Four-Year Cycle Homeschooling

Four Year Cycle Utilizing Homeschool Connections

with UNLIMITED ACCESS

If you follow a four-year cycle, such as that used with Story of Civilization by Phillip Campbell, you can use recorded, independent-learning courses with Homeschool Connections for your 5th through 12th grade curriculum.

Here is a list of recorded courses through our Unlimited Access program that are currently available to you ...

MIDDLE SCHOOL
Ancient 

• Literature: Greek Mythology with Emily Henry (10 weeks)
• History: Dawn of History: Mesopotamia, Egypt, China, Persia with Phillip Campbell (12 weeks)
• History: The Glory of Ancient Greece with Phillip Campbell (12 weeks)
• History: Res Publica Romana with Alison Stanley (10 weeks)
• Language: Middle School Latin, with Emily Henry Parts One and Two (12 weeks each)
• Language: Intermediate Middle School Latin Parts One and Two with Emily Henry (12 weeks each)
• Language: Biblical Greek, Parts One and Two with Dan Egan (13 and 14 weeks)

Medieval

• Literature/History: Living History Through Literature: Medieval History 1: Big John’s Secret with Jackie de Laveaga (6 weeks)
• Literature/History: Living History Through Literature: Medieval History 2: The Door in the Wall with Jackie de Laveaga (6 weeks)
• Literature/History: Living History Through Literature: Medieval History 3 Saint Joan, The Girl Soldier with Jackie de Laveaga (6 weeks) (available 7/15/19)
• Literature/History: Living History Through Literature: Medieval History 4: Red Hugh, Prince of Donegal with Jackie de Laveaga (6 weeks) (available 7/15/19)
• History: The Crusades: On A Quest for Christendom with Alison Stanley (10 weeks)

Renaissance through Modern 

• History: The French Revolution: “Liberty, Equality, Fraternity, or Death” with Alison Stanley (10 weeks)
• History: The Life and Legacy of St. John Paul II with Kevin O'Brien (6 weeks)
• Literature: Anne of Green Gables, Part One with Emily Henry (12 weeks)
• Literature: Anne of Green Gables, Part Two with Emily Henry (12 weeks)
• Literature: Anne of Avonlea with Mrs. Henry (12 weeks)

American

• Literature/History: Living History Through Literature: American History 1: Kat Finds a Friend with Jackie de Laveaga (6 weeks)
• Literature/History: Living History Through Literature: American History 2 Thomas Finds a Treasure, a Saint John Neumann Story with Jackie de Laveaga (6 weeks)
• Literature/History: Living History Through Literature: American History 3 The Orphans Find a Home, A St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Story with Jackie de Laveaga (6 weeks) (available 7/15/19)
• Literature/History: Living History Through Literature: American History 4 Willy Finds Victory, A Blessed Francis Seelos Story with Jackie de Laveaga (6 weeks) (available 7/15/19)
• History: Middle School U.S. History: Part 1 (1492-1847) with Phillip Campbell (12 weeks)
• History: Middle School U.S. History Part 2 (1847-1990) with Phillip Campbell (12 weeks)
• History: The American Revolution; Liberty! with Alison Stanley (10 weeks)
• History: History: The Civil War with Alison Stanley (10 weeks)
• History: World War I; What Price Glory with Alison Stanley (9 weeks)
• History: World War II; Allies vs. Axis with Alison Stanley (10 weeks)
• History: U.S. History: The Age of Exploration to Modernity, Parts One and Two with Christopher Martin (14 weeks each)
• History: The Rise and Fall of the Missions of Alta California, Parts One and Two with Christopher Zehnder (12 weeks each)

