Develop New Perspectives on History

The Historical Spotlights Series courses are designed to give K-14 educators a knowledge base and appreciation for historical events.  Courses cover a variety of topics including wars, ancient European peoples and cultures, castles, explorers, American natives, presidents and baseball.  Just pick the area that interests you and begin your journey back in time.

Please view each course for required materials.

Schedule & Fees

Courses – Enroll in One or More

Course Date Units Price
Historical Spotlights – Trojan War [EDU-X758J] Start now, you have 180 days to complete this course once enrolled 2 $317
Start now, you have 180 days to complete this course once enrolled
2
$317
Online Self-Paced
Amy Triba

In the Historical Spotlights course You will be guided by an audio course (which averages seven hours), published by the Recorded Book’s Modern Scholar

Once you have enrolled in your course, log in to your account to access the course Welcome Letter, which includes directions on how to access the Online Orientation and your online course.

Historical Spotlights – Ancient Greece [EDU-X759J] Start now, you have 180 days to complete this course once enrolled 2 $317
Start now, you have 180 days to complete this course once enrolled
2
$317
Online Self-Paced
Amy Triba

Historical Spotlights 2 unit online course on Ancient Greece that is designed for educators to learn more content on the subject to incorporate into the classroom and inspire students

Once you have enrolled in your course, log in to your account to access the course Welcome Letter, which includes directions on how to access the Online Orientation and your online course.

Historical Spotlights – Ancient Rome [EDU-X760J] Start now, you have 180 days to complete this course once enrolled 2 $317
Start now, you have 180 days to complete this course once enrolled
2
$317
Online Self-Paced
Amy Triba

In the Historical Spotlights course You will be guided by an audio course (which averages seven hours), published by the Recorded Book’s Modern Scholar

Once you have enrolled in your course, log in to your account to access the course Welcome Letter, which includes directions on how to access the Online Orientation and your online course.

Historical Spotlights – Great Explorers [EDU-X763J] Start now, you have 180 days to complete this course once enrolled 2 $317
Start now, you have 180 days to complete this course once enrolled
2
$317
Online Self-Paced
Adam Nance

Historical Spotlights 2 unit online course on Ancient Greece that is designed for educators to learn more content on the subject to incorporate into the classroom and inspire students

Once you have enrolled in your course, log in to your account to access the course Welcome Letter, which includes directions on how to access the Online Orientation and your online course.

Historical Spotlights – Native America [EDU-X764J] Start now, you have 180 days to complete this course once enrolled 2 $317
Start now, you have 180 days to complete this course once enrolled
2
$317
Online Self-Paced
Amy Peterson

Historical Spotlights Series consists of two-unit online self-paced courses designed for educators and life-long learners

Once you have enrolled in your course, log in to your account to access the course Welcome Letter, which includes directions on how to access the Online Orientation and your online course.

ADA Accommodations:  Professional and Continuing Education is committed to promoting knowledge and academic excellence for all learners. The University of San Diego's Disability and Learning Difference Resource Center helps students with verified disabilities obtain meaningful academic accommodations and support to help improve access to Professional and Continuing Education programs and courses.  If you are a student who would like to be considered for academic accommodations, please visit USD's Disability and Learning Difference Resource Center's website and follow the instructions under Requesting Services.
Historical Spotlights – World War II [EDU-X765J] Start now, you have 180 days to complete this course once enrolled 2 $317
Start now, you have 180 days to complete this course once enrolled
2
$317
Online Self-Paced
Amy Triba

Online two-unit course for educators that want to learn more on World War II to add to their history lessons

Once you have enrolled in your course, log in to your account to access the course Welcome Letter, which includes directions on how to access the Online Orientation and your online course.

Historical Spotlights – American Presidents [EDU-X766J] Start now, you have 180 days to complete this course once enrolled 2 $317
Start now, you have 180 days to complete this course once enrolled
2
$317
Online Self-Paced
Adam Nance

Historical Spotlights 2 unit online course on American Presidents that is designed for educators to learn more content on the subject to incorporate into the classroom and inspire students

Once you have enrolled in your course, log in to your account to access the course Welcome Letter, which includes directions on how to access the Online Orientation and your online course.

Historical Spotlights – Baseball [EDU-X767J] See Course Options 2 $317
See Course Options
2
$317
Online Self-Paced
Amy Triba

Historical Spotlights two-unit online self-paced courses designed for educators wanting to highlight important historical events in their teaching

Historical Spotlights – World War I [EDU-X768J] Start now, you have 180 days to complete this course once enrolled 2 $317
Start now, you have 180 days to complete this course once enrolled
2
$317
Online Self-Paced
Amy Triba

Historical Spotlights two-unit online self-paced courses designed for educators wanting to highlight important historical events in their teaching– World War I

Once you have enrolled in your course, log in to your account to access the course Welcome Letter, which includes directions on how to access the Online Orientation and your online course.

