(Self-Paced) Homeschool Medieval World History: Europe, Asia & the Islamic World
Is getting your learner to explore the medieval world harder than defending a castle during a siege? Journey through Europe, Asia, Mesoamerica & West Africa with immersive simulations & creative projects —no armor required!
Janelle Hopkins M.Ed - World History
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4.9
Number of reviews:(364)
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What's included
10 pre-recorded lessons
10 weeks
of teacher support1 year access
to the contentHomework
2-4 hours per week. As learners are exploring the various key events in the early modern world, homework will be assigned that is specific to the topic that was covered in class. Learners can generally expect to spend about an hour or two a week on homework (in addition to watching the videos and completing optional activities), some assignments will require less of the learner. Some learners may be eager to spend more than that on their Medieval Moments Project but it is not required or expected. All assignments and activities are focused on supplementing the learner's understanding of the various events and are broken down into specific, manageable tasks. It's important to note that students have varying speeds and styles of learning, and this may reflect in the time taken to complete tasks.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
includedProgress Report
includedClass Experience
US Grade 7 - 10
Is getting your learner to explore the medieval world harder than defending a castle during a siege? This course is here to change that! From Viking raiders to medieval kings and Black Plague researchers, learners step into history with immersive simulations and creative projects—no armor required! They’ll navigate feudal Europe, the Islamic Golden Age, and the vast Mongol Empire, governing kingdoms as Justinian and Theodora, following Ibn Battuta’s epic travels across West Africa, and unraveling the drama of the Wars of the Roses. Through hands-on projects like the Medieval Moments Project and the Peep-Into History Diorama Project, learners will craft graphic novels, stories, memes, or even 3D historical scenes that bring the medieval world to life. What’s Included: -Immersive Simulations – Take on roles like Viking warriors, medieval rulers, and plague researchers. -Creative Projects – Dive into history with activities like the Medieval Moments Project and Peep-Into History Diorama. -Global Connections – Explore Europe, Asia, Mesoamerica, and West Africa, uncovering how civilizations shaped the medieval world. By the end, learners won’t just know history—they’ll experience it, connect with it, and maybe even love it. This isn’t just a history class—it’s a journey of storytelling, strategy, and hands-on discovery that makes the medieval world unforgettable! Medieval Moments Project: Learners will showcase their understanding of medieval civilizations—from feudal Europe and Japan to the Mongol Empire, Islamic Golden Age, Mesoamerican societies, and West African kingdoms—through a creative project. They’ll craft a short story, graphic novel, comic strip, or meme series that brings their chosen civilization to life, highlighting its culture, daily life, and historical significance. Alternative Option: Peep-Into History Diorama Project – For a hands-on approach, learners can create a 3D diorama using PEEPS candies, reconstructing a key historical event from medieval history. They’ll research, brainstorm, and bring their scene to life with teacher support and feedback. **Detailed project guidelines will be provided in class. ************************************* Want a Live Class Option? This course is also offered as a live class! Check it out here: https://outschool.com/classes/homeschool-middle-school-medieval-world-history-europe-asia-islamic-world-RKW5sIbo Which Course Should You Take First? While my self-paced courses can be taken in any order, I highly recommend following a chronological sequence for a deeper, more connected understanding of world history. Here’s the best path: 📜 (Self-Paced) Homeschool Ancient World History: Early Civilizations 🏛 (Self-Paced) Homeschool Ancient World History: Classical Era ⚔️ (Self-Paced) Homeschool Medieval World History: Europe, Asia & the Islamic World 🎨 (Self-Paced) Homeschool Early Modern World History: Renaissance to Revolutions 🌍 (Self-Paced) Homeschool Modern World History: Industry to World Wars 🛰️ (Self-Paced) 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
Explore the decline of the Western Roman Empire, Charlemagne's influence, the Viking Age, feudalism, the medieval Church, and key historical events in England, France, Spain, and Russia.Analyze the Magna Carta, Hundred Years' War, Crusades, Reconquista, Black Plague, and War of the Roses.
