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 writing. We will learn how to structure an essay so that your writing is clear and coherent. We will also write creatively. You’ll learn more about the mechanics of writing, including some grammar and punctuation.
Expect 2–3 hours of homework each week, including history study, reading, and writing assignments. This homework is engaging and will help you prepare for weekly class activities.
Full of activities and games, great discussions and quiet reflection -- this class will possibly even create great change in you!
Class Schedule
Prerequisites
A solid foundation in reading and writing will be helpful for success in this class.
Materials Required
1. Access to a computer and the internet
2. Access to a printer to print coversheets and assignments
3. Pencils or other writing utensils for weekly class time
Homework
Homework will take 2-3 hours a week and will include:
1. At least 45 min/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 websites. 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.
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 Heather Hamberger or Jenni McVey if you want to discuss an exception.
We do not plan to use AI in class.
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 a previous class, 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.
Required: yes - full year
Own or share with sibling? can share
Notes: You will use this book almost weekly.
Notes:
Notes: We strongly recommend, in addition to the book, you get access to the Audible version linked here. It's a dramatic adaptation and helps understand the play.
Notes: