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EXTENDED CURRICULUM

African American History

One-semester introductory course — A semester-long Examine the Past inquiry pathway within Black History.

Essential course question: How can evidence reveal historical change, continuity and the diversity of Black historical experiences?

4 units / pathways16 planned lessons
Existing Examine the Past history artwork used temporarily for African American History
Existing site artwork · original course-specific illustration planned

Curriculum Overview and Unit Map

Use the expandable unit directory to see course topics, proposed learning outcomes, pacing and each named lesson. Select any lesson to open its structured preview.

4 units16 lessonsStandards mapping in development
AA1 · African Origins and the Atlantic World4 lessons

Unit inquiry: What evidence helps us explain african origins and the atlantic world?

Topics: African Origins and the Atlantic World · African Societies Before the Atlantic Slave Trade · The Transatlantic Slave Trade · Enslavement and Resistance in Colonial America

Suggested time: Approximately 2–4 weeks, flexible pacing

1. African Societies Before the Atlantic Slave TradeLesson in Development2. The Transatlantic Slave TradeLesson in Development3. Enslavement and Resistance in Colonial AmericaLesson in Development4. African Cultural Survival and TransformationLesson in Development
AA2 · Slavery, Freedom, and Reconstruction4 lessons

Unit inquiry: What evidence helps us explain slavery, freedom, and reconstruction?

Topics: Slavery, Freedom, and Reconstruction · Free and Enslaved Black Americans in the Early Republic · Abolitionism and the Underground Railroad · African Americans in the Civil War

Suggested time: Approximately 2–4 weeks, flexible pacing

1. Free and Enslaved Black Americans in the Early RepublicLesson in Development2. Abolitionism and the Underground RailroadLesson in Development3. African Americans in the Civil WarLesson in Development4. Reconstruction and the Struggle for CitizenshipLesson in Development
AA3 · Building Communities and Demanding Equality4 lessons

Unit inquiry: What evidence helps us explain building communities and demanding equality?

Topics: Building Communities and Demanding Equality · Black Institutions and Community Leadership · The Great Migration · The Harlem Renaissance

Suggested time: Approximately 2–4 weeks, flexible pacing

1. Black Institutions and Community LeadershipLesson in Development2. The Great MigrationLesson in Development3. The Harlem RenaissanceLesson in Development4. The Civil Rights MovementLesson in Development
AA4 · African American Influence and Contemporary History4 lessons

Unit inquiry: What evidence helps us explain african american influence and contemporary history?

Topics: African American Influence and Contemporary History · African American Political Leadership · Black Innovation, Education, and Entrepreneurship · Black Arts, Music, and Cultural Movements

Suggested time: Approximately 2–4 weeks, flexible pacing

1. African American Political LeadershipLesson in Development2. Black Innovation, Education, and EntrepreneurshipLesson in Development3. Black Arts, Music, and Cultural MovementsLesson in Development4. Modern Movements for Equality and JusticeLesson in Development

141 Additional Hero Lessons

Explore individual Black History figure lessons as extensions without creating duplicate courses or pages.

Browse Black History Heroes

Our Curriculum Design Notes

This original course outline organizes historical themes into disciplinary inquiry, comparisons, evidence-based writing, accessible learning and assessment for deeper understanding.

Curriculum Design Reflection

Inquiry questions, progressive outcomes and source evaluation guide our independent instructional work. Full research and assessment design are added as individual lessons are developed.