Modern World History Thru Literature

• Study the following topics in history: scientific revolution, great voyages of discovery, and systems of trade; ideas of enlightenment and new views on government; the age of revolution; the Industrial Revolution; nationalism and colonial empires; World Wars; the rise and fall of communism; the space race; wars in the Middle East and terrorism; a polluted planet; the computer revolution; and current events.
• Learn new words in context related to history and geography.
• Compare/contrast historical events and nations.
• Identify countries’ border changes throughout modern times and other map work.

Course Structure

Students will have readings in the text and activities posted in Canvas each week to review the material, including a review “quiz” at the end of each week. During class, review games will reinforce the material studied and students will teach mini-lessons as well. Other live class activities include readers’ theater plays.

Course Assignments will include:

• Readings in the text including review questions; history reviews in Canvas.
• Various worksheet type activities posted in Canvas.
• Read historical fiction or biographies related to the topics being studied, sharing new facts learned with classmates.
• Research mini-topics, sharing facts with classmates.
• Two major projects, one each semester.

Who should enroll?

This class is for 7th – 8th graders, others by permission from the instructor.

Technology Requirements

• High speed, broadband Internet
• Headset and microphone (for live sessions)
• Streaming video capabilities to watch recorded lectures
• Microsoft Word and Power Point are very helpful. If a different word processing program is used, students will need to save or export documents to a pdf.

Evaluation and Feedback

All exercises in Canvas will be graded and averaged for a final grade. Optional tests will be assigned. Projects will receive additional feedback so that improvements can be made along the way.

Communication

Parents are welcome to contact me with any questions before registering their student. Once I know a student has registered, the family will receive a welcome packet with additional information about the course. I will contact parents if there is a concern with students not keeping up with the work or frequently turning in late assignments.