In this live online class for high schoolers, students learn American 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 begins in colonial times and ends in 1990.
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 Columbus a hero, or a villain?
- Which foreign policy was better, the Monroe Doctrine or Moral Diplomacy?
- Why did Reagan win his second election by a margin of 49 states to 1?
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 begins in colonial times and ends in 1990.
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. However, we have a strict privacy policy and don't record webcam feeds.
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. However, we have a strict privacy policy and don't record webcam feeds.
|
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.
|
SELF-PACED OPTION
|
For a self-paced year of American 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.
📈 |
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
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
📒 |
TEXTBOOK AND COURSE MATERIALS
|
1. Take a Stand! US History, by John De Gree
2. Free Primary Resources Provided by The Classical Historian
3. Land of Hope, ISBN978-1641771399 by Wilfred M. McClay. For sale elsewhere.
4. A Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, by Frederick Douglass. For sale elsewhere; available as a free download online.
5. Plenty-Coups, Chief of the Crows, by Frank Bird Linderman. For sale elsewhere; available as a free download online.
6. See our Supplemental Book List below for reading ideas!
2. Free Primary Resources Provided by The Classical Historian
3. Land of Hope, ISBN978-1641771399 by Wilfred M. McClay. For sale elsewhere.
4. A Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, by Frederick Douglass. For sale elsewhere; available as a free download online.
5. Plenty-Coups, Chief of the Crows, by Frank Bird Linderman. For sale elsewhere; available as a free download online.
6. See our Supplemental Book List below for reading ideas!
💡 COURSE INFO
Instructor: Adam De Gree
Fall/Spring 2024-2025
30 Online Classes
Grades 9-12
Tuesdays 9:00-9:50 Pacific Time
Schedule: click HERE
Fall/Spring 2024-2025
30 Online Classes
Grades 9-12
Tuesdays 9:00-9:50 Pacific Time
Schedule: click HERE
📞 CONTACTS
Teacher: [email protected]
Administrative Questions: [email protected]
Technical Questions: [email protected]
Administrative Questions: [email protected]
Technical Questions: [email protected]
|
REQUIREMENTS
|
DAILY WORK/HOMEWORK
Students are expected to study for about three to four 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 study for about three to four 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.
⚜️ |
COURSE HONOR CODE
|
Students are expected to adhere to the integrity policy. The course requirements are simple and straightforward: do the reading and participate in class respectfully, and you will succeed. Every student is capable of fulfilling these requirements.
⚜️ |
HONOR PLEDGE
|
I pledge to do the homework and participate in class to the best of my abilities. If I am confused, I promise to ask a question in class, rather than remain silent. If I disagree with my classmates, I promise to speak up and debate them respectfully.
💣 |
COURSE GRADING
|
100% Participation
|
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:
|
💥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]
Enroll Through March $400 Enroll Through April $425 Enroll After May $450 For sibling discounts email John at [email protected]
Enroll Through April $400 Enroll Through May $425 Enroll Through May $450
Please email: [email protected] |
❗️ |
REGISTRATION IS FINAL
|
Because there is a limited number of students in each class, all registration is final and no refunds are given. However, credit for future courses can be given if an unforeseen event arises.
📖 SUPPLEMENTAL READING LIST
Primary Sources:
1. The Diary of Christopher Columbus
http://www.americanjourneys.org/pdf/AJ-062.pdf
2. The Mayflower Compact
http://mayflowerhistory.com/primary-sources-and-books
3. Common Sense, Thomas Paine, 1776
http://www.ushistory.org/paine/commonsense/
4. Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776
http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/document/
5. Biography on George Washington
https://www.classicalhistorian.com/johns-blog/washingtons-birthday
6. The Declaration of Independence
http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/document/
https://www.classicalhistorian.com/johns-blog/july-4th-1776-independence-day
7. United States Constitution
http://constitutionus.com/
8. George Washington’s First Inaugural Address
https://www.archives.gov/exhibits/american_originals/inaugtxt.html
9. George Washington’s Farewell Address
https://www.ourdocuments.gov/doc.php?flash=false&doc=15&page=transcript
10. Harriet Tubman’s face will replace Andrew Jackson’s on the $20 bill:
https://www.classicalhistorian.com/johns-blog/harriet-tubman-and-the-20-bill
11. Treaty of Velasco
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Treaties_of_Velasco
12. The Monroe Doctrine
https://www.ourdocuments.gov/doc.php?flash=false&doc=23
13. John C. Calhoun’s Address on States’ Rights and Nullification
https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/South_Carolina_Exposition_and_Protest
14. Emancipation Proclamation
https://www.archives.gov/exhibits/featured-documents/emancipation-proclamation/transcript.html