HIGH SCHOOL
Ancient 

• History: Dawn of History: Mesopotamia, Egypt, China, Persia with Phillip Campbell (12 weeks)
• History: The Glory of Ancient Greece with Phillip Campbell (12 weeks)
• History: The Life and Times of the Ancient Romans with Phillip Campbell (12 weeks)
• History: Ancient Rome: Republic, Empire and Collapse with Christopher Martin (14 weeks)
• History/Archaeology: Archaeology of the Ancient World with Phillip Campbell (13 weeks)
• History/Archaeology: An Archaeological Survey of the Old and New Testaments with Phillip Campbell (10 weeks)
• Language: wide variety of Latin courses with Emily Henry (12 to 14 weeks each)
• Language: Biblical Greek, Parts One and Two (14 weeks each)
• Literature: The Iliad by Homer with Joseph Pearce (6 weeks)
• Literature: The Odyssey by Homer with Joseph Pearce (6 weeks)
• Literature: Sophocles and Tragedy with Henry Russell (6 weeks)
• Literature: Virgil’s Aeneid; The Founding of Nations in the Will of God with Henry Russell (7 weeks)

Medieval

• Philosophy: An Introduction to The Summa Theologica by St. Thomas Aquinas, Parts One and Two with Dave Palmer (12 weeks each)
• Philosophy: St. Thomas on the Human Person with Jean Rioux (12 weeks)
• History: The Crusades: Defending Christendom with Alison Stanley (12 weeks)
• History: Catholic Middle Ages with Phillip Campbell (12 weeks)
• History: The Rending of Christendom (1415-1648) with Phillip Campbell (12 weeks)
• Literature: Anglo-Saxon England: Bede and Beowulf with Joseph Pearce (6 weeks)
• Literature: Canterbury Tales of Geoffrey Chaucer; Trust God and Tradition with Henry Russell (4 weeks)
• Literature: Medieval Literature for Modern Catholics with Henry Russell (12 weeks)
• Literature: St. Francis, Asceticism and Mysticism with G.K. Chesterton with Dale Ahlquist (6 weeks)
• Literature: Dante’s Inferno; Purgatorio; and Paradiso with Henry Russell (11-12 weeks each)

Renaissance through Modern 

• Philosophy: Introduction to Early Modern Philosophy with Jean Rioux (12 weeks)
• Philosophy: Revolution: The Progress of Liberalism with Phillip Campbell (14 weeks)
• Psychology: Modern Psychology with Julian Ahlquist (12 weeks)
• History: Early Modern Europe: 1648-1789 with Phillip Campbell (12 weeks)
• History: Modern European History; 1789-1991 with Phillip Campbell (14 weeks)
• History: Understanding the Second Vatican Council with Phillip Campbell (4 weeks)
• History: Totalitarianism in the 20th Century: Nazis and Soviets with Christopher Martin (14 weeks)
• Literature: A wide variety of Shakespeare courses
• Literature: Dracula by Bram Stoker with Eleanor Nicholson (6 weeks)
• Literature: The Victorian Detective with Eleanor Nicholson (12 weeks)
• Literature: Frankenstein: Misunderstood Monster with Joseph Pearce (6 weeks)
• Literature: Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte with Eleanor Nicholson (6 weeks)
• Literature: The Nineteenth-Century Novel with Eleanor Nicholson (12 weeks)
• Literature: The Picture of Dorian Gray with Joseph Pearce (6 weeks)

