The Building and Breaking of a Nation
This class will focus on the “promises” of the Constitution and the founding of America as a nation. We will then explore the ways in which these promises have been unfulfilled throughout our history, in the past and the present. We will specifically cover the Civil War and the Reconstruction era, and the current consequences of that time period. We will then study the ways the people of this country have fought for a “more perfect union,” and sought to demand equal access to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
We’ll explore questions like:
What structural inequities are embedded within our systems of governance? How have the people of this country responded to these inequities?
How has the US constitution evolved over time to meet the needs of the time and its citizens?
When have the promises of the Constitution been realized? Unrealized? Why?
Global Citizenship
Inquiry 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D
Historical Thinking 2A, 2B, 2C
Civics, Government, and Society, 3A, 3B, 3C
Explore how the concept of crime, and communities’ responses to crime, has evolved over time through a psychological, sociological and historical lens. Connect with community members who interact with Vermont’s justice system, and investigate community responses to harm at a school, local, and national level.
Explore questions like:
How have we developed our moral understanding of right and wrong?
What are the stories we tell about crime, “criminality,” and psychopathy?
Who commits crime? What kind of crime? Why?
How do other countries address crime? What other justice system models exist?
End the course with a documentary film or podcast exploring a topic of your choice related to the criminal justice system. Final projects will be shared with our school and local community.
Global Citizenship
Inquiry 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D
Historical Thinking 2A, 2B, 2C
Civics, Government and Society 3A
Explore the wide field of gender studies. This field broadly investigates how we understand, and enforce, our understanding of gender, sexuality, and sexual orientation over time.
We will explore the driving question, “How does our understanding and construction of gender shape our lived experiences in the past and present?”
Together we can explore any of the following (and more!):
How did women’s entry into the labor market change American politics and society?
How and why is the world gendered? (ex. “Pink is for girls, blue is for boys”)
How are gender stereotypes created and transmitted over time?
End the course with a personal exploration and podcast about a current issue in the field of gender studies.
Global Citizenship
Inquiry 1A, 1C, 1D
Historical Thinking 2A, 2B, 2C
Economics 4B
Global Awareness 5B
The Classes below are not offered this year but will be offered in future years.
Semester one of this class focuses on the development and practice of democracy in America. We will look at the historical foundations that shaped the Constitution, the compromises that were required to ratify the document, and the personalities that influenced that process. We will then look at how the Constitution has developed since its inception and how it impacts our daily lives.
Semester two will examine the historic, economic, social and political events that helped shape the country that we live in today. This semester will be specifically targeting US history from the Civil War Era into the 21st century. The American people and their experiences are the heart of this course. As we begin to understand the influences of the past, we will connect those influences to our present and our future. The main goal of this course is to develop responsible, critical thinking citizens!
Indicators addressed:
Global Citizenship: 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 2a, 2b, 2c, 3a, 3b, 3c
Taught by a former lawyer, this course provides an introduction into the fascinating world of crime and punishment. Students will explore how our society deals with criminals and their victims through the legal process and social programs. We will learn about crime scene investigation and have the opportunity to create and investigate our own crime scenes.
Through a series of participatory mock trials and field trips, students will gain valuable insight into the legal system that affects all of our lives. This hands-on course will provide students with a firm foundational understanding of the criminal justice system.
Indicators addressed:
Global Citizenship 1a, 1c, 1d, 3a, 3b
In this class, we will look at the various ways that film portrays history. We will learn the basics of how a film is made, the role of a director, the ways in which a screenwriter researches historical events and how actors take on the characters from the past. We will also learn how to write and direct a film.
Indicators addressed:
Inquiry (GC 1 a-d),
Historical Thinking (3 a-c)
Global Awareness (5 a-b)
Co-Teachers: Tracey & Fiona
Why is there poverty? How is wealth generated? How do economic, social and legal structures contribute to the distribution of wealth in the United States?
We will explore these driving questions through student driven inquiry. We will incorporate the voices of those in power and those personally affected by wealth and poverty.
This class will also incorporate a documentary filmmaking component, where students will learn how to create a short documentary film and use this skill to express their learning.
Global Citizenship Indicators addressed:
Inquiry 1a, 1c, 1d
Economics 4a
Global Perspectives: Examining World Events from North African and North American Perspectives - Spring
Co-Teachers: Visiting Moroccan Teacher, Tracey & Fiona
This class will be an opportunity to do a comparative study of culture, history, religion and current events through the lens of North African and North American perspectives. We are so fortunate to have a visiting teacher from Morocco joining us at Twinfield next year and this will be a great chance to understand how people from other parts of the world see and feel about issues that affect us all.
Global Citizenship Indicators addressed:
Inquiry 1a, 1d
Global Awareness 5a, 5b
In this elective class, students will learn about the history and culture of people from around the world, including Africa, India, the Carribean and others. We will use the lens of colonialism to see how these cultures have been forever changed by invading forces. Class will be discussion based and students will complete a number of projects throughout the semester to demonstrate proficiency.
Indicators addressed:
Inquiry (GC 1 a-d),
Historical Thinking (3 a-c)
Global Awareness (5 a-b)
Honors United States History students will explore the cultural, economic, political and social development of the U.S. since colonial times. The goals of this course are to develop an understanding of the principal themes in American history, to develop an ability to analyze historical evidence, and to express comprehension through written essays and projects.
Indicators addressed:
Global Citizenship 1a, 1b, 1c, 1d, 2a, 2b, 2c, 3a, 3b, 3c
Become representative to the United Nations in this class that will prepare you to take part in your first (or next) Model UN conference! The purpose of this class will be to learn about how the United Nations work, and then to prepare for an attend a Model United Nations conference in the northeast.
Indicators addressed:
Inquiry (GC 1 a-d),
Global Awareness (5 a-b)
Are you a news junkie? Do you like to follow a story from its beginning to end? In this class we will look at current events through an analytical lens. We'll take a close look at how current events are reported by different news sources and how they evolve over time. The world is getting smaller all the time - stay up on the stories that affect you!
Indicators addressed:
Inquiry (GC 1 a-d),
Global Awareness (5 a-b)