45 Recertification Points

Instructor: Dr. Nate Sleeter


Roy Rosenzweig Center for History and New Media 4400 University Drive, MSN 1E7 Fairfax, VA, 22030-4444

Virginia Studies is an online course designed for Virginia social studies teachers. In this course, teachers will explore Virginia’s past by examining everyday objects, images, and texts. Each of these primary sources will address a different period in Virginia history. There are no in-person class meetings; all course work is completed online through the course website.

Course Structure

The course is designed as a series of seven online modules. The first module focuses on historical thinking; the remaining six modules are centered on primary sources in history. In each module, you will complete activities that allow you to engage in the historical inquiry process and provide opportunities to think about classroom applications.

Course Requirements

Students enrolled in Virginia Studies are expected to work through each module and complete all required assignments. Modules are due by stated deadlines and all work must be completed by March 1. If a participant falls more than two modules behind the due dates as stated on the syllabus, they may be dropped from the course at the instructor's discretion. Assignments in each module include:

  1. Introduction: Write a hypothesis about the primary source's role in history.
  2. Resources Section: Explore other resources that reveal the story hidden behind each source.
  3. Connections Essay: Read a short essay to learn more about the topic.
  4. Rethink: Reflect on what you have learned and respond to the question posted.
  5. Classroom Connections: Reflect on classroom applications.
  6. Wrap-up: Read what other teachers have posted on the topic.

Course Schedule

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Date Requirement
January 11 Course Begins
January 18 Complete Module 1 (Historical Thinking Skills)
January 25 Complete Module 2 (Virginia Geography)
February 1 Complete Module 3 (Native Peoples)
February 8 Complete Module 4 (Colonial Virginia)
February 15 Complete Module 5 (Revolution and New Nation)
February 22 Complete Module 6 (Civil War Era)
March 1 Complete Module 7 (20th-Century Virginia)


Important:

Course fee will be refunded only for participants who drop before the course official start date.