Fun History!: The Middle Ages, Dark but Interesting Times.
Who said history can't be fun? In this 4-week class, learners will discover the history of the Middle Ages, from knights to plagues, to eagle poop (what?!?) to the Crusades.
Val Vega, M.A. Spanish and History
Average rating:
4.8
Number of reviews:(248)
What's included
4 live meetings
3 hrs 20 mins in-class hoursHomework
1 hour per week. Students might be asked to watch a short video, read an article, or finish classwork for homework.Assessment
There will be no quizzes or tests. Students will be assessed on their classroom discussion participation.Class Experience
US Grade 6 - 8
This 4-week interactive class is an in-depth introduction to Medieval history. The middle ages, sandwiched between the Roman Empire and the Renaissance, is full of surprises, amusing facts, and shockingly, not as dark as we often think! We'll meet once a week for a fun and interactive lesson with images, videos, games, and lectures. We'll find answers to questions like: What was the role of the church in Medieval Europe? How did rats change the course of history? What was "La Reconquista"? What were the Crusades? We'll also discover the main thing that plebeians, knights, and kings had in common. And, we'll learn more than you ever wished to know about chamberpots, mice fur (ackkk!), and eagle poop (what?). This class does not require any prerequisite learning. We'll cover: Week I: Early Middle Ages: Charlemagne, the geography + the people of Europe, and the influence of the Holy Roman Empire. Week II: Kingdoms, Feudalism + the Rise of Towns: the economy, social structure, gender roles, and the lives of peasants. Week III: The Crusades, Culture and the Church: William the Conqueror, Henry II, Monarchies in Frances and the Eastern States of the Slavs, European Crusaders, Architecture, universities, theology, language, literature. The effects of religion in society Week IV: Late Middle Ages: famine, plagues, the Black Death in Europe, conflict in the church, divisions in politics, the hundred years' war, La Reconquista, By the end of the course students will be able to: -Explain how the geography of Europe shaped the development of cultures. -Describe the role of the church in medieval Europe. -Determine the role that architecture, education, literature, and religion played in the Middle Ages. -Understand what feudalism was and why it became an important social structure. -Identify the causes and effects of the Crusades and the Reconquista. -Understand the consequences of the Bubonic plague on European and world history. -Analyze gender roles during the Middle Ages. I can’t wait to see you in class!!!
Learning Goals
By the end of this course students will be able to:
-Explain how the geography of Europe shaped the development of cultures.
-Describe the role of the church in medieval Europe.
-Determine the role that architecture, education, literature, and religion played in the Middle Ages.
-Understand what feudalism was and why it became an important social structure.
-Identify the causes and effects of the Crusades and the Reconquista.
-Understand the consequences of the Bubonic plague on European and world history.
-Analyze gender roles during the Middle Ages.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
I encourage students to ask questions and to have open-minded, and kind discussions during class. If any sensitive questions come up regarding topics such as warfare, intentionally cruel acts committed by humans, gender roles in history, etc. my responses will always be evidence-based, age-appropriate, and relevant to the class topic. If I need time to get more information, I will defer answers for specific questions to the next class.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
Sources:
-A History of the World (Teacher Edition)
-The History of the Medieval World: From the Conversion of Constantine to the First Crusade by Susan Wise Bauer
-History of the World Map
*No textbook will be needed for this class. There might be suggested books and articles to read as well as suggested documentaries to watch.
Joined May, 2020
4.8
248reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
I have a master's degree in Political Science, and postgraduate studies in economics, Human Development, and Gender, as well as a B.A. in Legal Studies. I was an elementary school teacher for five years, teaching world history and literature as my main subjects. For over a decade, I was a consultant and researcher for various feminist NGOs, the United Nations, and the World Bank. Reviews
Live Group Class
$66
for 4 classes1x per week, 4 weeks
50 min
Completed by 3 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-14
3-14 learners per class
