SSTX 502   Exploring the Multidimensional Complexities of War 3 credits

Perfect for social studies teachers who teach about Vietnam, the Civil War, WWI, WW2 and more, this course provides a comprehensive understanding about the concepts of war by considering its historical, social, and cultural dimensions. Educators will create activities that explore the often overlooked history of underrepresented populations, which will shed deeper knowledge about their experiences and contributions during times of conflict. Discover how lesser-known wars have played significant roles in shaping larger conflicts, and gain insight into their causes and the repercussions. Revise and refresh existing lessons, while incorporating new perspectives that encourage critical thinking and empathy. Investigate resources that highlight humanity amidst the context of war, encouraging students to view combat through a nuanced lens. Study the multifaceted nature of war to ensure students gain a deep appreciation for its devastating impact on individuals and societies. This course is offered through the Teaching Channel.

SSTX 505   Civics Skills for Today's Students 3 credits

This course empowers you to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of civics by exploring topics, activities, and resources that promote inclusive civic engagement skills. Learn about practices in civil discourse using techniques that support respectful and informed discussions. Encourage students’ critical thinking skills for a deeper understanding of historical and contemporary civic matters by working with documents and primary sources.Brainstorm opportunities for students to exercise civic action, so they can learn to make a difference in their communities and our nation. Join us on this enriching journey of civic education to prepare the next generation of informed and active citizens. This course is offered through the Teaching Channel.

SSTX 508   Teaching and Learning About the History of Slavery in the U.S. 3 credits

Exploring the history of people who were enslaved in the United States can bring up emotions and a myriad of challenges for both students and teachers. Yet, in this course, you will learn best practices for facilitating difficult conversations with students about our nation’s history. Discover how myths, timelines, and trades affected the lives of people who were enslaved, as you celebrate the revolts, rebellions, and the bravery of rebels who fought tirelessly for freedom. Brainstorm what learning about the history of people who were enslaved teaches students about themselves, and leave the course empowered with ideas for social change and justice so we can work together to heal our nation. This course is offered through the Teaching Channel.

SSTX 511   Multiple Perspectives in U.S. Colonial History 3 credits

This course explores the concept of multiple perspectives, specifically those of Native Americans, African-Americans, and women, while teaching about U.S. Colonial History. You will evaluate different frameworks for historical analysis that incorporate diverse viewpoints and narratives, and develop an outline to educate colleagues, families, and/or administrators about the significance of multiperspectivity. Articulate strategies for revising your instruction to emphasize the interconnectedness between Native American history and U.S. Colonial History, to foster a more comprehensive understanding of these intertwined narratives. You will design an engaging activity centered around learning the perspective of African-Americans in U.S. Colonial history, promoting empathy, and nurturing a deeper appreciation for diverse experiences. Lastly, you’ll create micro-goals to guide your teaching practice, focusing on the inclusion of multiple perspectives in teaching U.S. Colonial History. This course will provide ideas and resources to foster a more inclusive and holistic educational experience for all learners.This course is offered through the Teaching Channel.

SSTX 512   Elementary Social Studies Across the Curriculum 3 credits

There has never been a more critical time to approach social studies in the classroom: from pandemic to politics to social media and social justice, the list goes on. However, when it comes to finding curricular time in an already jam-packed school day, prioritizing social studies can be difficult. We can help! In this course you will explore the importance of an interdisciplinary approach to teaching social studies at the elementary level. Specifically, you will review, modify, and create resources that blend science, ELA, and social studies into the curriculum you may already use in your classroom. This course will also provide resources for navigating complex social studies topics with young students and make connections between critical literacy philosophy and social studies. By the end of this course, you will be ready to integrate social studies curriculum into your classroom across subject-areas! This course is offered through the Teaching Channel.

SSTX 513   Exploring the Civil War Through People, Photography, and Present-Day Perspectives 3 credits

The U.S. Civil War’s historical data like generals, battles, and dates are important to the framework of the war, but those points in history are only part of the story. This course approaches this important nation-changing event by looking critically at of lesser mentioned focus points. By showing students perspectives of American Indians who fought in the war, women who participated through both fighting and spying, and the use of photography to chronicle the war, they will gain new insights of how the war impacted those both on and off the battlefield. You’ll review resources that support teaching about the abolitionist movement and the removal of monuments across the country, along with a variety of curriculum ideas to enhance your instruction focused on the U.S. Civil War as a whole. This course will deepen your students’ understanding of the effects of war on our society, our people, and our nation. This course is offered through the Teaching Channel.

