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Homeschool Middle School Early Modern World History: Renaissance to Revolutions

Completed by 103 learners
Ages 11-14
Live Group Course
Step into the early modern world! From the Renaissance to Napoleon, learners explore history through immersive simulations & creative projects. Advise monarchs, navigate revolutions that make history unforgettable!
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:
(365 reviews)
Star Educator
Popular

Live video meetings
1x per week, 16 weeks
4-8 learners per class
60 min

What's included

16 live meetings
16 in-class hours
Homework
1 hour per week. Weekly materials will be posted in the classroom, with most being digital-friendly and a select few requiring printing. For those who prefer not to print, PDFs will be available to view on your device. Brief, independent assignments will often extend outside classroom time due to our packed agenda. Every learner will get at least one week to complete assignments and will receive advanced notice for larger projects. Homework, necessary for a deeper understanding, will be light—expect about 30 to 60 minutes per week. It's important to note that learners have varying speeds and styles of learning, and this may reflect in the time taken to complete tasks. Completing these assignments diligently on one's own time will not only reinforce the material discussed in class but will also prepare learners for more engaging and productive class experience. For digital worksheets, please refer to the 'Materials' section, which contains a list of third-party websites where they can be accessed.
Assessment
Upon request and prior to the start of the course, assessments can be conducted throughout the course to evaluate learner progress and understanding. These assessments may include quizzes, tests, projects, feedback and/or other forms of evaluation (i.e. letter grade). Parents and learners are encouraged to discuss their grading preferences with the teacher. The purpose of assessments and grades is to provide feedback on student learning and measure their achievement. It is important for learners to actively participate in assessments and seek feedback to gauge their progress and areas of improvement. Furthermore, a detailed rubric will be provided specifically for the project. This rubric will serve as a guideline to assess and evaluate the quality and creativity of the learners' project. It will outline the criteria and expectations, ensuring transparency and fairness in the assessment process. Learners will have a clear understanding of the criteria by which their projects will be evaluated, allowing them to strive for excellence in their projects.
Letter Grade
Upon request learners can opt to receive grades and/or feedback. In the absence of a specific request for grades, only feedback will be provided.
Progress Report
Upon request learners can opt to receive grades and/or feedback. In the absence of a specific request for grades, only feedback will be provided.

Class Experience

US Grade 6 - 8
Is sparking your learner’s interest in the early modern era harder than painting the Sistine Chapel? From the Renaissance to Napoleon, learners explore history with creative projects and immersive simulations—no scaffolding required!

In this immersive Early Modern World course, they’ll step into the shoes of explorers, monarchs, revolutionaries, and philosophers while navigating the transformative events that defined 1450–1815.

Learners won’t just read about history—they’ll live it. From advising Henry VIII on his political and religious dilemmas to navigating the seas as an early European explorer, they’ll dive into dynamic simulations. As advisors to an Ottoman sultan, citizens of revolutionary France, or even Napoleon himself, learners will confront the challenges of diplomacy, innovation, and social change.

Through hands-on projects like Renaissance Training and Enlightenment Meme Creation, where they creatively explore the era’s bold ideas, learners will connect with history in fresh, meaningful ways. They’ll also construct 3D scenes of pivotal moments in the Peep-Into History Diorama Project and 'dig up dirt' on notorious absolute monarchs like Louis XIV and Ivan the Terrible in the 'Who’s the Worst?' Absolute Monarch Competition, competing to show their monarch was worse the ABSOLUTE worst!

From the Renaissance’s artistic revival to the upheavals of the French Revolution and Napoleonic Wars, this course is packed with critical-thinking activities, creative challenges, and historical role-play that bring history to life.

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*Heads-Up: This Class is NOT a Spectator Sport!
This isn’t your typical sit-back-and-zone-out history class—your learner is part of the action! Whether we’re diving into simulations, debates, or critical-thinking challenges, their participation is what makes this class engaging, exciting, and, well… not just another lecture!

That said, if participation turns into radio silence, we’ll have to shift into a lecture-style format to ensure all key material is covered. But let’s be real—that’s way less fun.

So, encourage your learner to jump in, share their thoughts, make decisions, and engage! The more they put into this experience, the more they'll get out of it (and the less likely we are to drift into Lecture Land).

