Ethnic Studies
Live online semester course · High School (Grades 9–12) · Designed to meet A-G requirements
About This Course
Ethnic Studies examines cultural identity and cultural bias within American society through the lens of five major ethnic communities: Native American, Chicana/o/x and Latina/o/x, Asian American and Pacific Islander, and African American. Students develop critical thinking skills as they analyze primary sources, documentary materials, and historical narratives — learning to identify bias, evaluate evidence, and form well-supported conclusions.
The course meets California's Ethnic Studies graduation requirement and is structured to help charter school students satisfy A-G credit. All instruction is live and online, led by a credentialed teacher. Students engage weekly through reading, video, discussion, and writing.
- Live weekly instruction — Tuesdays at 12 PM Pacific
- Teacher-led, interactive online class sessions
- Primary sources and documentary materials throughout
- Weekly discussion questions and keyword quizzes
- Final research paper or book report on ethnicity and culture
- Two purchase orders required — one fall, one spring
- Identify and analyze cultural bias in historical and contemporary sources
- Understand the histories, contributions, and cultural practices of major U.S. ethnic communities
- Distinguish between primary and secondary sources and evaluate their reliability
- Recognize patterns of representation — and misrepresentation — in American media and history
- Develop a vocabulary for discussing race, ethnicity, and cultural identity with precision
- Analyze contemporary social issues through historical context
- Construct written arguments supported by evidence from primary and secondary sources
Schedule and Pricing
Ethnic Studies is offered as a 16-week semester course. Students who enroll for the full year need two purchase orders — one for fall, one for spring. The course meets once a week via live online class.
| Session | Dates | Meeting Time | Price | PO Timing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2026 | August 25 – December 15 (Thanksgiving break included) |
Tuesdays, 12 PM Pacific | $299 | 1 PO, fall semester |
| Spring 2027 | January 5 – May 4 (Spring break included) |
Tuesdays, 12 PM Pacific | $299 | 1 PO, spring semester |
Course Units
The course is organized into six units that move from foundational skills through in-depth study of each ethnic community and conclude with synthesis and contemporary application.
| Unit | Topic | Length | What Students Study |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sources and Bias | 1 week | Introduces cultural and ethnic studies by distinguishing foundational terms — ethnicity, race, culture, and bias — and teaching students to identify and evaluate primary, secondary, and tertiary historical sources. |
| 2 | Native American Culture and Experience | 3 weeks | Examines North American Native histories, U.S. government policies, media depictions, and cultural contributions. |
| 3 | Chicana/o/x and Latina/o/x Culture and Experience | 2 weeks | Traces the histories of these communities and explores bias in their media representation. |
| 4 | Asian American and Pacific Islanders Culture and Experience | 3 weeks | Investigates Asian immigrant histories, cultural depictions, and societal contributions. |
| 5 | African American Culture and Experience | 4 weeks | Covers slavery, abolition, Jim Crow, modern race issues, and African American cultural contributions. |
| 6 | Perspectives on a Diverse America | 3 weeks | Synthesizes previous units and examines contemporary issues including affirmative action, reparations, and systemic racism. |
Assignments and Assessment
Assessment in this course is designed to build skills progressively — from weekly comprehension and vocabulary to extended analytical writing.
| Assignment Type | Description | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Keyword Quizzes | Short vocabulary and comprehension quizzes covering terms and concepts introduced in each week's lesson. Reinforces understanding of cultural studies vocabulary. | Weekly |
| Discussion Questions | Written responses to discussion prompts based on readings, documentary materials, or class content. Students practice analyzing sources and forming supported opinions. | Weekly |
| Source Analysis Essays | Short written assignments comparing or evaluating primary and secondary sources. Students identify point of view, bias, and purpose — applying the skills from Unit 1 throughout the course. | Several per semester |
| Research Paper or Book Report | A substantial final project. Students may write a research paper on a topic related to ethnicity and culture in America, or complete a book report on a book that explores the experience of a specific ethnic community. Both options require evidence-based writing and demonstrate mastery of course themes. | End of semester |
Instructor
Michael Napier is a homeschool dad who was himself homeschooled seventh through twelfth grades, and is deeply committed to fostering lifelong learning in his students. He holds a BA in History from Old Dominion University and a Master of Arts in Religion (Theological Studies) from Westminster Theological Seminary. He teaches history, government, literature, logic, and Latin, and lives in Virginia with his family.
How to Enroll
- Confirm with your education specialist that Ethnic Studies has been approved for A-G credit at your school and under which subject area (History/Social Science or Elective).
- Submit an enrollment form for your student using the form linked below.
- Follow your school's purchase order procedures. One PO is required per semester. Students enrolling for the full year will need two POs — one in fall, one in spring.
- Once WriteAtHome receives the purchase order from your school, your student will be enrolled and you'll receive a confirmation email.
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