Does your learner think history is just a series of dates and events? Or are they drawn to stories of courage, defiance, and change? This class offers a transformative perspective!

In this high school elective, learners will delve into the untold stories of resistance movements that shaped our world. From the American Civil Rights Movement to the Zapatista Uprising, the Underground Railroad to Women’s Suffrage Movements, and youth-led protests like Tiananmen Square and the Vietnam War, each week explores a new era and its struggles.

This course goes beyond simply studying history—it’s about experiencing it. Through case studies, interactive discussions, and critical analysis, learners will uncover the strategies, risks, and triumphs behind these movements. They’ll evaluate leaders’ decisions, debate the role of espionage, and analyze how grassroots activism altered the course of history.

Designed to inspire independent thought and broaden perspectives, this course fosters respectful discourse and equips learners with the tools to thoughtfully engage with global issues. Whether examining the symbolism of the Salt March or uncovering the underground networks of the Danish Resistance, learners will gain a deeper understanding of how resistance movements continue to influence the world today.

Tentative Schedule

Week 1: Introduction to Resistance Movements

• Introduction to the concept of resistance movements, defining what they are, why they occur, and their historical significance. We'll examine various forms of resistance, from peaceful protests to armed rebellions, and discuss the factors that drive communities to resist.
• Case Study: The Salt March led by Mahatma Gandhi in India in 1930 is highlighted as a pivotal example of non-violent resistance. This event not only challenged British colonial rule but also demonstrated the power of peaceful protest and civil disobedience, inspiring future generations of activists worldwide.

Week 2: The Role of Espionage and Secret Societies

• Diving into more covert aspects of resistance movements, learners will explore how espionage, intelligence gathering, and secret societies have played crucial roles in undermining oppressive regimes or colonial powers.Case Study: The Danish Resistance during WWII, with its efforts to sabotage German operations and protect the Jewish population, showcases the effectiveness of espionage and secret networks in a resistance movement. Learners will explore how these clandestine activities were organized and their impact on the war effort.

Week 3: American Civil Rights Movement & The White Rose Movement

• Focusing on the civil rights struggle in the United States, this week covers the tactics, strategies, and outcomes of the movement; examining key figures, significant events, and the legislative changes that resulted from years of activism.  Additionally, we'll conduct a comparative analysis of The White Rose Movement, noting similarities and differences in their strategies and successes.
• Case Study: The emphasis will be on the role of covert operations and silent protests, such as sit-ins and boycotts, which played a vital role in these movements. These tactics highlight the strategic planning and risks involved in fighting for civil rights and injustice.

Week 4: Underground Railroad & Women’s Suffrage Movements

• An exploration of the Underground Railroad as a historical model of an organized network aiding the escape of enslaved African Americans to freedom. Additionally, we'll conduct a comparative analysis of Women’s Suffrage Movements worldwide, noting similarities and differences in their strategies and successes.Strategies and Risks: The discussion will cover the logistics, risks, and strategies involved in the Underground Railroad, alongside the political and social tactics employed by women's suffrage movements to secure voting rights.

Week 5: Latin American Resistance: Chile and Mexico

• Examining resistance movements in Latin America, this week focuses on the Chilean women’s resistance against Pinochet's dictatorship and the Zapatista Uprising in Mexico. Both movements demonstrate unique tactics and the critical role of community and identity in resistance.
• Tactics and Impact: Discussion will revolve around the grassroots organizing, use of symbolic acts (like arpilleras in Chile), and the creation of autonomous communities in the Zapatista movement, exploring how these efforts challenged existing power structures and sought to create alternatives.

Weeks 6 & 7: Youth Movements and Political Reform

• Learners will delve into the profound impact of youth-led movements on political reform, examining two significant historical events: the Vietnam War Protests in the United States and the Tiananmen Square Protests in China. Both movements, driven by young activists, sought transformative changes but faced vastly different outcomes and challenges.
• Tactics and Outcomes: Discussion will focus on the diverse strategies of the Vietnam War protests, from mass demonstrations to the cultural impact of music and art, and their significant influence on U.S. policy and public sentiment, leading to the war's end. In contrast, the Tiananmen Square protests, marked by peaceful demonstrations and the symbolic "Tank Man," faced a harsh crackdown, leaving a lasting effect on China's political scene and drawing global attention to the cause.

Week 8: Learners Choice: Modern-day Resistance Movements

• Each learner, upon teacher and/or adult approval, will select a modern-day resistance movement that has not been covered in the course material for our class discussion. The chosen movement should be one that exemplifies the spirit of resistance, activism, or social change in the current global landscape. The aim is to explore the movement's origins, objectives, strategies, challenges, and impacts, providing a comprehensive view of its role and significance in today's world.

REFUND POLICY: I understand the appeal of booking in advance to secure a spot in classes, but I also acknowledge that circumstances may change. If you need to withdraw your learner for any reason up to ten days before the class's start date, I will gladly issue a full refund. Please don't hesitate to contact me in such cases. For inquiries regarding sibling discounts, please reach out for further assistance.

Active Participation: In this class, active participation is key to meaningful engagement and learning. Learners are strongly encouraged to contribute to discussions, share their perspectives, and ask questions. To promote critical thinking and effective in-class interactions, the chat feature should be used sparingly. While quick questions or clarifications are welcome, longer answers or discussions are best reserved for face-to-face interactions during class time.