SSTX 514   Teaching About the Path to the U.S. Presidency 3 credits

This course represents a generalized experience of running for president of the United States of America. You’ll analyze your “fitness” for office, including both formal and informal qualifications to better the chance of success. Then, you’ll create a platform that will balance your beliefs with the needs of the country. Learn about Political Action Committees (PACs) and other sources of funding to bolster your “campaign platform,” as you work to gain trust and support. Review past campaigns to learn what strategies suit your “platform,” and understand how primaries and caucuses play a role in the overall election. Finally, towards “election night,” you’ll explore the purpose of the Electoral College, and determine how students can debate the need to retain the electoral college. This course is packed with resources and ideas to bring the process of becoming the President of the United States to life! This course is offered through the Teaching Channel.

SSTX 516   Engaging Students with the U.S. Founding Documents 3 credits

This course invites you to explore some of the U.S. founding documents, like the Constitution and Bill of Rights, from a fresh and inclusive lens beyond your current curriculum. Refresh an existing hook or introduction with a new captivating approach, develop an activity reinforcing the importance of the Bill of Rights, and create a SMART Goal aimed at increasing the visibility and perspectives of unrepresented or maligned groups in the Constitution. Throughout the course, you’ll explore ways to introduce and implement innovative teaching ideas from various resources, leveraging modern techniques to enhance your instruction and create a dynamic learning environment. Lastly, you will set micro-goals focused on providing students with meaningful opportunities to actively participate in civic engagement, inspiring them to become informed and active citizens. By the end of this course, you will have reimagined how to teach students about the founding documents, and will empower students to be active participants in shaping a just and inclusive society. This course is offered through the Teaching Channel.

SSTX 519   New Teaching Approaches for the U.S. Civil Rights Movement 3 credits

Whether you are a veteran history teacher or teaching about the U.S. Civil Rights Movement for the first time, this course offers fresh teaching strategies and content that engages students. Educators will evaluate various approaches to teaching this historical event using primary sources and interactive learning experiences. Compile a list of "lesser known" individuals, topics, and organizations that should be included when teaching about the Civil Rights Movement. Become actively engaged with the music and artwork of this historical time through a "Perceive" activity, and encourage students to draw connections between the Civil Rights Movement and current events. This course highlights the need for critical thinking, and promotes a broader understanding of ongoing struggles for equality and social justice. This course is offered through the Teaching Channel.

SSTX 523   Equity Through Classroom Conversations 3 credits

This course will focus on the importance of classroom conversations about current events and topics that are relevant to students’ experiences. As a participant, you will analyze the connection between classroom conversation practices and equity philosophy and you will examine your own educator identity and its impact on conversation facilitation. You will then explore resources to support the implementation of classroom conversations in your classrooms including sentence frames, norms, and student-facing tools to help your students towards productive discussion. By the end of this course you will have the tools and resources needed to effectively implement classroom conversations and the confidence to navigate difficult or complex topics with your students. This course is offered through the Teaching Channel.

SSTX 526   Teaching and Learning about Social Justice 3 credits

We are living in a time where social justice activism and advocacy surrounds us! In this course, you will learn what is meant by “social justice,” and what social justice means for educators, students, and schools. Filled with resources, this course teaches students how they can get involved and be advocates for change. Explore pedagogical best practices for teaching students about social justice, and leave the course with meaningful ideas for supporting advocacy and action for social change. This course is offered through the Teaching Channel.

SSTX 527   Think like a Historian! Teaching Historical Investigations in Social Studies 3 credits

Learn how to help your students “think like historians” in this engaging course! Challenge students to consider relevant questions about the past, investigate sources to address these questions, and formulate their own evidence-based arguments. Discover how to use primary and secondary sources to explore key historical thinking concepts with your students, including causality, change and consistency over time, and multiperspectivity. Filled with examples and sample units from the author’s own teaching experiences, you’ll learn how to bring these exciting historical investigations into your middle and high school classroom, and help your students develop universal critical thinking skills. When students actively engage in historical investigations--the way real historians do--they find that American history is not just the memorization of names and dates; it’s challenging and fun! This course is offered through the Teaching Channel.

SSTX 529   Help Students Change the World with Civic Engagement 3 credits

Youths today demand solutions and change for some of our nation’s most challenging issues. This course provides content area teachers a variety of ways, big and small, to empower students to find their voice as active participants in democracy. Through the lenses of both identity and bias, discover ways for students to research and verify credible and accurate resources, and build communication skills in writing, debate, and civil discourse. Develop a visual overview of the process of civic action, and learn how to create assessments that foster reflection and growth. Plus, this is a text you will refer to again and again! We already know students will change the world, and we can help build the strengths in critical thinking, empathy, and social consciousness to get them there. This course is offered through the Teaching Channel.