Medieval Literature Live

Description

This Live Course will be offered during the 2025-26 academic year.

In Medieval Literature Live, students will read, discuss, and write about some of the greatest works from the Medieval era. Miss Purifoy will introduce students to Christian authors such as Augustine, Dante, and Shakespeare, teaching them how to understand literature from a historical perspective. Group discussion is a crucial part of the class since it allows students to interact with each other and take inspiration from their peers in an academic setting. 

The class will meet weekly over Zoom on Wednesdays, from 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM Central Standard Time. The format will be lectures and discussion each week.

Includes:

• Weekly group discussions
• Weekly readings of various length
• Short lectures covering literary context
• Writing instruction
• Approximately 10 essays of various types
• Grading
• Research instruction

The course can be used alongside Dave Raymond’s Christendom course, but is also structured to stand alone.

Credit: Full Credit in High School Literature/English

Ages: 14+ (This course is taught at the high school level.)

Mary Pierson Purifoy graduated from Liberty University and was homeschooled until college. An avid reader and writer, she hopes to teach students to love books, writing, and history.

List of Readings

Bold items need to be purchased separately. Suggested purchase links are provided.

1. Confessions by Augustine (selections) [Thomas Williams translation]
2. Beowulf (Seamus Heaney translation)
3. The Song of the Nibelungs
4. The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer (selections)
5. The Divine Comedy by Dante (selections) [Dorothy Sayers translation: Book 1, Book 2, Book 3]
6. “The Second Shepherd’s Play”
7. Le Morte d’Arthur by Sir Thomas Malory
8. Selections from Renaissance poetry
9. The Prince by Machiavelli (selections)
10. Henry V by Shakespeare [Arden Shakespeare, 3rd ed.: Amazon]
11. The Faerie Queen by Edmund Spenser (selections)
12. The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood by Howard Pyle [Amazon]

Schedule of Class Meetings

Wednesdays from 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM Central Standard Time. Exact dates subject to slight change. Runs approximately 39 weeks into May, including holiday breaks. Begins on Aug 20, 2025 (approximate start date).

What if I can’t attend the live Zoom sessions?

All the sessions will be recorded and posted for enrolled families to watch at their convenience. You can use the recordings to review or catch up if you missed a session.

Families who can’t make the schedule above can still participate in the class assignments and group discussions by watching the recordings and communicating in the group on My Compass Classroom.

What kinds of assignments and assessments are included?

Assignments include weekly readings and papers corresponding with various pieces of literature.  All are designed to help students think deeply, write clearly, and enjoy great literature.

Will my student receive a final grade?

Yes! The instructor, Mary Pierson, will provide a suggested final grade based on submitted assignments and participation. Since this is a live homeschool course, the parent has the final authority and may use this grade as part of their student’s official transcript or records.

Do you offer refunds on live classes?

We think you will love this class. If you don’t, you may request a refund but must do so no later than before the second scheduled class after your enrollment (purchase) date. This gives you the chance to experience an entire live class session to make your decision.