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The class will begin with me introducing myself and getting to know the students by asking them their favorite Elizabeth I fact or question. I welcome questions at any time during the class. I will begin be giving a brief summation of who Elizabeth I was and the legacy she inherited from his father, Henry VIII, and her mother, Anne Boyeln.

1. Succession Edward VI, Mary I, Then Elizabeth. After the death of Henry VIII, the crown immediately went to his only son, Edawrd VI. However, Edward VI died young leaving the succession in turmoil. What events led to Elizabeth's eventual succession to the throne of England? How secure did she feel on the throne? What were the immediate issues she had to solve within her kingdom?

2. To Marry or not to marry? Elizabeth had many suitors. We will meet a few, but also focus on her famous decision to never marry. Why would she choose to do that? What effect did her decision have on the question of English succession? How did this decision empower her and how did it cause her problems?

3. They're not Pirates, they're 'Privateers'. Elizabeth of Francis Drake and Raleigh and other pirates. We will meet the adventourous characters of Francis Drake and Walter Raleigh. Why would Elizabeth legitimize these pirates as privateers with a license from the crown?  Did you know the Drake circumnavigated the Earth, why?  What did Raleigh do to further both the expansion of the English land holding as well as gain financial and agricultural gains for Elizabeth I. Can you imagine a potato being new and exciting?

4. Defeat of the Spanish Armada. Why did Spain attack and how did Elizabeth defeat them? What role did her pirates play in the naval victory? What other factors led to this victory? How did the defeat of the Spanish Armada improve England's place amongst the European powers? 

5. Elizabeth's Spy catchers and spy masters. Espionage in the Elizabethan era. Elizabeth was a unique queen in a position that many European kingdoms and empires did not agree with, to combat this she needed to have intelligence and information. What role did her 'spy-catchers' play in her court? What were their methods to reveal plots and conspiracies? What were Elizabeth's reactions to the various plots and conspiracies?

6. Elizabethan period- It's called a Golden Age, why? This is also the age of the English Renaissance. In what way did Elizabeth support the arts? What was her relationship with Shakespeare and other artists? Was Shakespeare writing propaganda for the Elizabethan age?

7. Her death and succession. Who becomes King after the Queen has no children? We will finish by discussing the family line of the English crown and meet the king who followed a queen with no children. 

The class will end with discussing these questions.