Description

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.

Each week includes a short lecture introducing the time period, author, and relevant literary criticism, followed by a lively discussion that functions more like a book club than a traditional classroom. Students practice analyzing character development, plot, theme, and symbolism as they engage deeply with the texts and their ideas.

Students complete 8 writing assignments over the year, including essays and research papers. Instruction includes:

• How to build a clear thesis and support it
• How to organize ideas logically
• How to integrate and cite secondary sources
• How to revise based on feedback
• Writing instruction is personalized and practical, with students receiving regular feedback on how to improve their work.

This course not only prepares students for academic writing but helps them become more thoughtful readers, critical thinkers, and articulate Christian communicators.

What’s Included

• Weekly group discussions
• Weekly readings of various length
• Short lectures covering literary context
• Writing instruction
• Approximately 8 essays of various types
• Grading
• Research instruction

Class Details

Credit: Full Credit in High School Literature/English

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

The class will meet weekly over Zoom on Tuesdays, from 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM Central Standard Time, according to the schedule below. The format will be lectures and discussion each week.

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

About the Instructor

Mary Pierson Purifoy was homeschooled through high school and graduated from Liberty University. With years of experience teaching literature, she brings warmth, insight, and encouragement to every class. Her goal is to help students not just complete assignments, but grow in their love for reading, their ability to write well, and their understanding of God’s truth in the midst of great stories.

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

All Tuesdays, scheduled from 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM Central Standard Time. Exact dates subject to slight change; full schedule TBD.

1. Start date: Aug 18
2. End date: May 4

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

Students 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.

Is there a minimum enrollment required?

All live classes are subject to minimum enrollment in order to hold. If minimum enrollment is not reached before the first scheduled session, all students will be notified and refunded completely.

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.

How long will I have access to the class?

Recording access expires 6 weeks after the last live session. Students are free to continue working through the course on their own during this time. However, no submissions will be graded after the final class meeting, or as directed by the instructor.