The Mighty Pen: Writing and the Changing World
Great discoveries (lots of gold!). Great inventions (penicillin!). Great disasters (smallpox!). Great conflict (more wars than I 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 | Ages | Class Blog: |
Mentors Co Mentor
| Level Depth or Breadth? | Tuition Winter Semester |
Materials Required
Access to a computer and the internet
Homework
Homework will take approximately 3 to 4 hours a week and will include:
- 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.
- Several fiction books assigned throughout the year (approximately 75 – 100 pgs a week)
- Weekly writing assignments that will focus on essay or creative writing.
- 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.
We will be using the same Timeline book that was used last year in Foundations (and other classes). If you do not yet have a copy, you will need to purchase one separately at registration (probably about $15).
Books Students Provide
Title: Across the Ages: A Timeline Book
Required: yes (full year)
Own or share with sibling? Everyone needs their own copy
Notes: This book is published by ASA and used in all of the history classes. If you already have a copy from Foundations last year, you do NOT need to purchase another copy. If you do not already own a copy, you MUST purchase one during registration. It will be under the Fee section in the ASAP registration system.
Title: The Usborne Encyclopedia of World History
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. NOTE - There are several VERY poorly formatted versions on Amazon. If you purchase on Amazon, please get this one. Another good version can be purchased at Barnes & Noble here.
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.