Medieval World History for Middle Grades

Humans love stories, and history is the ongoing tale of our being; what better way for curious students to learn than through the story of history as told in a dynamic, engaging fashion?

Through a multitude of tales, maps, images, songs, timelines, and questions, this course will present a rich view of the exciting Middle Ages, Renaissance, and Reformation in their grandeur and sorrow. Like all historical periods, these are deeply significant in understanding human experience and nature; by learning about kings, tyrants, theologians, artists, philosophers and other members of society, students can continue gaining wisdom and practicing discernment. They’ll explore various expressions of humanity-from extraordinary achievements to dismal failures-and come to appreciate the art of nuance in studying history as well as further grow in their understanding of virtue and vice.   Using The Curious Historian Level 3A and 3B, students will:

•  Read historical narratives about events and people, analyzing the motives and actions involved;
• Utilize maps for reference and research;
• Develop a broader vocabulary and grow in verbal expression;
• Place events on the historical timeline and consider how consequences lead to further events;
• Practice asking and answering the 6 vital questions (Who? What? Where? When? Why? and How?) of research;
• Engage in dialogue with other students.
• …and much more!   How is faith integrated with these courses?

These seminar-style discussions unfold organically. One could approach the texts with a focus on defensive critiques of classical authors. By contrast, we seek to read charitably. We treat classic authors as if they were friends, gleaning every available truth while also examining them from a robustly Christian perspective. At Scholé Academy, we have carefully considered how we should engage our contemporary culture as those who believe that Christ is the Truth (John 14:6), and that all truth has its source in him. We think it is important to provide our upper school students (in grades 7-12) with tools and opportunities for critically examining various cultural trends, issues and mores through the lens of orthodox, Christian beliefs. Being confident in the truth revealed to us in creation, the Scriptures, and the tradition of the church, we are not afraid to follow the truth and its implications nor to address error and falsehood. … Read more about our Faith & Culture.  

Quarter 1

The Curious Historian Level 3A: The Early Middle Ages Unit 1:

• End of Western Roman Empire
• Gothic and Vandal Kingdoms
• Frankish and Irish Kingdoms
• Old English
• Justinian and Muhammad

Quarter 2

The Curious Historian Level 3A: The Early Middle Ages Unit 2:

• Charlemagne's Empire
• Vikings and Nordic Invaders
• Byzantine Empire and Eastern Christianity
• Monarchs and Monuments
• Confessors and Castles
• The Eastern World: China, India, Islam

Quarter 3

The Curious Historian Level 3B: Late Middle Ages and Renaissance Unit 1:

• Norman Conquest
• Crusades
• Byzantium
• Western Christendom
• Medieval Music
• King Arthur and Robin Hood

Quarter 4

The Curious Historian Level 3B: Late Middle Ages and Renaissance Unit 2:

• Eastern Empires
• The world of merchants and monarchs
• Explorers and trade
• Crises and Drama of the 15th Century
• The Protestant Reformation
• Birth of Modern English
• Canterbury Tales
• Shakespeare
• Music, Architecture, and Art

• Computer: You will need a stable, reliable computer, running with a processor with a speed of 1 GHz or better on one of the following operating systems: Mac OS X with Mac OS 10.7 or later; Windows 8, 7, Vista (with SP1 or later), or XP (with SP3 or later). We do not recommend using an iPad or other tablet for joining classes. An inexpensive laptop or netbook would be much better solutions, as they enable you to plug an Ethernet cable directly into your computer. Please note that Chromebooks are allowed but not preferred, as they do not support certain features of the Zoom video conference software such as breakout sessions and annotation, which may be used by our teachers for class activities.
• High-Speed Internet Connection: You will also need access to high-speed Internet, preferably accessible via Ethernet cable right into your computer. Using Wi-Fi may work, but will not guarantee you the optimal use of your bandwidth. The faster your Internet, the better. We recommend using a connection with a download/upload speed of 5/1 Mbps or better. You can test your Internet connection here.
• Webcam: You may use an external webcam or one that is built in to the computer. Webcam Recommendations: Good (PC only) | Best (Mac and PC)
• Headset: We recommend using a headset rather than a built-in microphone and speakers. Using a headset reduces the level of background noise heard by the entire class. Headset Recommendations: USB | 3.5mm
• Zoom: We use a web conferencing software called Zoom for our classes, which enables students and teachers to gather from around the globe face to face in real time. Zoom is free to download and easy to use. To download Zoom:
  1. Visit zoom.us/download.
  2. Click to download the first option listed, Zoom Client for Meetings.
  3. Open and run the installer on your computer.
  4. In August, students will be provided with instructions and a link for joining their particular class.
• Scanner: In this class, students frequently submit homework assignments by scanning pages from their workbooks. Students and/or their parents should have easy access to a scanner and the ability to use it.