Gary’s Classes
Alaska History – One Semester (Meets State History Requirement)
This one-semester online course fulfills the Alaska state requirement for Alaska History and provides students with a comprehensive overview of the state’s rich and diverse past. Covering key topics such as Alaska Native cultures, Russian colonization, the transfer to U.S. ownership, the discovery of natural resources, statehood, and contemporary political and environmental issues, the course emphasizes historical thinking skills and the importance of Alaska’s unique place in American and global history.
Students will engage with a variety of sources, including primary documents, maps, multimedia, and guest insights from Alaskans, to develop a well-rounded understanding of the people, events, and forces that have shaped the state. Assessments include research projects and written reflections. By the end of the course, students will not only meet state history requirements but also gain a deeper appreciation of Alaska's past and its continuing impact on the present and future.
Film in Literature – One Semester (Meets High School Language Arts Requirement)
This one-semester online course, Film in Literature, explores the intersection of literary storytelling and cinematic interpretation, offering students a dynamic way to fulfill a high school Language Arts credit. Through the analysis of films adapted from or inspired by literary works, students will examine narrative structure, character development, theme, symbolism, and visual storytelling techniques.
The course encourages critical thinking and comparative analysis as students read selected texts and view corresponding films, evaluating how directors interpret and transform literature into film. Assignments include creative responses, discussions, and multimedia presentations. By the end of the course, students will have strengthened their skills in literary analysis, written expression, and media literacy—meeting key standards for Language Arts while engaging with literature in a modern, relevant context.