Examine the differences between public history and academic history in this applied history class for teens.
| Age Range | 14-18 |
| Class Type | Live |
| Start / End Dates | January 12 - May 18, 2022 (No class 3/16) |
| Class Time | Wednesdays 1-2pm (Mountain) |
| Class Size | 6-15 Learners |
Pricing Information
| 18-week course | $540 per student |
How is the field of history relevant to both our individual lives and society? In what ways is public history different from academic history? When does history impact governance, policy, and preservation? What influence does the field of history have on decisions made about current public issues?
Applied History is an exploration of all the ways history shows up in our society and how it plays an essential role in our communities. This course will cover public history, living history, public art and memorials, archaeology, government and legislation, historic preservation, history & science, the impact of technology, and more through reading, discussion, debate, film, and virtual field trips. The assignments will be focused on connecting modern, vital topics with the applied history themes covered in class, analyzing controversy, debate, activism, and there will be a strong project-based learning component.
This is a high school level course, worth one semester (0.5) credit. Individual feedback is built into the course and assignments are required for credit. Honors option available.
This is a 18-week course that meets on Wednesdays from 1-2pm (Mountain). Please try not to schedule a class immediately after since there are days where students want to finish a discussion and we go a few minutes over.
1/13/22 – 5/19/22 (No class 3/16)
Time Commitment
Usually 4-6 hours per week of work, including class. Time spent on reading and assignments will vary for each learner.
Note from instructor: When I was in graduate school, I student-taught with the award-winning teacher, historian, and author James Percoco at West Springfield High School in Virginia. He was nationally recognized for his work in teaching Applied History, where I was first introduced to the wider possibilities of this subject. A generous mentor, James supported my passion for history and modeled what individualized learning could look like in a public classroom setting. The project I designed for that class on controversial memorials set a standard for my own work, and I have integrated the subject of Applied History into my classes and curriculum ever since over the last two decades. I’m very excited to teach this class, which perpetually focuses on current and relevant issues, ideas, and social engagement.
Homework requirements: Students will have weekly assignments to prepare for class discussions, which may include reading, research, writing, watching a film, and/or field trips. This course is primarily project-based, so there will be several small projects in addition to a final public history project. Writing will include that which is necessary for their projects, assigned short answer or analysis, and one essay.Â
Feedback is integrated into this course and includes weekly assignments, course projects, and self-assessment. Weekly feedback is provided via email and is based on a collaboratively-designed rubric, student goals, and my observations. Students are generally asked to send me their assignments by the day before class; but flexibility for individual learning needs is woven throughout the class.
Individual Support
Families and learners are welcome to share any information about their individual learning preferences and needs and instructor will make accommodations that are helpful to the class.
Book Requirements:
Much of the required reading and videos will be available online.Â
Required texts: TBA (Coming soon!)
Class Interaction:Â
Live sessions will be best experienced with a camera and microphone. Parents will need a Zoom account (free). Students can also sign up for a free Discord account to get access to a class-specific channel.Â
Samantha Matalone Cook, MAT
Samantha is an educator, historian, writer, maker, and speaker. She has almost three decades of experience in education, program development, and the arts and is a dedicated mentor and lifelong learner.Â
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