American

• History: Early American History (1492 to 1763); Discovery to the Dawn of Revolution with Phillip Campbell (12 weeks)
• History: US History: Revolution, Republic, and Union (1763-1865) with Phillip Campbell (12 weeks)
• History: Modern American History; 1865 - 2000 with Phillip Campbell (12 weeks) (with optional Honors)
• History: Contemporary U.S. History (1988-2016) with Phillip Campbell (12 weeks)
• History: The Great Depression with Phillip Campbell (4 weeks)
• History: U.S. History: The Age of Exploration to Modernity, Part One with Christopher Martin (14 weeks)
• History: U.S. History: The Age of Exploration to Modernity, Part Two with Christopher Martin (14 weeks)
• History: The American South: "To Live and Die in Dixie" with Christopher Martin (14 weeks)
• History: A Nation Made by Conflict: America's Wars with Christopher Martin (14 weeks)
• History: Civil Rights in America, 1863-1968: Setbacks, Struggles, and Shockwaves with Christopher Martin (14 weeks)
• History: American History: Lands of Hope and Promise, Part One with Christopher Zehnder (12 weeks)
• History: American History: Lands of Hope and Promise, Part Two with Christopher Zehnder (12 weeks)
• History: American History, Part One: Age of Exploration through the Civil War and Reconstruction with John C. "Chuck" Chalberg (12 weeks)
• History: American History, Part Two: Reconstruction through Present Day with John C. "Chuck" Chalberg. (12 weeks)
• History: The History of Latin America with Phillip Campbell (13 weeks)
• History/Government: A History of Government in Europe and America, Parts One and Two with Christopher Zehnder (11 and 12 weeks)
• Government: American Elections: Democracy in Action with Ed Rivet (6 weeks)
• Government: Government, Democracy, and Citizenship with Ed Rivet (9 weeks)
• Government: American Democracy and Government with Ed Rivet (12 weeks)
• Government: The Federalist Papers with Alison Stanley (12 weeks)
• Government: Advanced American Government with Ed Rivet (9 weeks)
• Government: U.S. Citizenship and Civics with Jason Negri (12 weeks)
• Government: U.S. Government and Politics, Parts One and Two with Alison Stanley (12 weeks each)
• Literature: Scarlet Letter with Henry Russell (7 weeks)
• Literature: Death Comes for the Archbishop with Henry Russell (6 weeks)
• Literature: The Stories and Letters of Flannery O’Connor with Kevin O'Brien (8 weeks)
• Literature: American Literature, Part One: Age of Exploration through Reconstruction with Jackie de Laveaga (12 weeks)
• Literature: American Literature, Part Two: Reconstruction through Present Day with Jackie de Laveaga (12 weeks)

We are currently creating new grade school (3rd through 6th grade) courses based on TAN Books Story of Civilization and will be available in the future.

Please let us know in the comments if you have any questions. We also invite you to call or email us: CONTACT.

4-Year Cycle: Ancient History

ANNOUNCING Homeschool Connections' new four-year cycle for live, interactive courses ...

In response to requests from students and their parents, Homeschool Connections has organized a four-year cycle of coordinated courses for all students in your family, third through twelfth grade. This is so your entire family can learn about the same era at the same time, making life easier for parents and making school more fun for children. (We also offer alternate courses, not in the cycle.)

The four-year cycle includes:

• Grade-school unit studies (3rd through 6th grade)
• Middle-school history and literature courses (6th through 8th grade)
• High-school history, literature, and philosophy courses (9th through 12th grade)

The four eras in the cycle are:

• Ancient (starting Fall 2019)
• Medieval (starting Fall 2020)
• Renaissance through Modern (starting Fall 2021)
• American (starting Fall 2022)

NOTE: This is already available through our Unlimited Access program. We have recorded, independent-learning courses available for fifth through twelfth grade for all eras.

For the 2019/2020 school year, here are the live, interactive courses that are available utilizing the new four-year cycle ...

-- Grade School. Homeschool Connections has developed a brand new, online grade school unit study program based on Story of Civilization by Phillip Campbell (TAN Books). The unit study is geared for third through sixth grade and will include religion, history, language arts, and science. Taught by Jackie deLaveaga. Registration is open HERE.

-- Middle School. Click on the course title to learn more or register:

• History: The Ancient World, Part One. Fall 2019 taught by Phillip Campbell (12 weeks).
• History: The Ancient World, Part Two. Spring 2020 taught by Phillip Campbell (12 weeks).
• Literature: The Golden Goblet: Living History Through Literature (Ancient Era 1). Fall 2019 taught by Jackie deLaveaga (6 weeks).
• Literature: Black Ships Before Troy: Living History Through Literature (Ancient Era 2). Fall 2019 taught by Jackie deLaveaga (6 weeks).
• Literature: Victory on the Walls: Living History Through Literature (Ancient Era 3). Spring 2020 taught by Jackie deLaveaga (6 weeks).
• Literature: The Bronze Bow: Living History Through Literature (Ancient Era 4). Spring 2020 taught by Jackie deLaveaga (6 weeks).