15. Seneca Falls Declaration of Sentiments
http://ecssba.rutgers.edu/docs/seneca.html
16. Excerpt from “What Social Classes Owe to Each Other,” by William Graham Sumner, 1883
https://mises.org/library/what-social-classes-owe-each-other-0
17. Excerpts from “Plessy v. Ferguson, 1896.”
https://www.ourdocuments.gov/doc.php?flash=false&doc=52
18. Eugene Debs’ Presidential Nomination Acceptance Speech
http://historymatters.gmu.edu/d/5725/
19. Booker T. Washington’s Atlanta Compromise Speech, 1895
http://historymatters.gmu.edu/d/39/
20. Woodrow Wilson’s Address for Declaration of War, 1917
https://www.ourdocuments.gov/doc.php?flash=false&doc=61#
21. William E. Borah’s Speech on the League of Nations, 1919,
https://www.historycentral.com/documents/Borah.html
22. Susan B. Anthony and Abortion
https://www.feministsforlife.org/the-truth-about-susan-b-anthony/
23. Franklin D. Roosevelt, On Social Security, 1935
https://socialwelfare.library.vcu.edu/social-security/social-security-an-introduction/
24. Herbert Hoover, Against the Proposed New Deal, 1932
http://www.columbia.edu/~gjw10/hoover.newdeal.html
25. Date Which Will Live in Infamy” Speech, 1941
http://historymatters.gmu.edu/d/5166/
26. Yalta Agreement
https://www.u-s-history.com/pages/h2066.html
27. Winston Churchill’s Iron Curtain Speech
https://winstonchurchill.org/resources/speeches/1946-1963-elder-statesman/the-sinews-of-peace/
28. Brown v. Board of Education:
https://caselaw.findlaw.com/us-supreme-court/347/483.html
29. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s I have a Dream Speech
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smEqnnklfYs
29. John F. Kennedy’s Inaugural Address, 1961:
https://www.jfklibrary.org/learn/about-jfk/historic-speeches/inaugural-address
30. Gulf of Tonkin Resolution:
https://www.ourdocuments.gov/doc.php?flash=false&doc=98&page=transcript
31. Nixon’s Second Watergate Speech
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Nixon%27s+second+watergate+speech
32. Roe v Wade, 1973
https://www.loc.gov/item/usrep410113/
33. Ronald Reagan’s “Our Noble Vision” Speech, 1984
Text: http://www.biblicalpatriot.net/HistoricSpeeches/cpac8.htm
Videos of Various Other Speeches: https://www.reaganlibrary.gov/sspeeches/major-speeches-
1964-1989
1. The Diary of Christopher Columbus
http://www.americanjourneys.org/pdf/AJ-062.pdf
2. The Mayflower Compact
http://mayflowerhistory.com/primary-sources-and-books
3. Common Sense, Thomas Paine, 1776
http://www.ushistory.org/paine/commonsense/
4. Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776
http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/document/
5. Biography on George Washington
https://www.classicalhistorian.com/johns-blog/washingtons-birthday
6. The Declaration of Independence
http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/document/
https://www.classicalhistorian.com/johns-blog/july-4th-1776-independence-day
7. United States Constitution
http://constitutionus.com/
8. George Washington’s First Inaugural Address
https://www.archives.gov/exhibits/american_originals/inaugtxt.html
9. George Washington’s Farewell Address
https://www.ourdocuments.gov/doc.php?flash=false&doc=15&page=transcript
10. Harriet Tubman’s face will replace Andrew Jackson’s on the $20 bill:
https://www.classicalhistorian.com/johns-blog/harriet-tubman-and-the-20-bill
11. Treaty of Velasco
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Treaties_of_Velasco
12. The Monroe Doctrine
https://www.ourdocuments.gov/doc.php?flash=false&doc=23
13. John C. Calhoun’s Address on States’ Rights and Nullification
https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/South_Carolina_Exposition_and_Protest
14. Emancipation Proclamation
https://www.archives.gov/exhibits/featured-documents/emancipation-proclamation/transcript.html
15. Seneca Falls Declaration of Sentiments
http://ecssba.rutgers.edu/docs/seneca.html
16. Excerpt from “What Social Classes Owe to Each Other,” by William Graham Sumner, 1883
https://mises.org/library/what-social-classes-owe-each-other-0
17. Excerpts from “Plessy v. Ferguson, 1896.”
https://www.ourdocuments.gov/doc.php?flash=false&doc=52
18. Eugene Debs’ Presidential Nomination Acceptance Speech
http://historymatters.gmu.edu/d/5725/
19. Booker T. Washington’s Atlanta Compromise Speech, 1895
http://historymatters.gmu.edu/d/39/
20. Woodrow Wilson’s Address for Declaration of War, 1917
https://www.ourdocuments.gov/doc.php?flash=false&doc=61#
21. William E. Borah’s Speech on the League of Nations, 1919,
https://www.historycentral.com/documents/Borah.html
22. Susan B. Anthony and Abortion
https://www.feministsforlife.org/the-truth-about-susan-b-anthony/
23. Franklin D. Roosevelt, On Social Security, 1935
https://socialwelfare.library.vcu.edu/social-security/social-security-an-introduction/
24. Herbert Hoover, Against the Proposed New Deal, 1932
http://www.columbia.edu/~gjw10/hoover.newdeal.html
25. Date Which Will Live in Infamy” Speech, 1941
http://historymatters.gmu.edu/d/5166/
26. Yalta Agreement
https://www.u-s-history.com/pages/h2066.html
27. Winston Churchill’s Iron Curtain Speech
https://winstonchurchill.org/resources/speeches/1946-1963-elder-statesman/the-sinews-of-peace/
28. Brown v. Board of Education:
https://caselaw.findlaw.com/us-supreme-court/347/483.html
29. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s I have a Dream Speech
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smEqnnklfYs
29. John F. Kennedy’s Inaugural Address, 1961:
https://www.jfklibrary.org/learn/about-jfk/historic-speeches/inaugural-address
30. Gulf of Tonkin Resolution:
https://www.ourdocuments.gov/doc.php?flash=false&doc=98&page=transcript
31. Nixon’s Second Watergate Speech
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=Nixon%27s+second+watergate+speech
32. Roe v Wade, 1973
https://www.loc.gov/item/usrep410113/
33. Ronald Reagan’s “Our Noble Vision” Speech, 1984
Text: http://www.biblicalpatriot.net/HistoricSpeeches/cpac8.htm
Videos of Various Other Speeches: https://www.reaganlibrary.gov/sspeeches/major-speeches-
1964-1989
REGISTER :
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE:
|
SUPPORT
|
RESOURCES
|
|
|
|
|
|