**Another Heads-Up: Punctuality Matters! 
This class runs on engagement and interaction, so arriving on time is key! While late arrivals are always welcome to jump in, we won’t be able to restart simulations or backtrack on missed activities—there’s just too much to cover.

To get the most out of the experience (and avoid feeling lost mid-simulation), being on time is strongly encouraged. Help your learner hit the ground running from the start—it makes for a smoother, more immersive class for everyone!

***Be Prepared & Ready to Dive In!
Each week, all required materials will be posted in the classroom—most are digital-friendly, with a few that may need printing. If printing isn’t your thing, no worries! PDFs can be easily viewed on your device.

Bringing materials to class ensures a smooth, engaging experience—so have everything ready, and let’s make history come alive!

****On a More Serious Note: Refunds & Flexibility
I get it—plans change! While booking in advance secures your learner’s spot, sometimes schedules shift. If you need to withdraw your learner up to ten days before the class starts, I’m happy to issue a full refund—no hassle, no stress. Just reach out, and I’ll take care of it.

For questions about sibling discounts or other inquiries, feel free to contact me—I’m always happy to help!

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Want a Self-Paced Class Option? 
This course is also offered as a self-paced class! Check it out here: https://outschool.com/classes/self-paced-homeschool-early-modern-world-history-renaissance-to-revolutions-thhsmBF5

Which Course Should You Take First?
While my courses can be taken in any order based on individual preferences and needs, I would highly recommend taking them in chronological order. This sequencing allows for a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter and enhances the learning experience. Therefore, I suggest following this chronological order for optimal learning:

📜 Homeschool Middle School Ancient World History: Early Civilizations
🏛 Homeschool Middle School Ancient World History: Classical Era
⚔️ Homeschool Middle School Medieval World History: Europe, Asia & the Islamic World
🎨 Homeschool Middle School Early Modern World History: Renaissance to Revolutions
🌍 Homeschool Middle School Modern World History: Industry to World Wars
🛰️ Homeschool Modern World History: Cold War Era & Beyond


Following this order helps learners see the evolution of ideas, societies, and historical events over time, creating a cohesive and engaging learning experience.

That said, you’re free to start wherever fits your interests and learning goals—history should be flexible and fun!

Learning Goals

Investigate the Renaissance's origins and humanism's evolution, assessing their contributions to literature, arts, and science. 
Critique Renaissance art and literature to understand their embodiment of humanist principles.
Evaluate grievances against the Catholic Church that led to the Reformation, analyzing Martin Luther's 95 Theses' impact. 
Assess various responses to the Reformation and Henry VIII's establishment of the Church of England. 
Evaluate the Catholic Counter-

Syllabus

Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum
Standards
Aligned with State-Specific Standards
16 Lessons
over 16 Weeks
Lesson 1:
European Renaissance: Origins & Evolution
 Identify the causes of the Renaissance and the development of humanist ideas. Evaluate major achievements in literature, art, and science, analyzing works by Renaissance artists and writers. Summarize significant literary works and assess their social and intellectual impact on European society. 
60 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
European Renaissance: Origins & Evolution
 Identify the causes of the Renaissance and the development of humanist ideas. Evaluate major achievements in literature, art, and science, analyzing works by Renaissance artists and writers. Summarize significant literary works and assess their social and intellectual impact on European society. 
60 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
European Reformation
 Evaluate the grievances against the Catholic Church that sparked the Reformation, analyze Martin Luther's 95 Theses, and discuss their impact on European society. Assess the responses to the Reformation, including resistance, collaboration, and indifference, and their long-term effects on religious and political dynamics in Europe. 
60 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
English Reformation
 Examine the motivations behind Henry VIII's establishment of the Church of England and the resulting religious and political shifts, along with broader European responses to the Reformation. Evaluate the effectiveness of the Catholic Counter-Reformation. 
60 mins online live lesson

