In LHTL: Medieval History 4, we meet Red Hugh, a real 16th-century Irish heir who is kidnapped by English forces. Red Hugh eventually escapes and joins freedom fighting forces to battle for Ireland’s freedom. Students will explore the characteristics of a great hero while learning about Ireland’s history. Students will study the historical context of the novel and participate in engaging literature discussions. In this project-based course, students will engage in short quizzes and in projects of their choice.
Living History Through Literature is a project-based course series. These courses weave the study of literature into a meaningful and engaging encounter with a specific era of history. In LHTL: Medieval History 4, we meet Red Hugh, a real 16th-century Irish heir who is kidnapped by English forces. Red Hugh eventually escapes and joins freedom fighting forces to battle for Ireland’s freedom. Students will explore the characteristics of a great hero while learning about Ireland’s history. Students will study the historical context of the novel and participate in engaging literature discussions. In this project-based course, students will engage in short quizzes and in projects of their choice. Project options will include fiction writing, preparing period-specific food and/or costumes, creating lapbooks, recreating scenes from the novel (Legos, clay, K’nex, digital drawing, hand-drawing, etc.), building a timeline, mapping, and more.
Class 1: Overview of Historical Context and Novel Introduction
Class 2: Literature Discussion; Project Introduction
Class 3: Literature Discussion; Cultural Overview
Class 4: Literature Discussion; Fiction Writing Tips
Class 5: Literature Discussion; Final Project Instructions
Class 6: Literature Analysis and Historical Connections; Student Project Showcase
Course Materials: Red Hugh, Prince of Donegal by Robert Reilly, ISBN-10: 0440227798
ISBN-13: 978-0440227793 (https://www.bethlehembooks.com/red-hugh-prince-donegal-p-490 or bookfinder.com). Also available as an audiobook (http://amzn.to/2ItOwAi)
Homework: Weekly quizzes and reading assignments. Each week, students will work on one project-based assignment that will culminate in a final novel project submission (due at the end of week 6). Homework (including novel reading) will take 1.5-3 hours per week. Parents are encouraged to support younger students by reading texts aloud and helping with project planning and execution.