From Dante to Napoleon, Luther to Robespierre, Dr. Martin covers some of the most fascinating persons and developments in History.

How to get the most out of

Renaissance to Modern Era: History of Western Civilization, Part One with Christopher Martin:

  • First, read the course materials below before the first class meeting.

Special Note: This course starts before Labor Day. Includes an optional writing component.

Total classes: 14

Duration per class: 55 minutes

Prerequisite: None

Suggested grade level: 6th to 8th grade. High School students welcomed - adjustments can be made to assignments to accommodate older students.

Suggested credit: One full semester European, World, or Modern History

Instructor: Christopher Martin

Instructor email: chrisgooverthere@yahoo.com

 

Course Description: This course traces the course of Western Civilization from the birth of the Renaissance to the fall of Napoleon, roughly 1300-1800. It includes studies of the great inventions, persons, and developments of this period, including the printing press, the  Reformation, and the French Revolution.

Course Outline:

Week 1: Introduction and overview of syllabus and assignments

         Renaissance              

Week 2: The Rise of the Humanists

Week 3: The Glory of the Renaissance

Week 4:  Science and Inventions

         Reformations

Week 5: The Lutheran Revolt

Week 6: Swiss and English Reformations

Week 7: The Counter Reformation

         Revolutions

Week 8: The Age of Discovery

Week 9: The Revolution in England

Week 10: The European State System

Week 11: The Wealth of the Nations

Week 12: The Age of Enlightenment

Week 13: The French Revolution

Week 14: The Age of Napoleon

Course materials: All course materials are provided FREE by the instructor.

Homework: Writing is an integral part of demonstrating both the assimilation of knowledge and the articulation thereof. Therefore, students will be guided through the process of writing a short  (1-2 page, double-spaced) review of a book of their choice relevant to the subject matter. 

NOTE: High School students taking this course may instead write a 3-5 page book review

Also, students will have one short (5-10 minute), ungraded, optional review quiz per week based on classroom lectures and discussions.