Dead but Famous People From World History: Fall of Rome to Age of Discovery
In this ongoing course, learners will meet key individuals from world history who are commonly included in national and state curriculum standards, focusing on their lasting contributions and achievements.
Julie Mitchell, Ed.D.
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(9)
What's included
1 live meeting
45 mins in-class hours per weekHomework
Learners will be presented with an optional weekly challenge of finding a connection between their own lives and that of the featured historic person during the week following class. Opportunities to share their newfound connections will be provided during the next week’s class meeting.Assessment
Informal assessments include class participation, completion of the weekly student engagement handouts, and short quiz-style activities and/or exit reflections at the end of each class.Class Experience
US Grade 6 - 8
Kublai Khan. Theodora. Mansa Musa. William the Conqueror. William Shakespeare. What do they all have in common? Well, for starters…they are all dead (at least that is the answer that I often get from middle school students), but they are also famous. So, WHY are they famous? In this ongoing course, learners will explore each person’s major contributions/achievements and their short- and long-term effects on civilization while making connections to the world today. Students will also discover general biographical information as well as strange, but true facts about some of the most significant people in world history. Both primary and secondary sources will be used during class and a weekly slide presentation will guide the activities. Students will engage with text, paintings and other forms of art, video, and additional resources. Notable historical figures who primarily lived during the following eras will be featured: Middle Ages, Renaissance, Reformation, Scientific Revolution, Enlightenment, and Age of Discovery. Prominent people from all parts of the world will be highlighted. While some of the names may be new to learners, most are commonly included in full world history courses, therefore, meeting and/or complementing curriculum standards in many locations. During each weekly class, learners will have access to a student engagement handout to print and use for completing a biographical sketch of the individual featured in the lesson. Over time, the completed activities can be compiled into a notebook for each leaner’s own “Encyclopedia of Dead but Famous People From World History.” Prior knowledge is not required for this course. Additionally, “Dead but Famous People From World History” is a great class for students who have a special interest in the historic figures of a particular time period or for those who may need a little extra help in learning and remembering the significance of their contributions. While I hope to see learners on a weekly basis, students are welcome to join this course at any time, so keep an eye an out for the weeks that may feature the key people in which your learner is most interested. Featured historic people, although subject to change, will include Week of Sept. 4: Genghis Khan (Chinggis Khan) Week of Sept. 11: Kublai Khan Week of Sept. 18: Prince Shotoku Week of Sept. 24: Murasaki Shikibu Week of Oct. 2: Justinian I Week of Oct. 9: Theodora Week of Oct. 16: Ismail al-Jazari Week of Oct. 23: Mehmed II Week of Oct. 30: Sundiata Keita Week of Nov. 6: Mansa Musa Week of Nov. 13: William the Conqueror Week of Nov. 20: No Class Week of Nov. 27: Joan of Arc Week of Dec. 4: Medici Family Week of Dec. 11: William Shakespeare (last class meeting for 2023) Additional people to be scheduled for 2024.
Learning Goals
At the end of each class, learners will be able to…
• identify basic biographical information about a notable person in world history
• describe the featured person based on primary and/or secondary source information, including both positive and negative traits
• summarize the significant contributions and achievements of the selected person
• analyze the short- and long-term effects of the individual’s contributions on the world including connections to the present
• recognize that people experience both successes and failures
Other Details
Parental Guidance
A study of historical people includes a wide variety of information. While there will be a focus on the positive and lasting contributions and achievements of the people discussed, everyone has flaws and imperfections. Some of the featured individuals were ruthless rulers and violent warriors. Some failed to gain the respect of their contemporaries for a variety of other reasons. These factors bring in important multiple perspectives regarding the person of each week’s topic, providing opportunities for meaningful discussions and analysis. Throughout the course, all information and resources will be presented at an age-appropriate level. Parents are welcome to contact me with any questions during the course.
Supply List
• Binder, folder, or notebook • Pencil • Student engagement worksheet • Colored Pencils or markers Learners may choose to keep a notebook throughout the ongoing course. Each week, attendees will receive access to a student engagement worksheet (pdf doc for printing) to use for biographical sketch information and notetaking. Pages may be printed, completed during class, and kept in a folder or binder or glued into a spiral or composition-style notebook. If preferred, learners may use notebook paper instead of printing the pdf documents provided. While not required, the notebooks will allow students to maintain a record of their learning while compiling their own “Encyclopedia of Dead but Famous People From World History.”
Sources
This course uses a variety of sources, not limited to, but including
• Biography.com
• Biography Online
• Encyclopedia Britannica
• Encyclopedia of World Biography
• History.com
• Khan Academy
• PBS Education
• World History Encyclopedia
Joined March, 2023
5.0
9reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
As a certified social studies teacher with thirty years of experience, I have a love for teaching both history and geography because the two areas are inextricably linked. A fellow teacher from my brick-and-mortar school days, always said that listening to the lessons about significant individuals from world history was always her favorite part of being able to hear our classes. I love telling stories about these people because it allows students to make connections between their own lives and those they usually view as “another dead person from a long time ago.” It is also these stories that often inspire students to realize that history is an amazing, riveting, and meaningful subject—not boring and useless, which is often the preconceived notion. Over the years, I been recognized with several awards for my teaching in the areas of history and geography including two-time recipient of Outstanding Social Studies Teacher of the Year (state level) and geography-related lesson plan awards at the state, national, and international levels. Additionally, I have led numerous history and geography workshops for a variety of organizations, helping to train other educators in both content and pedagogy for teaching these topics. Reviews
Live Group Class
$15
weekly1x per week
45 min
Completed by 1 learner
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-14
2-10 learners per class
