Twentieth Century History
This elective history course is a sort of “sequel” to the Grammar School Story of History series. School of Logic students get to know the heroes, villains and key events of this rather dark period using biographies. selected works of historical fiction and nonfiction narrative histories. The course explores the emergence of the United States on the world stage from World War I to the development of the modern world at the end of the century. Students discuss how Marxism, communism and capitalism shaped nations. Students understand the reasons for the Space Race, the fall of the Berlin Wall and 9-11. Through the development of attentive listening, close reading, thoughtful interaction and other study skills such as reading maps and building timelines, students prepare well for subsequent history courses.
Topics include: Teddy Roosevelt, WWI, WW2, Vietnam War, Korean War, Chinese Cultural Revolution, the Civil Rights Movement, the Space Race, 9-11, and world leaders.
Homework Habits: Students typically spend 2 hours a week on reading assignments and a weekly discussion board post.
Suggested Grade Level: 8, or mature 7th grade students who are 12 by September 1 of the current year due to mature themes and complex reading material
Text and Materials: Please see current book list. Students should subscribe to World Magazine, Teen Edition.