Historical Spotlights – The Holocaust [EDU-X769J] Start now, you have 180 days to complete this course once enrolled 2 $317
Start now, you have 180 days to complete this course once enrolled
2
$317
Online Self-Paced
Amy Triba

In the Historical Spotlights course You will be guided by an audio course (which averages seven hours), published by the Recorded Book’s Modern Scholar

Once you have enrolled in your course, log in to your account to access the course Welcome Letter, which includes directions on how to access the Online Orientation and your online course.

Historical Spotlights – American History: What COULD Have Been [EDU-X795O] Start now, you have 180 days to complete this course once enrolled 2 $317
Start now, you have 180 days to complete this course once enrolled
2
$317
Online Self-Paced
Adam Nance

Online professional growth course for educators that teach social science that want to get their students thinking about alternate historical scenarios as an exercise in critical thinking.

Once you have enrolled in your course, log in to your account to access the course Welcome Letter, which includes directions on how to access the Online Orientation and your online course.

Learning Method Information

Online Self-Paced

Our online self-paced courses are designed to provide flexibility and autonomy for learners. Unlike traditional classroom methods, which require attendance at scheduled times, self-paced courses allow you to progress through the material at your own speed within a six-month period from the time of enrollment.  Your instructor will provide feedback via written responses on your assignments and exams. Grades are based on completed projects, assignments and exams.

Key differences from traditional classroom methods:

  • No scheduled class times or required attendance.
  • No assigned due dates for assignments; you set your own schedule.
  • Asynchronous learning, meaning you can work on assignments anytime.
  • No discussion forums and no interaction with others enrolled in the course.
  • No scheduled class times or required attendance.

Structure of Online Self-Paced Courses:

The content is divided into learning modules, each covering one or more topics. Within each module, you can expect the following components:

  • Module Introduction: Outlines what you can expect to learn in the module.
  • Required Readings and Presentations: Includes textbooks, articles, journals, websites, and audio/video presentations.
  • Assignments: May include written assignments, quizzes, blogs, and other activities based on the readings and presentations.
  • Module Conclusion: Reviews the topics covered and what you should have learned.

Typically, there is a final project, paper, or exam due in the last module that synthesizes all the topics covered throughout the course. The design of the learning modules follows a consistent rhythm to help you manage your time effectively. Grades will be available within two weeks of final submission, transcripts will be automatically mailed out following grades being posted and approved. Please allow 3-4 weeks from when final grades are posted to receive a transcript.

SERIES CURRICULUM

Enroll in one or more courses in this series.

You can expect the following from these Online Self-Paced courses:

What You Will Learn

Who Should Attend

These courses would be valuable to Grade K-14 teachers looking to foster a deeper appreciation for history and social science, and instill the same in their students.

Benefits of USD’s Historical spotlight series

Instructors

Professional development courses offered by the University of San Diego’s Division of Professional & Continuing Education are taught by faculty that possess a depth and breadth of academic and real-world professional experience.

Careers Outlook

Employment opportunities in the education field — including adult education — are expected to grow by almost 1 million new jobs by 2030 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). With so many new and emerging opportunities, adult learning institutions and programs are going to have to compete heavily to attract and retain the most talented educators.

This makes furthering your education and diversifying your teaching skill set all the more important. By growing your expertise in a wide variety of educational concepts, you will broaden your career prospects and become a valuable asset in any learning environment.

Industry Insights

10 %

Job growth

$57,220

Median salary


Career Opportunities

District Level Professional Development Provider
Instructional Coach
Academic Director
Conference Speaker
Workplace Trainer
Continuing Education Instructor
Anyone interested in leading other adults through trainings, workshops, or presentations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the requirements for completing a certificate program?

Requirements for completing a certificate can be found on the certificate page.

Are the continuing education courses transferable to a master degree program?

Professional and Continuing Education courses that are transferrable to a USD master degree will be stated on the course or certificate page. If you wish to transfer credit, it is your responsibility to confer with the receiving institution before enrolling, as each
individual academic institution decides whether or not to accept USD Professional and Continuing Education credit.

How long do I have to complete the Certificate?

You have five years to complete the certificate.

What are your registration/drop/refund policies?

Click here for complete details regarding our refund, drop and transfer policies

What if I can’t get into a course because it is full?

Prospective students can request to be placed on a waitlist. Should a space open up in a course, those on the waitlist will be notified. We encourage you to register early for courses.

Why USD?

The Professional and Continuing Education program nurtures key partnerships on the local, national, and international level. The goal is to better serve working professionals who seek to enhance or build their careers and help achieve their highest value and potential. Contact us today to learn more.

Informative Stats and Facts

600+

High-quality, career-building courses to choose from

50+

In-depth, innovative, and relevant topics

25+

Career advancing certificates

5 REASONS WHY CONTINUING EDUCATION MATTERS FOR EDUCATORS

The education industry is always changing and evolving, perhaps now more than ever. Learn how you can be prepared by downloading our eBook.