-- High School. Click on the course title to learn more or register:

• Philosophy: Early Greek Philosophy. Fall 2019 taught by Julian Ahlquist (15 weeks).
• Philosophy: Virtue and Vice: Ancient Philosophy for Modern Catholics. Spring 2020 taught by Sam Nicholson (12 weeks).
• History: The Dawn of History: The Ancient World. Fall 2019 taught by Phillip Campbell (12 weeks).
• History: Christ and Caesar: The Ancient World and the Founding of Christendom. Spring 2020 taught by Phillip Campbell (12 weeks).
• Literature: The Theban Plays of Sophocles. Fall 2019 taught by Joseph Pearce (6 weeks).
• Literature: Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra. Spring 2020 taught by Joseph Pearce (6 weeks).
• Literature: Iliad: The Glory and the Will of God. Fall 2019 taught by Henry Russell (12 weeks).
• Literature: Odyssey: The World Without Fathers. Spring 2020 taught by Henry Russell (12 weeks).

We also offer all levels of Latin. Search our registration page to find the right course for you or email us for a free Latin placement test.

ADDENDUM: Make sure to include your pre-k to 2nd grade children too! Here is a great picture book list for the Ancients (and accompanying podcast) from Sarah Mackenzie of Read-Aloud Revival, https://readaloudrevival.com/108/. Have your older children read aloud to your littles for a win-win homeschool day (lessons reinforced for the bigs, littles are included, Mom gets a break).

Top-10 Videos: History in a Minute

One year ago, Mr. Phillip Campbell had a fun idea, opened his iPhone, and started to film. And, as they say, the rest is history. Well, actually, the rest is History in a Minute.

It's been a fun year and we plan to keep going for many years to come. To celebrate this anniversary, we'd like to share the top-ten most viewed History in a Minute videos. 

10. Did you know that Starlings are not native to the United States? Or the role Shakespeare played in bringing them to the Western Hemisphere?

The History of Starlings in America

9. Did you ever wonder how the donkey came to represent the Democrat Party?

The History of the Donkey and Democrats

8. Do you know the story of St. Francis of Assisi and the Nativity?

The History of Nativity Scenes

7. The saint who was visited by St. Michael the Archangel (who drilled a hole in the monk's skull -- really!) ...

The History of St. Aubert

6. Just in time for Advent ...

The History of Veni Veni Emmanual

5. Curly-toed shoes, the baggy pants of the Middle Ages ...

The History of Curly-Toed Shoes (yes, that's a thing) ...

4. For the war buffs in the house ...

The First Recorded Battle in History

3. Mr. Campbell's favorite beverage in the whole world ...

The History of Dr. Pepper

2. If you're a Phineas & Ferb fan or an Alexander the Great fan, you may know this story ...

The Legend of the Gordian Knot

1. And the number one History in a Minute video is ... (drum roll please) ...

The History of Pugs

Let us know what topics you'd like to see us cover over the next year. And, if you'd like to check out all of the other History in a Minute videos, subscribe to our channel HERE. 

Video: Catholic Saints (History in a Minute)

History in a Minute Video Series

Catholic Saints

History is the accounting of everything mankind has accomplished throughout time. It is central to all of the other academic pursuits as it ties them together, including the subject of religion. Without God there is no history. He is, after all, the Creator.

In history studies, you can discuss the religious beliefs of specific eras and places. How are those beliefs similar or different from the culture we live in today? What impact do religious beliefs play in historical events (or today's events)?

