History II: Western Civilization to 1715

Coram Deo Academy History 10 students will study the history of Western Civilization from approximately 750 A.D. through approximately 1715 A.D.  Special focus will be given to the cultures and events that most significantly shaped Western Civilization during this period, including the Early Middle Ages; Christian kingdoms such as those of Alfred, Charlemagne, and Ferdinand & Isabella; the spread of Christianity; the rise of the Germanic peoples in Europe; the invasions of the continent and threats to its Christian civilization by the Vikings, Moslems, and others; issues, controversies, and conflicts related to the nature and practice of the Church; the Crusades; the Black Death; the European Renaissance; the Hundred Years War; Reformation period in which both reform and fracture of the Church occurred; the conflict between the Roman Catholic Church and other religious movements, including those that formed the Protestant Churches; the age of Western and Christian exploration, with special focus on such explorers as Columbus and Cortes; the rise of nation-states and empires; and the Scientific Revolution.  Students will learn the key dates of this period; the major individuals, nations, and events that shaped it; and the social, geographic, economic, political, and philosophical underpinnings of the era.

World-view perspectives will continue to be addressed as students develop their ability to discern and discuss reality as the peoples of this time period--both Christian and non-Christian--saw it, including their perception of the nature of the external world, human nature, the good that occurred in the world around them, and their outlook regarding the meaning of history.  Students will also develop the ability to apply the knowledge and lessons of the Early Middle Ages through the Scientific Revolution to the challenges and issues of their own lives and world.