Other Details

Parental Guidance
The study of world history encompasses a range of sensitive topics that have shaped our past, including war, slavery, racism, religion, and genocide. It is important to note that religion will be approached solely from a historical standpoint, focusing on its role and impact throughout different time periods. To foster a comprehensive understanding, learners will be exposed to multiple perspectives through the use of peer-reviewed and scholarly sources. They will be encouraged to engage in critical and reflective thinking, particularly when examining the history of early modern conflicts, issues, religion and economics. These discussions will be actively moderated, encouraged, and closely monitored by the teacher, ensuring a fair and unbiased exploration of the topics from a secular standpoint. Furthermore, the course will actively seek to incorporate viewpoints from marginalized groups whenever applicable. By including these perspectives, learners will gain a more inclusive and comprehensive understanding of historical events. It is of utmost importance to me that the content is presented in an age-appropriate manner. I strive to ensure that the material is delivered in a sensitive and responsible way, taking into account the developmental stage and maturity of the students.
Pre-Requisites
This course relies heavily on learner interaction, discussion, and engagement. While no prior knowledge is required, learners should come ready to actively participate, share ideas, and contribute to discussions.
Supply List
Paper: It is recommended to have both construction or colored paper for creative projects and regular paper for written assignments.
Pen/Pencil: Essential tools for note-taking, completing assignments, and engaging in activities.
Crayons/Markers/Colored Pencils: These coloring tools will be useful for visual projects and adding creativity to assignments.
Printer: Access to a printer is required for printing out resources provided by the teacher or accessing digital documents.
Note: If using hard copy printouts, it is strongly suggested to have a folder or binder for organization.
Dice: A physical set of dice, an app that allows for dice rolls, or access to a virtual dice roller online will be used for specific activities and simulations.
For digital worksheets, please refer to the 'Materials' section, which contains a list of third-party websites where they can be accessed.

Additionally, for the PEEP Diorama Project, you may need the following supplies:
Peeps: These can be purchased online from websites like Amazon or similar platforms. They will be used as figures in your diorama.
Shoe box or slightly larger box: Select a suitable box as the base for creating your diorama.
Construction paper: Use construction paper to design the background scene of your diorama.
Scissors: You will need scissors for cutting out shapes, figures, and other elements for your diorama.
Markers and/or crayons: Use markers or crayons to add color and detail to your diorama.
Tape: Secure various components of your diorama using tape.
Thread: Thread can be used to suspend or hang objects within your diorama if needed.
Paste: This can be useful for attaching small objects or pieces of paper to your diorama.

Make sure to have these supplies ready to fully participate in the course activities and projects.
 1 file available upon enrollment
Language of Instruction
English
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Sources
A History of the World by Andrew Marr The Men Who Lost America: British Leadership, the American Revolution, and the Fate of the Empire (The Lewis Walpole Series in Eighteenth-Century Culture and History) by Andrew Jackson O'Shaughnessy Iron Tears: America's Battle for Freedom, Britain's Quagmire: 1775-1783 by Stanley Weintraub The Last Ottoman Generation and the Making of the Modern Middle East by Michael Provence The Middle East: A Brief History of the Last 2,000 Years by Bernard Lewis The French Revolution and Napoleon: Crucible of the Modern World by Lynn Hunt and Jack R. Censer The Age of Religious Wars: 1559-1715 by Richard Dunn Eighteenth-Century Europe: Tradition and Progress: 1715-1789 by Isser Woloch and Gregory Brown Primary and secondary texts, writings and works of various early religious scholars.

Meet the teacher

4.9
365reviews
Star Educator
Popular
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Alabama Teaching Certificate in Social Studies/History
Master's Degree in Education from University of Montevallo
I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science with a concentration in Comparative Politics. My academic journey included a wide range of courses focusing on various political and historical aspects of civilizations from different time periods and regions around the world. This comprehensive study allowed me to develop a deep understanding of the complexities of past and present societies.

Furthermore, I pursued a Master of Education degree specializing in Secondary Social Sciences, which provided me with advanced knowledge in teaching history, political science, and related subjects. I obtained certification from the state of Alabama, qualifying me to teach social sciences to students in grades 7-12.

Over the course of my teaching career, I have gained extensive experience instructing students in US and World history; dedicated to delivering engaging and informative lessons in these subjects. Additionally, I have conducted extensive research in both history and politics for over 20+ years, allowing me to stay informed and up-to-date with the latest developments in these fields.

My educational background, teaching experience, and research expertise have equipped me with the necessary skills and knowledge to provide students with a comprehensive and engaging learning experience. I am committed to fostering a deeper understanding of historical events and political dynamics while encouraging critical thinking and a passion for learning in my learners.

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