Most importantly, as homeschoolers we can talk about how our children, as individuals, can impact history as children of God. A study of the saints shows us how even the most simple of human beings can change the course of history.

Saint stories are not mere stories to entertain. They are not mere myths to teach lessons to. The saints were real, historical persons who affected world events.

Therefore, Homeschool Connections video project, History in a Minute, often includes Catholic saints as topics. They are blended within other videos on such topics as man-made disasters, politics, and archeology.

Videos are posted every Tuesday. To keep up to date on future videos on the saints and many other historical topics, Subscribe Now.

St. Francis Assisi

St. Aubert

St. Arnold, Patron Saint of Beer

St. Drogo, Patron Saint of Coffee

St. Triduana of Scotland

St. Charles Borromeo

We hope you enjoyed these videos and that they are useful to your family and your homeschool. Let us know in the comments if you have suggestions for future History in a Minute topics.

Middle East Reading List for Catholic Students

The Middle East is not only an interesting study, it's an important study. We've put together a reading list for you that includes fiction and nonfiction for students of multiple ages.

Who is this list for?

• Homeschool moms putting together a unit study of the Middle East for multiple grade levels, or
• Students of Mr. Campbell's new course, Fracturing of the Middle East: From the Ottoman Empire to Isis, who want to explore the subject more deeply on their own, or
• Anyone who wants to expand their learning.

Books are listed in order of difficulty, from upper-grade school to middle school to high school to adult. One idea for preschool and early grade school is to look for picture books at the library with fun facts or books that focus on the geography of the region. At the end of this reading list are some additional ideas for supplemental lessons.

As with any book list, parent discretion is advised. Not all books are appropriate for all ages or all students.

Click on the book title for reviews or purchasing information (May contain affiliate links). Another resource to read book reviews is Goodreads. And to find used books for the best price, try Book Finder ... 

The White Horse by Elizabeth Coatsworth (1942) [Bethlehem Books]

Part of the Sally Series, the story takes Sally to the Mediterranean Sea where she encounters Barbary Coast pirates, is taken captive, ends up in the Sultan's palace, and so much more. Sally is exposed to Islam and a way of life unknown to her before this adventure. Charming series that could be read aloud with younger children. 

The Horse and His Boy by C.S. Lewis (Chronicles of Narnia)
Not about the Middle East, however, "it is reminiscent of classic stories set in the Middle East (such as the Arabian Nights)." Terrific read aloud for the family. You can never go wrong with Narnia.

The Man Who Counted: A Collection of Mathematical Adventures by Malba Tahan

Takes place in 13th-century Baghdad. A well-written novel introducing the reader to complex math puzzles in an interesting and fun way. Presents an opportunity to discuss Islam. Read this disclaimer first. (Can be downloaded free HERE.)

One Thousand and One Arabian Nights 
The mythical back story to this wide collection of stories (from Aladin to Ali Baba) begins with Shahryār, a Sasanian king. He discovers his brother's wife and also his own wife are both unfaithful. In his grief, he concludes all women are the same. Shahryār begins to marry a succession of women only to execute each one the next morning before she has a chance to dishonor her vows. That is until Scheherazade offers herself as a bride. On the night of their marriage, Scheherazade begins to tell the king a tale but does not end it. The king, enthralled in the story, postpones her execution in order to hear the conclusion. The next night, as soon as she finishes the tale, she begins (and only begins) a new one, and the king, eager to hear the conclusion of this tale, postpones her execution again. So it goes on for 1,001 nights. 

Suleiman the Magnificent: Sultan of the East by Harold Lamb (1951) [OOP]
Harold Lamb's fictionalized histories are usually very gripping and enjoyable stories. We are including three of his titles here. Suleiman the Magnificent is the story of the tenth and longest-reigning Sultan of the Ottoman Empire, from 1520 to his death in 1566. 

Tamerlane: Conqueror of the Earth by Harold Lamb (1955) [OOP]

Temur the Lame, who referred to himself as the "Sword of Islam" is a fascinating individual in 14th-century history. He was a blood thirsty world conqueror, perhaps second only to Genghis Kahn.

