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
Similar Courses
We have thoroughly enjoyed ancient history with Sam Matalone Cook and would love to continue following the history courses under her instruction. Michelle’s writing workshop was a welcomed addition to our semester and the ease of adding on a quick workshop to the semester was appreciated. I do wish that I could take classes, too. The great selection makes me jealous; Fairy Tales and Feminism would be so incredible to join in and to learn with Sam! And the LGBTQ+ history and US courses! Blair’s enthusiasm for science comes across strongly and is encouraging for the young learners. So many great classes- so little time.
Sheila and Elisa
So many great classes- so little time.
Research Boot Camp was a fun & engaging workshop that covered import skills I’ll use throughout my academic career. L.C.
Research Boot Camp was fun & engaging
Teacher: Samantha Matalone Cook
This was an awesome class — Sam (the instructor) really engaged the kids, inspiring them and supporting their interests (and quirks!). There was quite a bit of material covered in the four sessions, with a great balance of demonstration, discussion, and tasks to complete on their own. Sam was also available for answering questions between sessions and posted the material (including video recording), which was very helpful. Our son loved this class and really looked forward to it every week. All the best! Ariel
Sam really engaged the kids, inspiring them and supporting their interests (and quirks!)
Teacher: Samantha Matalone Cook
Thank you! Thank you! Your fantasy map making class was fantastic. What my kids enjoyed is that it was in-depth, messy, and tactile. It was not elementary or overly cautious. It utilized real art materials and challenged them to think creatively and concretely about their ideas.
Your high school research class was informative, clear, and concise. Maya is now utilizing the tools she learned from you in her high school and college classes. I’m going to look for any class you are teaching in the future; and I’m going to recommend you to my friend circle. I’m so glad we found SEA online. If you teach on any other platform, I’d love to know.
Thanks again for great classes!
Degania Fortson
Thank you! Thank you! Your fantasy map making class was fantastic.
Teacher: Samantha Matalone Cook
