Medieval Humanities: Church Fathers to Reformation

This course introduces the student to a wide range of classic texts from the late patristic period, the medieval era, and the early Reformation. As an integrated humanities class, it offers the student an overview of the history, theology, philosophy, poetry and art of this time period, all of which continue to shape and influence us. Students will meet with Mr. Soderberg twice a week to discuss the material, share insights, and pursue wisdom together. They will read timeless texts, learn from some of the brightest minds in history, and complete assignments to aid them through their journey.

This course is based on the Omnibus II textbook and uses a shortened version of the Omnibus II reading list. The students will read “Primary Books,” which are foundational texts from the late patristic and medieval eras. They will also read “Secondary Books” which are less challenging, and will hopefully open the student’s mind to the colorful world inspired by the Christian medieval worldview.

Note: This course counts for the 8th grade “Medieval” Integrated Humanities credit required by the Kepler Education Diploma Track.

Course Format:

This 32-week course consists of four eight-week quarters. Each quarter students will be assigned readings appropriate for the week, relevant reading questions, other audio or video resources, as well as a 75-min. live recitation, twice a week, with the instructor and other students. Assignments include: four 1000-word essays (or equivalent projects), quizzes and comprehension checks, and 4 quarterly exams. In the course of the year, the students will complete all the required assignments and reading listed below and attend a minimum of 62 (ideally 64) live recitations to discuss the texts in Socratic fashion. Note: this course has a fair amount of reading. Students should be at least 13 years old when the course begins.

Course Objectives:

1. To gain a grasp of the main historical figures and the overall cultural framework of the medieval and early modern period.
2. To become proficient in the conversational approach to learning: close readings, interpretive questions, and Socratic discussions of the texts.
3. To develop lateral thinking skills by analyzing and synthesizing themes and motifs.
4. To write persuasively about perennial human questions.
5. To learn from both the mistakes and triumphs of the past, to help us live more faithfully in the present.

Texts:

(students will read all, or selections from):

Omnibus II Textbook - used throughout the year

Primary Books - First Semester

• Confessions by Augustine
• On the Incarnation by Athanasius
• The Creeds (Apostles', Nicene & Chalcedonian)
• The Ecclesiastical History of the English People by Bede
• The Rule of St. Benedict
• Beowulf
• The Song of Roland

Primary Books - Second Semester

• The History of the Kings of Britain by Geoffery of Monmouth
• Macbeth by William Shakespeare
• Sir Gawain and the Green Knight
• The Divine Comedy: Inferno by Dante
• The Canterbury Tales by Geoffery Chaucer
• The Bondage of the Will by Martin Luther

Secondary Books - First Semester

• The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
• The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien
• The Dragon and the Raven by G.A. Henty
• The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood by Howard Pyle

Secondary Books - Second Semester

• Winning His Spurs by G.A. Henty
• The Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien
• Henry V by William Shakespeare
• King Richard III by William Shakespeare
• The Return of the King by J.R.R. Tolkien

For questions, you may email the instructor: gregory.soderberg@kepler.education