In addition to an intriguing story, the back of the book contains a wealth of material to help you continue your study into the subject. (Also available as an audio book.)

Swords from the Desert by Harold Lamb

Made up of four novellas originally published in Adventure magazine in the late 1920s, and three short stories published in Collier's magazine in the early 1930's. All immerse you into the culture of the Middle East. 

Angels in Iron by Nicholas Prata [Arx Publishing]

A favorite book, this is an engaging historical fiction that deals with numerous figures from the early Ottoman times, including Suleiman the Magnificent, Piali Pasha, and Dragut the Corsair. It's a well-researched story that also demonstrates all the character traits we'd like to see in ourselves and our children: courage, honor, selflessness, and more. (Rumor has it there may be a movie based on this novel in the distant future. I'm at least hoping for an audio book.)

Defenders of Christendom by James Fitzhenry 

A good book from the same perspective as Angels in Iron. It deals with the Christian heroes who resisted the Turks in an attempt to check their advances, including John Hunyadi the White Knight of Wallachia, Skanderbeg of Albania, Jean La Valette of the Knights of St. John, and others. 

The Breadwinner Trilogy by Deborah Ellis 
These three fictional books take place in Afghanistan during the rule of Taliban in the 1990's and told through the eyes of a young girl who disguises herself as a boy to survive the refugee camps. Hits on serious realities: War, starvation, refugee camps, maimed children (from land mines), and despair.

111 Questions on Islam by Samir Khalil Samir S.J. [Ignatius Press]

It is important in today's world for Americans to understand the history and culture of Islam. This book is in an easy-to-read, question and answer format.

All the Shah's Men: An American Coup and the Roots of Middle East Terror by Stephen Kinzer
A detailed factual account of the 1953 CIA coup in Iran that ousted the elected prime minister and the aftermath. A study into what brought about Islamic fundamentalism and anti-Americanism in the Middle East.

Monks of Tibhirine: Faith, Love, and Terror in Algeria by John Kizer 

This is the story of seven Trappist monks in Algeria who were kidnapped, imprisoned for two months, and beheaded by Islamic radicals in the 1990's. The book is a history of the Algerian monks and chronicles the relationship of the monks with their Muslim neighbors. The movie Of Gods and Men is based loosely on this story. Monks of Tibhirine is upper high school or adult level reading.

Lawrence in Arabia: War, Deceit, Imperial Folly, and the Making of the Modern Middle East by Scott Anderson (2014)
A look at the Middle East arena during World War I. A fairly readable popular account of T. E. Lawrence, of his role in shaping the Middle East, and of missed opportunities that we are still paying for today. Parental discretion advised as it contains information about Turkish captors who sexually assaulted Lawrence. 

The Ottoman Centuries by Lord Kinross (1979)
Excellent resource on the history of the Ottoman Empire, especially the circumstances surrounding its decline and disappearance after World War I. For the parent or advanced student who wants to go really deep. The author painstakingly researched this book, looking at all of the big issues: Economic, political, and social. 

The Romance of the Last Crusade: With Allenby to Jerusalem by Major Vivian Gilbert (1923)

British General Edwin Allenby was the first Christian general to capture Jerusalem since the Crusades. This book, written by an eyewitness of Allenby's exploits, gives a detailed account of the British Palestine campaign in World War I. Advanced readers only.

To watch ...

Lawrence of Arabia with Peter O'Toole (1962)

Epic historical drama film based on the life of T. E. Lawrence, a British archaeologist who lived an extraordinary life. He was best known for his legendary war activities in the Middle East during World War I and for his book The Seven Pillars of Wisdom (1926).

Other resources:
Middle East: Map & Geography Information

Al Jazeera: Online English language version of the popular Middle Eastern TV station.

Visit a Mediterranean restaurant or create Middle East recipes at home.

