The Enlightenment: The Foundations of Modern Thought History
This course isn't just a history lesson – it's a journey through the ideas that shaped our modern world. We'll explore the big thinkers, the bold ideas, and the revolutionary spirit of the Enlightenment era. Get ready to be inspired!
What's included
4 live meetings
3 in-class hoursHomework
Weekly reading and writing assignments will be provided.Assessment
Assessment can be in any form the family requestsGrading
includedClass Experience
US Grade 9 - 12
Step into the 18th century, a time of intellectual and cultural ferment, where philosophers, scientists, and artists challenged old beliefs and dared to imagine a better future. In this captivating class, we'll explore the ideas and movements that shaped the Enlightenment, from the writings of Voltaire and Rousseau to the scientific discoveries of Newton and Galileo. Together, we'll uncover the Enlightenment's profound impact on politics, religion, art, and literature. You'll gain a deeper understanding of the ideas that shaped our modern world and how they continue to influence our lives today. The Enlightenment was a philosophical movement that occurred in the Early Modern era. The thinkers and ideas that developed during this time build the foundation for the modern world, including such moments at the American Revolution and the founding of the US Constitution. In this course, we will explore the major ideas, discoveries, and thinkers of the Enlightenment era. We will read primary documents to discover what exactly those thinkers thought and believed, as well as the impact of those ideas on western civilization. I love to teach students to "do" real history, so we will discuss how to evaluate documents, and practice as we work through our discussions. Class is very interactive and discussion based in the Socratic method. Each week students will have reading and writing assignments to develop their thinking about the philosophies and ideas we are discussing in class. See also my related world literature courses and DBQ writing. What to expect in this course: -deep understanding of the causes and consequences of the Enlightenment -understanding of the major philosophers and their ideas -critical analysis of the political theory, and theories of knowledge that developed in this time
Learning Goals
Students will explore the foundational thoughts, history, and leading thinkers of the Enlightenment era
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum4 Lessons
over 4 WeeksLesson 1:
What is the Enlightenment?
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Voltaire, Rousseau, and Montesquieu
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Hobbes vs. Locke and the political ideas of the Enlightenment
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Influence of Enlightenment ideas: science and revolution
45 mins online live lesson
Other Details
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Sources
All will be provided
Teacher expertise and credentials
1 teacher has a teaching certificate
Missouri Teaching Certificate
5 teachers have a Graduate degree
Master's Degree in Computer Science from Maryville University
Master's Degree in Education from University of Toronto
Master's Degree in History from University of Cambridge
Master's Degree from Eastern Michigan University
Master's Degree in History from Northwestern University
Master's Degree in Religious Studies from Yale University
5 teachers have a Bachelor's degree
Bachelor's Degree in Biology/Biological Sciences from Rutgers University
Bachelor's Degree in History from Birmingham-Southern College
Bachelor's Degree from University of Alabama at Birmingham
Bachelor's Degree from Middle East Technical University
Bachelor's Degree in History from Millersville University
I have a master's degree in history from the University of Cambridge and 17 years teaching history, literature, and writing courses
Reviews
Live Group Course
$80
for 4 classes1x per week, 4 weeks
45 min
Completed by 28 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 12-17
3-6 learners per class