: Essay Writing and Assessment If you want your student to learn how to write history essays and have them graded, we offer this as an option. The teacher and student will communicate via email. Essays are written based on the the research and discussions of the class.