(Recorded Course) Living History through Literature (Medieval): Red Hugh, Prince of Donegal with Jackie de Laveaga, BA, M.Ed.

How to get the most out of Medieval History 4: Red Hugh, Prince of Donegal

with Jackie de Laveaga: 

  • Have a notebook ready and available for class notes during each class recording session.
  • Read the assigned chapters for each week.
  • Do the assignments, quizzes, and any extra work assigned for that week after you watch the recording.

Total Classes: 6

Duration: 50 minutes

Prerequisite: No class prerequisite. Your student will need Powerpoint 2007 or later version or the ability to convert a document to a Powerpoint-compatible file.

Suggested Grade Level: 6th to 9th grade

Suggested Credit: 1/2 semester History or Literature

Instructor: Jackie de Laveaga, BA, M.Ed.

Course Description: Living History Through Literature is a project-based course series. These courses weave the study of literature into a meaningful and engaging encounter with a specific era of history. In LHTL: Medieval History 4, we meet Red Hugh, a real 16th-century Irish heir who is kidnapped by English forces. Red Hugh eventually escapes and joins freedom fighting forces to battle for Ireland’s freedom. Students will explore the characteristics of a great hero while learning about Ireland’s history. Students will study the historical context of the novel and participate in engaging literature discussions. In this project-based course, students will engage in short quizzes and in projects of their choice. Project options will include fiction writing, preparing period-specific food and/or costumes, creating lapbooks, recreating scenes from the novel (Legos, clay, K’nex, digital drawing, hand-drawing, etc.), building a timeline, mapping, and more.

Course Outline:

Class 1: Overview of Historical Context and Novel Introduction

Class 2: Literature Discussion; Project Introduction

Class 3: Literature Discussion; Cultural Overview

Class 4: Literature Discussion; Fiction Writing Tips

Class 5: Literature Discussion; Final Project Instructions

Class 6: Literature Analysis and Historical Connections; Student Project Showcase

Course Materials: Red Hugh, Prince of Donegal by Robert Reilly, ISBN-10: 0440227798

ISBN-13: 978-0440227793 (https://www.bethlehembooks.com/red-hugh-prince-donegal-p-490 or bookfinder.com). Also available as an audiobook (http://amzn.to/2ItOwAi)

Homework: Weekly quizzes and reading assignments. Each week, students will work on one project-based assignment that will culminate in a final novel project submission (due at the end of week 6). Homework (including novel reading) will take 1.5-3 hours per week. Parents are encouraged to support younger students by reading texts aloud and helping with project planning and execution.