In 1905, George Santayana wrote, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it,” in his book titled, The Life of Reason: Reason in Common Sense. The idea was paraphrased by Winston Churchill in 1948. He told the House of Commons, “Those who fail to learn from history are condemned to repeat it.” Since then the maxim has been rephrased and recycled by many. When I heard it in high school history class it had been changed to, “If you don't know history, you are doomed to repeat it.” I remember it well because my father was my history teacher. I had to pay attention. For some teachers, the most important things to remember are dates. 1905. 1945. Like thumbtacks pushed into the timeline of history. Dates. Dates. More Dates. Others emphasize the names. George Santayana and Winston Churchill are interesting people to study and learn from but I think history class is way more than that. It is about following the threads of causality through time. From one generation to the next. From one empire to the next, seeing how the past threads global stories through history to the “here and now.” In this class, we will search for the connections between the dates, individuals, and empires. Finding causality like detectives, historians, and researchers. Once we know how people lived, students are offered the crucial choice. How will I live in light of history? The next chapter of world history is being written right now. How is the story going to proceed? Students need to view history as vivid and real links in a chain of causes and effects. Not just wars, battles, and famines isolated from each other. In World History with B.T. Higgins, we will study the past with an analytical eye and critical mind that asks, “How then will I live?” Course Description: World History with B.T. Higgins is a comprehensive course designed to guide students through history using a special toolbox of modern research tools. It is geared for students in grades 7-12. The class meets the requirements set by the Social Studies: World History public school curriculum and provides a constructive, analytical approach. Each week, students will complete two hours of research homework on the topics that will be discussed during the next class period. Each week they are responsible for completing the assigned research and presenting their work to the class. We will combine the research tools of the future with the brains of our student historians to construct the stories that make up world history. Through a discussion-based learning model, students will engage in productive exchanges of ideas to refine their skills. Students will be assessed on active participation, careful listening, and completion of their homework assignments. By the conclusion of the course, students will have learned valuable research methods and processes, which will help them excel in school and compete in the rapidly changing job market of the future in addition to gaining an understanding of world history. Curriculum: World History Survival Guide by B.T. Higgins (Cost $40. Mr. Higgins will pass the new textbook out on the first day of class. They must be purchased with cash, check, Venmo, or direct billing of your charter school, if applicable.) Bio: B.T. Higgins is an accomplished author of numerous books catering to middle-grade readers, as well as two non-fiction works addressing fatherhood and educational improvement. (Check out his newest work each week at bthiggins.substack.com). With a wealth of experience as a veteran classroom teacher spanning over fourteen years, B.T. also brings over a decade's worth of expertise in teaching homeschoolers of all ages. Leveraging his authorial background, B.T. is enthusiastic about infusing world history with creativity, relevance, and real-life connections. He is also a full time homeschool father.