SOCIAL STUDIES 2024-25

Modern World History, 1492 to Present

Taught by:

Karen Felzer

Tuesday

10:30 – 12:00

Grades 7-12

Cost:

  • $250.00 for private pay per semester and
  • $300.00 for charter schools.  
  • $25.00 deposit  towards tuition is requested to hold your spot in the class. 
  • Charter funds accepted and A-G aligned.

“We are not the makers of history.  We are made by history.” -Martin Luther King Jr.

 

This course will be a thoughtful exploration of the events that created our modern world, from the Columbian exchange through the year 2000.  Topics will include the Protestant Reformation and the Glorious Revolution, the Gunpowder Empires, the Age of Enlightenment and the Scientific Revolution, the French Revolution, the Industrial Revolution and evolution of world markets, revolution and developments in South America and Mexico, colonization and de-industrialization, the Russian Revolution, the two World Wars, the Great Depression, the Cold War and the Postwar world, and the struggle of Apartheid in South Africa.  Class time will include short lectures, discussions, role playing, and interactive games to keep students engaged.  Grade is based ⅓ on quizzes and ⅔ on short papers and preparing for class discussion.  Students taking the class for A-G credit need to choose between doing a term paper or taking the final exam; optional for other students.

 Textbooks: Diary of Lena Mukhina translated by Amanda Love Darragh and Conversations with Myself by Nelson Mandela.  Both can be purchased as used books.  We will also be reading from the World History For Us All project at UCLA, which is freely available online.  Printed copies can be ordered for students who enroll in the course by June 15.  The more students who want a printed version the cheaper the price, so pricing will be available in June once we know how many are potentially interested.  Other printed reading, exercises, and games will be handed out as student readers every several weeks in class, at no additional charge.

Economics

 

Taught by

Terri Reyes

Thursday

2:00 – 3:00

SEMESTER 1

AGE:  High School
COST:
  • $300.00 Private
  • $350.00 Charter
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course provides students with a comprehensive exploration of global economic systems. Students will delve into the fundamentals of economics, understanding the dynamics of supply and demand, exploring various economic systems, and analyzing the impact of economic competition on businesses. The curriculum also covers the vital roles played by entrepreneurship, institutions, and government in shaping economic landscapes. The course concludes with an examination of key economic indicators used to assess both national and global economies, equipping students with essential analytical skills to navigate the complex realities of the contemporary economic world. By the end, students will not only grasp economic principles but also possess the critical thinking skills needed to be informed and engaged participants in the global economy.
Note: This course is A-G aligned and satisfies high school graduation requirements.
Textbook (digital access available): Econ Alive!: The Power to Choose (TCI)
About the Teacher:
Mrs. Reyes is a seasoned educator originally from San Jose, California. With a teaching career spanning since 2008, she began teaching high school history at her alma mater, East Side Union High School District and later transitioned to Alhambra Unified School District in 2016. Mrs. Reyes expanded her horizons by joining an independent study program charter school in the fall of 2020 to support homeschooling families. Her academic journey includes a bachelor’s from Hawaii Pacific University in 2007, a teaching credential from San Jose State University in 2010, and a master’s in Teaching Social Studies from Teachers College, Columbia University in 2011. Alongside her professional endeavors, Mrs. Reyes is a devoted homeschooling mom to three little girls aged 6 years, 4 years, and 18 months, infusing both her profession and home with a contagious love for learning.
CONTACT:  Terri Reyes

GOVERNMENT

Taught by

Terri Reyes

Thursday

2:00 – 3:00

SEMESTER 2

This is a one semester course.

AGE:  High School

COST: 

  • $300.00 Personal funds
  • $350.00 Charter
COURSE DESCRIPTION: This course delves into the core principles shaping societies, focusing on power, authority, and government. Students will explore the foundations of American government, dissect political participation and behavior, and delve into the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. Emphasizing the intricate balance of power and checks and balances, the curriculum equips students with a comprehensive understanding of the U.S. political system. Additionally, the course investigates the United States’ global role, covering foreign policy decisions, international relations, and the impact of global events on domestic affairs. Through discussions, debates, and research projects, students develop analytical and communication skills, enabling them to critically evaluate political issues and become informed, responsible citizens.
Note: This course is A-G aligned and satisfies high school graduation requirements.
Textbook (digital access available): Government Alive! Power, Politics, and You (TCI)
About the Teacher:
Mrs. Reyes is a seasoned educator originally from San Jose, California. With a teaching career spanning since 2008, she began teaching high school history at her alma mater, East Side Union High School District and later transitioned to Alhambra Unified School District in 2016. Mrs. Reyes expanded her horizons by joining an independent study program charter school in the fall of 2020 to support homeschooling families. Her academic journey includes a bachelor’s from Hawaii Pacific University in 2007, a teaching credential from San Jose State University in 2010, and a master’s in Teaching Social Studies from Teachers College, Columbia University in 2011. Alongside her professional endeavors, Mrs. Reyes is a devoted homeschooling mom to three little girls aged 6 years, 4 years, and 18 months, infusing both her profession and home with a contagious love for learning.
CONTACT:  Terri Reyes

 

U.S. & World Geography with Games

Taught by:

Carolyn Forte

Wednesday

ELEMENTARY LEVEL

4:15 – 5:30

OR

HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL

1:30 – 2:30

GRADES:  6 – 12

Did you know that Geography is everything?  It covers places, landforms, history, cultures, music, languages, religions, astronomy and even math?

Learn every state and country in the world and lots of important information about them through games!  We will play a variety of games every week from Carolyn’s vast collection of geography card and board games and the National Geographic Geography Bee.

Note:  This class can count for High School Credit; ask Carolyn for information.

Cost:

FREE

OPEN ENROLLMENT THROUGHOUT THE YEAR!

American History Through Music! 

(Songs & Stories!)

Taught by:

Carolyn Forte

FRIDAY

12:00 – 12:45

Appropriate for grades K-8.  Older music lovers are welcome! Younger children are welcome with a parent.

 Traditional American songs, which include folk songs from around the world, were once known by every schoolchild.  Although they are foundational to an understanding of American literature, culture and history, our public schools dropped almost all of them in the 1970s, along with the fun and historical understanding they include.

In this class we will learn traditional songs from American history and the history/stories behind them.  We will do a lot of singing, clapping and moving with great music while learning about American History.   Carolyn majored in Music History and has been a song leader for several decades.  End your week with music, fun and history!

COST:  $100 per semester (ask about family discounts)

 

Call Carolyn at EIE 626-821-0025

Modern World History-Based Writing Lessons

For Students grades 6 through 8

Taught by:  Lilli Witczak

Thursday

11:00 – 12:00

CLASS BEGINS:  September 2024

COURSE DURATION:  1 school year, from September 2024 through May 2025.

In this Modern World History-Based Writing Lessons Themed course, students will learn about the Ivan the Terrible, the American and French revolutions, the invention of the telegraph, and more while IEW’s structural units and elements of style are introduced gradually.

 During the course, students will learn to take notes, summarize narrative stories, write from pictures, compose creative essays, and more. Additionally, with the activities, games, and parties, there will be enough silliness and fun to keep the atmosphere light while students learn.

 The goal of the course is NOT to receive a good grade or compare one student to another. The goal is to develop a love for and interest in writing. We are looking for progress. With realistic expectations, progress is determined by comparing a child’s writing in September to his/her own writing in January and in June.

 COST: $250.00 per semester ($275 if a charter student) plus books, etc.  Miss Lilli is a vendor for: Sky Mountain, ILEAD, Excel Academy, Sage Oaks, Golden Valley, Gorman, Inspire, and more.