This is our catalog of courses. We will occasionally adjust the course listing to reflect the addition of new courses and the retirement of others.
In this high-interest (and fun) history course, learn the epic stories of pirates and how they changed the shape of America as well as how they affected global empires. Join us as we sail the high seas of history together!
Total classes: 8
Prerequisite: None
Suggested grade level: 7th to 8th grade. NOTE: Adjustments can be made to assignments to accommodate 9th to 12th grade students.
Suggested credit: 2/3 semester History or World History
Description
As ships and treasures began sailing the ocean in greater numbers, legendary pirates and privateers emerged to prey upon them. This course examines what brought about the Golden Age of Piracy (roughly 1550-1730), as well as some of the key stories and figures of that time period, including Henry Morgan, Captain Kidd, and Blackbeard.
Outline
Day 1: Introduction and overview of syllabus and assignments;
Day 2: The Age of Discovery, and the definition of Pirates
Day 3: “My Good Pirate:” Privateers in the Caribbean
Day 4: Legends of Infamy, and Crackdown
Day 5: “Money as plenty as sand:” Pirates and America
Day 6: The Jackpot: Big Scores, and War’s Reprieve
Day 7: Nassau: The Republic of Pirates
Day 8: Blackbeard, and the Last Hurrah
Materials and Homework
Course materials: All course materials provided by the instructor.
Homework: Students will complete a one- to two-page semi-biographical report of a pirate, privateer, or pirate hunter. Note: High school students will complete a guided two- to three-page exercise in a character analysis.
Daily, optional review quizzes based on classroom lectures and discussions. Worth bonus points.
