Location: Folsom
Day & Time: Thursday 11:55-1:05
Grade: 7th-12th
Mentor: Frizzle Frizzle
Email: inspiredbyamg@gmail.com
 
History: Medal of Honor
In Medal of Honor, students will journey through one of the most transformative periods in American and world history, from the rise of industry and immigration to the global struggles of World War II.  Along the way, they will encounter inventors, reformers, soldiers, leaders, and everyday citizens whose courage, sacrifice, and determination helped shape the modern world.  This integrated History and English Language Arts course combines historical investigation with advanced reading, writing, speaking, and critical-thinking skills.  Students will analyze historical events, speeches, literature, biographies, and primary sources while exploring enduring themes of liberty, justice, leadership, character, and moral responsibility.
 
A unique feature of the course is a weekly reflective writing assignment designed to help students explore their own beliefs, values, and perspectives.  These short writings challenge students to think deeply about historical and ethical issues, consider difficult decisions, and develop a greater understanding of themselves.  The focus is not on finding the "right" answer, but on thoughtful reflection, self-discovery, and the ability to communicate ideas clearly.  Through debates, simulations, discussions, research, and writing, students will strengthen both historical understanding and literacy skills while gaining a deeper appreciation for the individuals and ideas that shaped the modern world.
 
Major Topics
Industrialization and Innovation
Immigration and American Identity
Urbanization and Social Change
Labor Movements, Wealth, Poverty, and Reform
Imperialism and America's Expanding Global Role
World War I and the Changing Modern World
The Cultural Transformation of the 1920s
The Great Depression
Totalitarianism and the Rise of Fascism
World War II and the Global Fight Against Tyranny
Courage, Sacrifice, Leadership, and Moral Responsibility
 
Outcomes
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
Analyze historical events using primary and secondary sources
Evaluate historical arguments and differing perspectives
Participate effectively in discussions and debates
Write analytical, argumentative, reflective, and response-to-literature essays
Conduct research and present findings clearly
Strengthen critical thinking and historical reasoning skills
Connect literature and history within historical contexts
Examine the relationship between individual character and historical change
Reflect on themes of courage, sacrifice, liberty, justice, leadership, and responsibility
 
Class Activities
Students will participate in a variety of engaging learning experiences throughout the year, including:
Historical simulations
Debates and discussions
Document-based investigations
Collaborative projects
Research activities
Multimedia analysis
Presentations and public speaking
Primary source analysis
Weekly reflective writing
 
Materials
Students should bring a notebook or binder dedicated to the course, lined paper, writing utensils, and any assigned reading materials.  Regular access to a laptop or internet-capable device is expected for research, document analysis, presentations, and classroom activities.  Highlighters, colored pencils, sticky notes, and index cards are recommended for annotation and organization.
 
Additional course readings and instructional materials will be provided.
 
“What is memorized is easily forgotten, what is understood is never forgotten.”  ~Dr. Adler
 
 
We also recommend enrolling in Simulations: History in Action at our Rocklin location, an immersive companion course that allows students to experience history firsthand through large-scale simulations, role-playing, debates, strategy games, diplomacy, and interactive historical challenges.  Students step into the roles of leaders, citizens, explorers, inventors, and revolutionaries as they navigate the major events and civilizations that shaped the world

All classes are full-year classes. Students enrolled in a Fall Semester class will automatically enroll for the Spring Semester in December to ensure their place in the class. Pricing is per semester.