Location: Folsom
Day & Time: Thursday 1:10-2:20
Grade: 7th-12th
Mentor: Frizzle Frizzle
Email: inspiredbyamg@gmail.com
 
In the exciting and thought-provoking Sword of Freedom class, students will embark on a powerful journey through the American Civil War—one of the most pivotal and complex chapters in our nation’s history. This course goes far beyond names and dates. It invites students to wrestle with the deep moral, constitutional, and human questions that defined the era, such as states’ rights vs. federal authority, the constitutionality of secession, and the profound injustice of slavery.
 
Through a dynamic mix of classic literature, writing assignments, presentations, simulations, and immersive projects, students will engage with the personal and national struggles that led to a war where brother fought against brother, and both sides believed they were defending what was right. As they dive into historical dilemmas and heroic examples of leadership, sacrifice, and moral courage, students will develop not only a deeper understanding of the Civil War—but also of themselves.
Each student will work toward earning a replica sword modeled after those carried by Union and Confederate soldiers, a symbol of commitment, effort, and growth.
Topics and values explored include:
The purpose of government
 
Statesmanship and leadership
 
War, pestilence, and betrayal
 
Public virtue and personal sacrifice
 
Surviving during times of crisis
 
The complexity of moral decision-making
 
Recognizing and becoming a true hero
 
These lessons will not only provide historical knowledge, but will help students draw powerful connections between the challenges of the past and the challenges of today—cultivating resilience, critical thinking, and civic awareness.
Reading List:
Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe
Rifles for Watie by Harold Keith
Forty Acres and Maybe a Mule by Harriette Gillem Robinet
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
 
Quickest method to contact The Frizz: text 916.295.0420
 
“What is memorized is easily forgotten, what is understood is never forgotten.”  ~Dr. Adler
 
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.