History & Social Studies
COLONIAL & REVOLUTIONARY AMERICA: Film, Literature & Classroom Resources
Course No. HI407F, HI507F
One of the essential components in Language Arts, Social Studies, and Reading is the study of the human experience. In this course you will examine key people, places and events during the American Colonial and Revolutionary period. This topic fascinates us and there are ample film, literature, and classroom resources to help communicate the scope and importance to our students.
This course also provides video, literature and classroom resource ideas for teachers preparing for major themes of the American Revolution and Colonial Life that can actively engage students around many of the major themes and events of this time period. Choose books and videos such as Johnny Tremain, My Brother Sam is Dead, John Adams, 1776, Last of the Mohicans, 1776 the Musical, The Scarlet Letter, etc. Many of these films are available at local libraries, from NetFlix, in video stores for purchase, and ESDs. You will choose 8 videos and 2 novels to view and write a unit plan on how you’ll use some of these in your teaching situation. In addition to film and literature, this course will also provide classroom resources on both Colonial and Revolutionary America such as websites that offer interactive maps, lesson plans, art, music, reenactment videos, lectures from leading scholars, etc.
This course will provide curriculum ideas for Language Arts, Social Studies, and Reading teachers of grades K-12 that meet state standards.
If you choose NetFlix, a three-month subscription is about $30. (NetFlix also has an online video capability with the right operating system.) You will need to have access to both a DVD player and a VHS video player to enjoy the full range of media choices.
| We advise you to review and download the course syllabus before registering. | Syllabus |
Upon completion of this course, participants will:
1. Have a broader knowledge of classroom resources on Colonial America and the American Revolution
2. Develop greater skill in using videos, literature, and selected resources for teaching purposes.
3. Develop a plan for a comprehensive teaching unit for the Colonial and Revolutionary themes that apply to their teaching.
Apply extended reading and research on Colonial and Revolutionary issues to lesson plans, if the credit option is chosen.
