American Humanities: Literature & History 2023-2024 
This high school level class is designed as an intensive, interactive class studying American Humanities and emphazing the 6 major eras of American literature and the corresponding historical time periods. This drop off class comprises 2 full high school credits.
WHEN: This class will be held on either TUES or WED, depending on registrations. Classes will be for 30 weeks from 10 AM-1:20 PM with 20-30 min lunch break in between subjects.
- TUES: Aug 29-Dec 5 & Jan 9- Apr 30. No class 3-26 or 4-2 OR
- WED: Aug 30- Dec 13 & Jan 10- May 1. No class 11-22, 3-27, or 4-3
WHERE: Downtown Waxhaw, NC (Exact location TBD based on class size. Likely my home.)
CLASS SIZE: 7 minimum. 15 maximum.
COST: $300 per semester OR $550 full year if paid by 8-1. ($50 discount for paying in full). Honors option is an additional $50 per semester, so $350/ semester or $650 for the year.
TEXTS & SOURCES:
LITERATURE: Prentice Hall: The American Experience (textbook provided on loan) & novels.
HISTORY: Various, including podcasts from Here’s Where It Gets Interesting, Crash Course American History on YouTube, and articles from Joy Hakim’s The History of US
Our curriculum corresponds with the NC SCOS for 11th grade.
FIELD TRIPS: We will take optional, supplemental field trips about once per unit to locations corresponding with our study. The cost of the field trips will be additional. Possible locations include the The James K. Polk Museum; Museum of the Waxhaws; Old Salem; Battle Ground at Ninety-Six, SC; International Civil Rights Museum in Greensboro; and Carl Sandburg homesite.
WHO: High school aged homeschool students who thrive in a rigorous, interactive, project based collaborative setting will enjoy this class. The pace of class will be brisk.
CLASSWORK will include collaborative projects, Socratic discussions, mock trials, presentations, skits, notetaking, quizzes, and tests. As this class covers TWO FULL high school classes in just 3.5 hours per week, attendance, readiness for class, and participation for class are paramount.
HOMEWORK Classtime will be very rigorous so that students have less homework; however, homework will vary based on student’s reading speed and the option chosen. Traditional (non-honors) students should have fewer than 3 hours of homework between classes, excepting reading. Honors students will have MORE than 3 hours of work outside of class and weekly 30 minute Zooms to discuss supplemental material and papers. Honors students wanting college credit should attempt a CLEP test upon completion of this course as it will be excellent preparation.
ABOUT KATRINA RYDER I am a teacher and mom of 3. I married to a public school music teacher. I grew up in Waxhaw, NC and graduated from Parkwood High School in 1996. I have a B.A. in English from Asbury University and 27 credits toward a MA in English from Winthrop University. Since 2000, I have taught English, Humanities, Writing, Drama, and Social Studies in public school, private school, and homeschool environments. I love learning, teaching, directing, and being with teenagers.
To REGISTER: Complete this Google form.