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 This course combines rich historical content with in-class creative activities and projects, making history come alive through hands-on activities such as designing medieval coats of arms and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 November 18: Manorial Life & Medieval Castles
In-class activity: 
-Sketch or design a medieval manor, focusing on key structures like the manor house, peasants' homes, and surrounding farmland.
-Sketch or design a medieval castle layout, including key features like towers, moats, dungeons, and drawbridges. Creative and fantasy elements like dragon designs or enchanted weapons stored in the armory allowed.

**Week of November 25: No Class

Week of December 2: Feudalism and Medieval Feasts
In-class activity: 
-Illustrate a medieval banquet hall, complete with long tables, feast decorations, and guests in medieval attire; adding specific elements like jesters, musicians, or tapestries hanging on the walls.
-Create an illustrated etiquette guide for attending a medieval feast, highlighting dos and don'ts in the dining hall (e.g., “Do share your trencher, but don’t grab food with your hands unless it’s bread!”).

Week of December 9: Knights and Chivalry
In-class activity: Design a coat of arms, incorporating symbols that represent their values, family heritage, or creative personality traits OR use the code of chivalry to inspire design choices. What symbols of honor, bravery, or loyalty would they include?

Week of December 16: Medieval/Viking Christmas Traditions
In-class activity: Design a side-by-side illustration (or split-scene design) showing the evolution of a chosen tradition from its medieval or Viking origin to how it is celebrated today.

**No Classes December 23 through January 3

Week of January 6: Role of Animals in Medieval Art
In-class activity: Create a Medieval Animal Illumination by designing a medieval-style illustration featuring cats or other animals, inspired by medieval manuscripts; adding an imaginary backstory or meaning to their depiction. For example, why is the cat shown sneaking through a castle, or why is it featured prominently in a religious scene?The 

Week of January 13: Byzantine Empire & The Great Schism
In-class activity: Create two pieces of art, each reflecting the symbolic and artistic differences between the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches during the time of the Great Schism.
In-class activity: Create a mosaic design inspired by Byzantine art.

Week of January 20: Kievan Rus
In-class activity: Create an icon or manuscript-style illustration inspired by the religious and artistic culture of the Kievan Rus.

Week of January 27: Early Russia
In-class activity: Create a Russian-inspired pattern on paper or canvas, incorporating traditional elements such as stylized flowers, stars, or natural forms that reflect the early Russian cultural landscape.

Week of February 3: The Islamic Golden Age
In-class activity: Create an Islamic geometric tile design.

**Week of February 10: No Class

Other topics in the queue:
Medieval Literature
Spread of Christianity After Rome
Medieval Warfare
Medieval Trade and Commerce
The Rise of Towns and Guilds
Women in the Middle Ages
The Hundred Years' War
Medieval Law and Order
Medieval Central Europe
The Crusades
Medieval China
The Mongol Empire
Medieval Japan
Medieval African Empires
The kingdoms of Mali, Ghana, and Songhai
Transition to the Renaissance