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Description
Europe's role in modern history has been a prominent one - from colonial empires, to nation building, to cultural transitions. Specific features of these courses include:
- a broad context of social transformations
- maps, charts, chronological tables, and lists of rulers and regimes
- brief excerpts from the writings of influential historians that show how historical knowledge develops over time.
- concise text that focuses on the interactions between Europeans and people in other cultures
- summaries of recent challenges and changes
It's been a long time since I've picked up a truly detailed history textbook and wanted to dig in and study. But it happened with these two volumes. First of all, each volume of the text is a manageable size. These are now in a loose-leaf format and a smaller font (with smaller print) than what is typical, but they fit just fine in a standard 3-ring binder. There are 26 chapters spread over the two volumes. Secondly, some of the basic note-taking is done for you - highlighted sidebar designations help you to easily see the topic. While not numerous, there are enough illustrations, maps, photos, and art work to provide interesting counterpoints to the text. Each chapter lists its main sections at the beginning, followed by headings throughout the text. It's readable - and that's what I enjoyed the most. Detailed, with biographical sketches, it follows the development of thoughts as well as politics and events.
Organization and structure for the course is simple. Read the text, respond to comprehension questions, engage in discussion/dialogue with others about the content, and take the trimester finals. You'll have to supply your own weekly breakdown for the ten chapters of Volume 1 (three weeks per chapter, maybe). The remaining fourteen chapters of Volume 2 are segmented up a bit more, providing 25 weeks of reading assignments plus one week for beginning review. Each volume is a one-year study.
The Student Guides provide brief teaching guidelines. I have to say that I really appreciate both the succinctness of these guidelines and the fact that they manage to convey the main scope and focus of the course - "the opportunity to dialogue with the greatest minds from the greatest cultures of preceding civilizations." Comprehension questions for each text segment explore three major components - the history of ideas, biographical studies, and key cultural developments. Space is provided for writing and most questions require brief essay-type answers. It's hoped that homeschool "class discussion" in some form will flow from these questions. Includes about 40 pgs, pb.
The Teacher Guides include the same brief teaching guidelines found in the Student Guide plus a set of three tests with answer keys - the trimester finals. The remainder of the Guide is a replica of the student book with answers filled in. Includes about 60 pgs, pb. ~ Janice
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Teaching Method
Traditional
Teacher-centered curriculum commonly used in classrooms that may include a text, teacher manual, tests, etc.
Charlotte Mason
A methodology based on the work of a 19th century educator who maintained that children learn best from literature (Living Books), not textbooks.
Classical
A methodology based on the Latin Trivium (three stages of learning), including the grammar stage (memorization and facts), logic stage (critical thinking), and rhetoric stage (developing/defending ideas).
Unit Study
A thematic or topical approach centered around one topic that integrates multiple subject areas.
Montessori (Discovery)
A methodology based on the work of a 20th century educator that emphasizes student and sensory-driven discovery learning and real-life applications.
Other
Other methodologies
Religious Content
Secular
Contains content contrary to common Christian beliefs (i.e. evolution).
Neutral
Avoids religious or theoretical topics or presents multiple viewpoints without preference.
Christian/Religious
Faith-based or including instructional religious content.
Learning Modality
Auditory
Learns through listening, talking out loud or reading out loud.
Visual
Learns through seeing, prefers written instructions and visual materials.
Kinesthetic/Tactile (Hands-On)
Learns through moving, doing and touching.
Multi-Sensory
Curriculum that employ a variety of activities/components.
Presentation
Sequential
Curriculum progresses through well-defined learning objectives. Emphasizes mastery before moving to the next topic.
Spiral
Topics and concepts are repeated from level to level, adding more depth at each pass and connecting with review.
Conceptual/Topical
Focus is on the “why,” often with a unifying concept as well as specific skills; coverage may be broader.
Teacher Involvement
Low Teacher Involvement
Student-led materials; parent acts as a facilitator.
Medium Teacher Involvement
A mix of teacher-led time and independent student work.
High Teacher Involvement
Teacher-led lessons; may utilize discussions, hands-on activities and working together.
Additional Materials Required
No other materials needed
Everything you need is included.
Other Materials Required
There are additional required resources that are a separate purchase.
Other Materials Optional
There are additional resources mentioned or recommended but are not absolutely necessary.
Consumable
Consumable
Designed to be written in; not reusable.
Non-Consumable
Not designed to be written in; reusable.