Mark Twain Writing Club

Civil War & American Revolutionary War Battles – Research & Writing

The following is what we do in the class:

• Every student selects one great American battle from the Civil War or the Revolutionary War. Every student will also receive one of the leading historical encyclopedias of the great battles of either the Civil War or the American Revolution.
• Each class has 8 or fewer young men grouped by age. 
• Each class meets four times a week for two hours each day. Each student should attend at least two classes a week, but we prefer if they can attend all four days a week.
• Each student selects four to five resources (i.e., books and encyclopedias) about his selected battle. There is no use of any online resources until very late in the research process.
• Over eight weeks, each student learns how to research information from multiple sources, take notes, organize that information, develop a core theme, work through multiple drafts, write a final paper (approximately 1,000 words), prepare an oral presentation, and finally present his work to a group, including members of his family and the other students’ families.

Who Can Enroll?

 Our classes are designed for boys ages 11 to 14. 

Who is the Teacher?

Jim McMullen leads each class, providing direct instruction to each student, reviewing each’s notes, outline, and rough drafts. This class involves a lot of re-writes. Depending on the class size, there may also be an assistant teacher who works with the group.

When Is the Class?

The class runs from June 2 through July 31 (no class week of June 23), Monday thru Thursday, 11:30am to 1:30pm. If there is demand for more classes, we will add additional sections. We expect students to attend at least two classes a week.

Final Presentations Will Occur on the evenings of July 31 and August 1 (Thursday and Friday) 

Cost

The class costs $300, which covers the cost of the class and research resources and materials.  

Alternatively, one can sign up for a one year Club Membership for $360 (paid $30/month over 12 months), which includes enrollment in the summer class, entry to all Chess lessons and competitions, all movies nights, summer Friday field trips, and discounted classes during the school year. 

Where are the classes held?

Our location is 16010 Metcalf Avenue. We are on the upper floor on the north side of the building. There is a door with direct access to the classroom from the outside.