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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!
Brandy Dahlen Yun and BE Education
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:
(634)
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Class

What's included

4 live meetings
3 in-class hours
Homework
Weekly reading and writing assignments will be provided.
Assessment
Assessment can be in any form the family requests
Grading
included

Class 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
learning goal

Syllabus

Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum
4 Lessons
over 4 Weeks
Lesson 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
    Joined May, 2020
    4.9
    634reviews
    Star Educator
    Popular
    Profile
    Teacher expertise and credentials
    Missouri Teaching Certificate
    Chidimma
    Master's Degree in Computer Science from Maryville University
    Chidimma
    Master's Degree in Education from University of Toronto
    Jelena
    Master's Degree in History from University of Cambridge
    Brandy Dahlen
    Master's Degree from Eastern Michigan University
    Karimah Whitaker
    Master's Degree in History from Northwestern University
    Linford
    Master's Degree in Religious Studies from Yale University
    Linford
    Bachelor's Degree in Biology/Biological Sciences from Rutgers University
    Chidimma
    Bachelor's Degree in History from Birmingham-Southern College
    Brandy Dahlen
    Bachelor's Degree from University of Alabama at Birmingham
    Karimah Whitaker
    Bachelor's Degree from Middle East Technical University
    Maya
    Bachelor's Degree in History from Millersville University
    Linford
    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
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    $80

    for 4 classes
    1x per week, 4 weeks
    45 min

    Completed by 28 learners
    Live video meetings
    Ages: 12-17
    3-6 learners per class

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