Mighty Pen - Writing and the Changing World
Great discoveries (lots of gold!). Great inventions (penicillin!). Great disasters (smallpox!). Great conflict (more wars than we can list!). The world after 1500 was full of changes that brought everyone closer together, creating synergy as people shared ideas AND creating conflict as they all struggled to share resources.
In this class, you’ll study great men and women who changed the world - for better or for worse - with their ideas and their actions. You’ll also spend time researching and sharing information that interests you about different periods of modern world history.
In addition, one of the greatest ways to create change is through great writing. So we will also focus on what makes great writing - specifically how to structure an essay so that your writing is clear and coherent and how to write creatively. You’ll also learn more about the mechanics of writing, including grammar and punctuation.
Full of activities and games, great discussions and quiet reflection -- this class will possibly even create great change in you!
Time 10:15-12:15 | Ages 14-18 | Class Blog |
Mentors ToriAnn Perkey Jennifer Twyman | Level Depth or Breadth? | Tuition $40 Winter Semester $40 |
Prerequisites
None
Materials Required
Access to a computer, a printer, and the internet.
Homework
Homework will take approximately 3 to 5 hours a week and will include:
1. At least 1 hour/week of historical research and note taking on the time period the class is studying. This can be reading books, watching videos and documentaries, or reviewing internet sites. Some resources will be required -- including pages in The Usborne Encyclopedia of World History -- but students will be allowed to use many of their own resources.
2. Several fiction books assigned throughout the year (approximately 75 - 100 pgs a week)
3. Weekly writing assignments that will focus on essay or creative writing.
4. Short grammar, punctuation, and mechanics exercises.
Notes
This class will be lots of fun, but it will also be a lot of work. Register because you want to learn how to work and think like a scholar as we study this fascinating time period of history and learn the important skill of essay writing.
If this is your second year at ASA, it is STRONGLY recommended that you take the Apprentice level class instead. Please contact Sister Perkey if you want to discuss an exception.
Books Students Provide
Title: The Usborne Encyclopedia of World History (An older edition is okay, but it means your page numbers may not match the assigned page numbers in class and you will need to figure out what is different.)
Required: yes (full year)
Own or share with sibling? Can share
Notes: Purchase here on Amazon.
Title: The King's Fifth
Required: yes (fall semester)
Own or share with sibling? Can share
Notes: Purchase here on Amazon.
Title: The Ghost in the Tokaido Inn
Required: yes (fall semester)
Own or share with sibling? Can share
Notes: Purchase here on Amazon.
Title: A Tale of Two Cities
Required: yes (winter semester)
Own or share with sibling? Can share
Notes: Purchase here on Amazon.
Title: The King of Mulberry Street
Required: yes (winter semester)
Own or share with sibling? Can share
Notes: Purchase here on Amazon.
Title: The Arrival
Required: yes (winter semester)
Own or share with sibling? Can share
Notes: Purchase here on Amazon.