Self-Paced Contextual British History: Victorian Era

Victorian Era British History in Context

The focus of this self-paced contextual British history class on the Victorian Era will be accomplished by studying the life & historical times of Charles Dickens.

Course Creator: Shannan Swindler

Required Materials: None! Everything is included in the self-paced course.

In this contextual history class, we do not read plays, novels, or discuss iambic pentameter (well, not too much at least).  Those aspects are covered in depth in the British Literature Year 1 and Year 2 Literature & Composition courses.

Explore Victorian Era British History through the life of Charles Dickens

• Session 1: Charles Dickens Biography & Timeline
• Session 2: Victorian London
• Session 3: Currency & Wealth in Victorian Times
• Session 4: Art Imitates Life
• Session 5: The Industrial Revolution vs Today
• Session 6: Final Exam & Final Project

There was much going on in the world including the American Civil War, the Industrial Revolution, the Opium Wars in China, the Highland Clearances in Scotland, and the post-French Revolution in Europe and South America, as well as Victorian labor, education, and invention.  Understanding the backdrop of history is vital to understanding the perspective of Charles Dickens and his writing.

In this self-paced class, students will explore Victorian England through the life of Charles Dickens.  We will bring their life into historical context by learning about 30+ other famous people who were alive (or had dramatic influence) in the Victorian Era.  By creating a dinner party where the guests are famous people of the era, students will learn about historical events, society, culture, and current events as well as the science and philosophy of the day.

In this 12-15 week self-paced course, students will research a variety of  famous people including:

• Authors/Philosophers
• World Leaders
• Artists
• Musicians/Composers
• Christian Evangelists/Theologians/Missionaries/Humanitarians
• Social Activists
• Scientists
• Explorers
• and more

Through engaging activities, students will create a dinner party including a guest list, menu, activities, music, and more.  Each student will present their culminating project in a presentation. And, if they choose, they can organize their own event where people attend a dinner party in person and take on the role of a famous figure from the guest list.  This extra effort is perfect for students needing a senior thesis/culminating studies project if they are keen on further study in history or literature.

The dinner party concept allows for much creativity within the scope of the final project.

Some students have enjoyed organizing military greats to meet and share war stories over pub food.  Others have organized multi-course meals with music and operatic performances to entertain high-society aristocrats from all over the world.  The options are limited only by the student’s creativity.

This course is a required companion to our British Literature & Composition Year 2 – Dickens course for those studying for the UK Literature exam. 

Students following the USA High School Diploma & Transcript model will receive 1/2 Social Studies credit for the successful completion of this semester-long self-paced class.

*A 2-year access to this class from the date of purchase will allow your student ample time to finish this self-paced course. If you wish to extend access beyond the two years, please contact us. We are happy to renew your subscription at the course’s current price.

Required Materials: None! Everything is included in the self-paced course.

What do you, the parent, provide?

• Discussion and interaction about weekly assignments and projects.
• Due dates for assignments and projects
• Grading of all coursework.
• Opportunities for your student to present information to a group, co-op, or family learning time.

The core curriculum for this British history class uses Let’s Study Charles Dickens Victorian England for weekly homework assignments and projects.  Shannan Swindler, an Arise tutor and curriculum creator at Captivating Compass, has created this curriculum for homeschoolers worldwide and is excited to offer it to UK/European homeschoolers. This class is taught in English.