Dive deep into the captivating world of the Middle Ages in this weekly (ongoing) high school medieval history class, perfect for artistic and visual learners. This course combines rich historical content with in-class creative activities and projects, making history come alive through hands-on activities such as designing medieval coats of arms and Byzantine-style mosaics. Ideal as a history elective, this class provides a comprehensive exploration of the Middle Ages, blending interactive discussions, lectures, and creative projects to maintain student engagement.

Every week focuses on a new medieval topic, ensuring a dynamic and immersive learning experience. My teaching style is student-centered, encouraging active participation and creativity. Discussions, visual aids, and slides supplement interactive lectures, offering a multi-sensory approach to learning.

No prior knowledge is required, and learners can join anytime. We offer quick summaries of relevant information from previous sessions to ensure continuity. This course is designed to meet the diverse needs of high school learners, providing both creativity and in-depth understanding of historical events.

*Please note that our exploration of each topic may evolve based on class interest, and the schedule might adapt accordingly. I will provide weekly updates to keep you informed of our class plan.


****Tentative Weekly Topics and Activities/Projects:****

Week of September 9: Introduction to the Medieval World
Fall of Rome & Overview of the Middle Ages
Project: Analyze maps showing the Roman Empire at its peak and its territories at the time of its fall & create an annotated map to illustrate the changes over time and the reasons behind them.

Week of September 16: Feudalism and Manorial Life
Structure of feudal society
Project: Design a medieval manor map showing the layout of a typical feudal manor; including markers for key locations (lord's manor, peasant homes, farmlands, common lands) and information

Week of September 23: Knights and Chivalry
The role and life of a knight
Project: Design your own knight's armor and coat of arms

Week of September 30: Medieval Castles
Architecture and functions of castles
Project: Choose a type of medieval castle (e.g., motte-and-bailey, stone keep, concentric castle) and design a detailed model or drawing. Incorporate key architectural features and defensive elements such as moats, drawbridges, and battlements.

Week of October 7: Daily Life in the Middle Ages
Peasants, merchants, and nobles
Project: Design and create clothing for a peasant, merchant, or noble using paper dolls or digital tools.

Week of October 14: The Medieval Church
Influence of the Church on daily life
Project: Design a medieval cathedral with stained glass windows or design a stained glass window

Week of October 21: The Crusades
Causes, key events, and impacts
Project: Create a map of the Crusades routes and key locations & create propaganda posters that might have been used to recruit people for the Crusades

Week of October 28: Spread of Christianity After Rome
Impact of Christianity after the fall of Rome and through the Crusades
Project: Design Create a poster on the origins and significance of major Christian festivals (e.g., Easter, Christmas) explaining how these festivals helped spread and consolidate Christian beliefs.

Week of November 4: Medieval Warfare
Weapons, tactics, and famous battles
Project: Design a medieval weapon and explain its use

Week of November 4: The Black Plague
Spread and effects of the plague
Project: Illustrate a medieval medical treatment or plague doctor

Week of November 11: Medieval Trade and Commerce
Trade routes and markets
Project: Create a detailed map of medieval trade routes highlighting major trade routes and cities, and illustrate key goods traded along each route.

Week of November 18: The Rise of Towns and Guilds
Development of towns and the role of guilds
Project: Design a guild emblem and charter

**Week of November 25: No Class
 
Week of December 2: Medieval Literature and Arts
Key literary works and artistic styles
Project: Create an illuminated manuscript page

Week of December 9: Women in the Middle Ages
Roles and influential women
Project: Create a timeline of significant women in the Middle Ages and their achievements

Week of December 17: The Hundred Years' War
Key events and outcomes
Project: Create a battle map and strategies

**No Classes December 23 through January 3

Week of January 6: Medieval Law and Order
Legal systems and justice
Project: Create a scroll of laws and punishments from a medieval kingdom

Week of January 13: Vikings and their Influence
Exploration and impact
Project: Draw and decorate runestones with inscriptions in the runic alphabet

Week of January 20: Medieval Central Europe
The Holy Roman Empire and regional kingdoms
Project: Create a family tree of a significant medieval European dynasty

Week of January 27: Medieval Music and Entertainment
Music, festivals, and daily entertainment
Project: Illustrate a medieval musical instrument or festival scene

Week of February 3: The Great Schism
Religious and political impacts
Project: Create an illustrated comparison of the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches

**Week of February 10: No Class

Week of February 17: The Byzantine Empire
Culture and influence
Project: Design a Byzantine-style mosaic on a traditional Byzantine subject, such as a religious figure or scene

Week of February 24: Medieval China
The Tang and Song dynasties' advancements
Project: Make traditional Chinese lanterns or create your own version

Week of March 3: The Mongol Empire
Expansion and influence on Europe
Project: Create a map of the Mongol Empire's expansion

Week of March 10: Medieval Japan
The samurai culture and feudal Japan
Project: Design a flag for a samurai clan, incorporating symbols and colors that represent their values and heritage

Week of March 17: The Islamic Golden Age
Scientific, cultural, and economic advancements
Project: Create a piece of Islamic art or a model of an innovation

Week of March 24: Medieval African Empires
The kingdoms of Mali, Ghana, and Songhai
Project: Design and create traditional African masks inspired by the art and culture of the medieval African empires

Week of March 31: Transition to the Renaissance
From feudalism to the Renaissance
Project: Create posters that illustrate the principles of Renaissance humanism