You'll most definatly want to start with the history of anime. (or perhaps an quick intro to anime then into the history)
The history should start around 1917 or so... though this was not 'anime anime' it was the start of Japanese trying out animation. Then there is just blurbs of testing animation out until the 1930's I believe.
Toei Animation should be mentioned as they were the first that were successful in making an American-styled studio in their animation process. (Toei is still around today)
Also you'll want to mention that anime is usually based off manga. Which is the case with most of Osamu Tezuka (creator of Astro Boy, Metrapolis, and Kimba) Tezuka is considered a founder of manga today as well as animation.
Anyways, you'll want to mention the major artists that were in the start-up of anime being international. Such as Tezuka, Miyazaki, Takahata, and Otomo. Then you'll want to skim over the more modern ones yet ground-breaking anime ones like Ghost In Shell.
After going over history and some groundbreaking animes, as well as what is popular today (yes like pokemon, Yu-Gi-Oh, Sailor Moon also go over popular adult swim ones like Inuyasha so they see the contrast of anime genres)
Then probably what would be good is showing them an overview of the process of making an anime or manga. Then show them how it is transalated and brought over to America.
Oh! And be sure to cover the fandom of anime and how it differs from Japan and America. America is fanatical about anime... unlike Japanese. Also explain conventions, cosplays, such like that. Maybe give them the Kumori Con info for shamless advertising.
If you have the budget you should try and get them all some sampler mangas to read
' Like the Shonen Jump Sneak Peeks and so. That would be cool.
Special guests could be, if you can, maybe bring in Anime/manga editors, inspiring manga artists, anime convention presidents, and other things like that.
You could have each student make a one page comic in anime style as a project. Or you could have them make AMVs if you have the abilities and tools for the class. It's easy enough, have them bring in music, have clips of anime on the computer and a movie making program (which is free with most computers like Windows) and get to making. Though you may want to be sure the kids know the legalities on AMVs.
Another assignment or something could be that the kids could write down all the animes they know and what their opinions are about it BEFORE the class. Then on the last day of class they can do it again, and then compare their opinions from the first day and the last day.
Fields trips... to Blockbusters or Walden's Books! XD Show them the vast supply of manga at the book store. maybe not blockbusters...
Good luck with teaching and have fun ^_^