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 12:30 - 2:30 | Ages 14-15 | Level Journeyman |
Mentors Stephanie Buck | Tuition $55 Winter Semester |
Class Schedule
Prerequisites
None
Materials Required
Access to a computer 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 Ms Jenni or Ms Stephanie 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.
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 - fall
Own or share with sibling? can share
Notes: Purchase here from Amazon
Title: The King's Fifth
Required: yes - fall
Own or share with sibling? can share
Notes: Purchase here from Amazon
Title: The Bamboo Sword
Required: yes - fall (There is an audio version of this book)
Own or share with sibling? can share
Notes: Purchase here from Amazon
Title: Tale of Two Cities
Required: yes - winter
Own or share with sibling? can share
Notes: Purchase here from Amazon
Title: King of Mulberry Street
Required: yes - winter
Own or share with sibling? can share
Notes: Purchase here from Amazon
Title: The Arrival
Required: yes - winter
Own or share with sibling? can share
Notes: Purchase here from Amazon