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. See the schedule below.

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 Legends of Charlemagne
4. The Song of the Nibelungs
5. The Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer (selections)
6. The Divine Comedy by Dante (selections) [Dorothy Sayers translation: Book 1, Book 2, Book 3]
7. “The Second Shepherd’s Play”
8. Le Morte d’Arthur by Sir Thomas Malory
9. Selections from Renaissance poetry
10. The Prince by Machiavelli (selections)
11. Henry V by Shakespeare [Arden Shakespeare, 3rd ed.: Amazon]
12. The Faerie Queen by Edmund Spenser (selections)
13. 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.

Aug 13 – No reading
Aug 20 – Confessions
Aug 27 – Beowulf
Sep 3 – Beowulf
Sep 10 – Beowulf
Sep 17 – The Legends of Charlemagne
Sep 24 – The Song of the Nibelungs
Oct 1 – The Song of the Nibelungs
Oct 8 – Fall Break
Oct 15 – The Song of the Nibelungs
Oct 22 – Canterbury Tales
Oct 29 – Divine Comedy
Nov 5 – Divine Comedy
Nov 12 – Divine Comedy
Nov 19 – Writing week
Nov 26 – Thanksgiving Break
Dec 3 – The Second Shepherd’s Play
Dec 10-Jan 6 – Winter Break
Jan 7 – Le Morte d’Arthur
Jan 14 – Le Morte d’Arthur
Jan 21 – Le Morte d’Arthur
Jan 28 – Le Morte d’Arthur
Feb 4 – Le Morte d’Arthur
Feb 11 – Poetry
Feb 18 – The Prince
Feb 25 – The Prince
Mar 4 – Henry V
Mar 11 – Spring Break
Mar 18 – Henry V
Mar 25 – Henry V
Apr 1 – Easter Break
April 8 – Henry V
April 15 – Henry V
Apr 22 – Faerie Queen
April 29 – Robin Hood
May 6 – Robin Hood

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.