Thank you Tony Schiavo of Arx Publishing, Phillip Campbell, Danielle Goodnight, and Susan Donovan for your suggestions for this list. This was not an easy book list to compile. There are so few non-Western works available. Please share any suggestions you have in the comments below.

Homeschool Online History Classes

As always, Homeschool Connections is offering lots of great history courses next semester. Below I'll give you all the little details for each course. In a nutshell, here are the fall history courses:

• The French Revolution: “Liberty, Equality, Fraternity, or Death” with Mrs. Stanley (6th to 8th grade)
• The Rise and Fall of the Missions of Alta California with Mr. Zehnder (7th grade and up)
• History: Making of the Modern World: Light to the Nations II with Mr. Zehnder (8th to 10th grade)
• The History of Latin America with Mr. Campbell (11th and 12th grade)

Registration is open. The Early Enrollment Price ends July 15th some courses are starting to fill up, so don't wait too long! Click here: Homeschool Connections Registration Page (choose the semester and click on Search).

The French Revolution: “Liberty, Equality, Fraternity, or Death”

This course is limited to 20 students.

Class dates: Wednesdays, September 23 to November 25, 2015.

Total classes: 10

Starting time: 1:00 PM Eastern (Noon Central; 11:00 Mountain; 10:00 Pacific)

Duration: 55 minutes

Prerequisite: None

Suggested grade level: 6^th to 8^th grade

Fee: $150 if you register on or before July 15, 2015. $170 after July 15 for all 10 classes.

Instructor: Alison Stanley, JD

Course Description: In 1789, a three-part revolution began in France due to grave inequality between the three classes (“Estates”), the distressed financial condition of the French government and the widespread dissemination of Enlightenment ideals. The rebellion was radical and violent, leading to the abolition of the monarchy and execution of King Louis XVI. Although the monarchy returned to this country, the French Revolution drastically altered Europe forever by abolishing feudalism and promoting the principles of equality and natural right.

Course materials: All course materials will be supplied free by the instructor.

Homework: Homework is approximately 30 minutes a week consisting of original reading from the time period, as well as educational videos. A final project also will be assigned which will be presented at the last class. Moreover, a final exam will be given.

The Rise and Fall of the Missions of Alta California, Part One

Note: This is Part One of a 2-part course. Students are expected to register for Part Two in the spring.

Class dates: Mondays, September 14 to December 7, 2015. No class October 26 for midterm break.

Total classes: 12

Starting time: 1:00 PM Eastern (Noon Central; 11:00 Mountain; 10:00 Pacific)

Duration: 55 minutes

Prerequisite: None

Suggested grade level: 7th grade and up

Suggested high school credit: 1 full semester American History

Fee: $175 if you register on or before July 15, 2015. $195 after July 15th for all 12 classes.

Instructor: Christopher Zehnder, MA

Course description: This course will tell the story of the mission system that Fray Junípero Serra established in California, the various struggles he and his successors faced in bringing Christ and civilization to the primitive peoples of California and the opposition they faced from both Spanish and California officials. It is a dramatic story that includes many dramatic events: Indian rebellion, heroic sacrifice, and martyrdom. It is a tragic story, too, for it tells of the promise of the mission system and how it was ultimately destroyed.

Course materials: Instructor will provide texts (primary source and otherwise) in PDF format to students.

Homework: Weekly reading. Lectures will focus on those events and ideas that are the keys for understanding the historical periods under consideration. The teacher will evaluate the students by essay tests given after Week III, Week V, and Week VII. Thereafter, evaluation will be based on student's responses to questions in class.

History: Making of the Modern World: Light to the Nations II, Part One

Please note: Light to the Nations I is NOT necessary to take Light to the Nations II.

This is Part One of a 2-part course. Students are expected to register for Part Two in the spring.

Class dates: Mondays, September 14 to December 7, 2015. No class October 26 for midterm break.