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created CurriculumStandards
Aligned with State-Specific Standards10 Lessons
over 10 WeeksLesson 1:
From Rome's Fall to Viking Raids: A Changing Empire
Explore the "Barbarian Invasions" that led to Rome’s fall, the rise of Charlemagne, and his impact on Europe. Uncover the Viking Age, their expansion, social structure, and innovations like the longship. Finally, dive into Viking religion and their role as both raiders and traders, shaping medieval cultural exchanges. 3 assignments
21 mins of video lessons
Lesson 2:
Feudalism & Medieval Society: Power, Land & Loyalty
Explore the rise of feudalism, its social hierarchy, and the power dynamics from peasants to kings. Uncover feudal contracts, economic ties, and the structure of a medieval manor. Finally, examine the medieval Church's authority and its influence over both religious and secular life. 3 assignments
15 mins of video lessons
Lesson 3:
Golden Age of Islam & West African Empires: A Journey Through Power & Innovation
Explore the Abbasid, Umayyad (Spain), and Fatimid caliphates, their capitals, and cultural influence. Delve into the Golden Age of Islam, highlighting scientific, cultural, and economic advancements. Study the Ghana, Mali, and Songhai Empires, their trade networks, rulers, and lasting legacies. 5 assignments
Lesson 4:
Empires, Crusades & Conflict: The Struggle for Power & Faith
Explore the Byzantine Empire, its political structure, economic influence, and cultural legacy. Examine the Crusades, their causes, key battles, and lasting impact on both Europe and the Middle East, shaping religious and political dynamics for centuries. Analyze the Reconquista, tracing its timeline and the roles of Christian kingdoms in reclaiming the Iberian Peninsula. Understand how these conflicts reshaped societies, economies, and cultural exchanges across medieval Europe and beyond. 4 assignments
Other Details
Parental Guidance
The study of world history encompasses a wide range of topics, including some sensitive subjects from the past such as war, slavery, racism, religion, and genocide. In this course, it is important to approach these topics with sensitivity and respect.
Religion will be discussed solely in its historical context, focusing on its influence on societies and events throughout history. The aim is to provide learners with an understanding of how religion shaped various civilizations without promoting any particular religious beliefs.
To foster a comprehensive understanding, learners will be exposed to multiple perspectives through the use of peer-reviewed and scholarly sources. Critical and reflective thinking will be encouraged, allowing students to analyze historical events, conflicts, security issues, religious influences, and economic factors from different angles.
Discussions in the classroom will be closely moderated, ensuring a balanced and unbiased approach. The teacher will facilitate discussions, encourage participation, and monitor the conversations to maintain a secular standpoint that respects all viewpoints.
When relevant, viewpoints from marginalized groups will be explored, providing a broader understanding of history from different social, cultural, and ethnic perspectives. This approach promotes inclusivity and helps learners develop empathy and a deeper appreciation for diverse experiences.
Great care will be taken to present the content in an age-appropriate manner, ensuring that the material is accessible, respectful, and suitable for the maturity level of the learners.
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. 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. 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.
1 file available upon enrollment
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Sources
Marr, Andrew. A History of the World.
Captivating History. Ancient Civilizations: A Captivating Guide to Mayan History, the Aztecs, and Inca Empire
Gomez, Michael. African Dominion: A New History of Empire in Early and Medieval West Africa
Souyri, Pierre François and Käthe Roth. The World Turned Upside Down: Medieval Japanese Society (Asia Perspectives: History, Society, and Culture)
Wickham, Chris. Medieval Europe
Boum, Aomar and Arthur Goldschmidt, Jr. A Concise history of the Middle East, 11th ed. Boulder: Westview Press, 2015.
Khaldûn, Ibn Ibn. The Muqaddimah: An Introduction to History - Abridged Edition. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 2015.
Primary and secondary texts, writings and works of various early religious and significant scholars.
Joined June, 2020
4.9
364reviews
Star Educator
Popular
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.Reviews
Self-Paced Course
$17
weekly10 pre-recorded lessons
10 weeks of teacher support
Choose your start date
1 year of access to the content
Completed by 23 learners
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Ages: 12-16