Total classes: 12

Starting time: 2:30 PM Eastern (1:30 Central; 12:30 Mountain; 11:30 Pacific)

Duration: 75 minutes (1 hour 15 minutes)

Prerequisite: None 

Suggested grade level: 8th to 10th grade

Suggesting high school credit: 1 full semester World History

Fee: $175 if you register on or before July 15, 2015. $195 after July 15th for all 12 classes.

Instructor: Christopher Zehnder, MA

Course description: This course examines how the Modern World – our world – came to be. It looks at the revolutionary ideas that created, first in Europe and then the entire world, an understanding of man and his relationship to God, the Church, and the state that was in many respects radically different from the understanding of these things that prevailed in the Middle Ages. Ideas influence deeds, and thus the course examines historical events, showing how they flowed from the struggle between those who held to traditional conceptions and those who embraced the new ideas. Events influence ideas, and thus we study how the events of history helped modify and develop both the new ideas and the traditional vision of the world. The course is divided into two parts. Part I (first semester) begins with the scientific revolution of the 16th and 17th centuries and concludes with the attempt, steered by Prince Klemens von Metternich, to reestablish the ancient regime after the fall of Napoleon's empire. Part II (second semester) continues the story, beginning with a study of Romanticism and concluding with Vatican II and the post-conciliar world. 

Course materials: The text for the course (both Part One and Part Two) is Light to the Nations II: The Making of the Modern World, published by and available from http://www.catholictextbookproject.com/. 

Homework: Students will read assigned portions of the text. Lectures will focus on those events and ideas that are the keys for understanding the historical periods under consideration. The teacher will evaluate the students by essay tests given after Week III, Week V, and Week VII. Thereafter, evaluation will be based on student's responses to questions in class.

The History of Latin America

Class dates: Mondays, September 14 to December 14, 2015. No classes Nov. 2 for Midterm Break.

Total classes: 13

Starting time: 4:30 PM Eastern (3:30 Central; 2:30 Mountain; 1:30 Pacific)

Duration: 55 minutes

Prerequisite: None, Introduction to Christian Historiography and Modern European History recommended (both available through Unlimited Access).

Suggested grade level: 11^th to 12^th grade; 9^th and 10^th grade students with above average reading and comprehension skills.

Suggested high school credit: 1 full semester World History or American History

Fee: $200 if you register on or before July 15, 2015. $220 after July 15^th for all 13 classes.

Instructor: Mr. Phillip Campbell

Course description: Americans routinely hear about problems all over the globe, but seldom do we have the historical hindsight to understand the origin of these conflicts. In "The History of Latin America", students will survey of the history and culture of Central and South America, from the Spanish and Portuguese colonial period through the age of the revolutions and into the region's troubled modern period. Focus will be on South and Central America but will also touch on the Caribbean with an emphasis on illustrating how the region's past relates to its modern character.

Course outline:
Week 1: Geography: Introduction to the geography of south and central America
Week 2: Pre-Columbian Peoples: Cultures of south and central America prior to Columbus
Week 3: First Contact: Initial contacts with the Europeans and the Conquest 

Week 4: Brazil: The calamitous history of South America's largest nation

Week 5: The Caribbean: Culture and history of the Caribbean islands
Week 6: The Catholic Church: The role of the Church in creating the culture of Latin America
Week 7: Culture and Society: Distinctive cultural characteristics of Latin America
Week 8: New Spain: The creation of Mexico
Week 9: The Age of Liberty: Revolution rocks Latin America throughout the 19th century
Week 10: Banana Republics: Latin America and U.S. influence in the early 20th century
Week 11: The Strong Men: Pinochet, Peron, and the Latin American dictatorships
Week 12: The Spectre of Communism: Latin America's experiment with socialism and communism
Week 13: Unresolved Issues: Contemporary problems in Latin America

Course materials: Provided free by instructor.

Homework: Five hours per week, including attending the live class, watching recordings, completing reading assignments, online quizzes, and occasional short answer or mini-essay questions.