Christendom: The Reformation
Chaucer to Spenser
Christendom: The Reformation: Post Tenebras Lux, introduces students to the great minds of the Reformation: John Calvin, Martin Luther, Thomas Cranmer, and Erasmus. But a study of this tumultuous period of history would be sorely lacking without a thorough understanding of the historical setting of the Reformation. Wesley Callihan and Dr. Chris Schlect team up to lay a solid foundation for understanding the origins and struggles of the Reformation, as well as its theology and influence. Students will read part of Calvin’s Institutes of the Christian Religion, as well as Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales and Spenser’s Faerie Queene.
Twelve lectures, eight hours
Each lecture opens with a short review, then summary, commentary and connections across history, art and theology. Watch Lecture 1 free.
- 1Introduction to the Renaissance and ReformationFree39 min
- 2Canterbury Tales 134 min
- 3Canterbury Tales 235 min
- 4Canterbury Tales 341 min
- 5From Pre-Modern to Modern Times44 min
- 6Predecessors to the Reformation46 min
- 7Luther and the 16th Century Reform51 min
- 8International Calvinism39 min
- 9The Reformation in England37 min
- 10Spenser: The Faerie Queene I37 min
- 11Lesson 11 Spenser: The Faerie Queene II27 min
- 12Lesson 12 Spenser: Mutabilitie Cantos, Amoretti and Epithalamion47 min
Lecture 1 · Introduction to the Renaissance and Reformation · 39 min · freePlays here on the page. Every lecture streams and downloads in the Roman Roads app once you own the course.
What your student reads
- ChaucerThe Canterbury Tales
- LutherNinety-Five Theses, The Freedom of a Christian
- ErasmusJulius Exclusus
- CalvinInstitutes of the Christian Religion
- Cranmer, Foxe, Hookerand other Reformation texts
- SpenserThe Faerie Queene
Every assigned text is in the Reformation Reader (Vol. 12), as a printed book or the eBook that comes with the course. Students are welcome to use other editions of the great books they already own with this course. The video lectures reference Latin or Greek line numbers, which allows a broader use of editions for those who prefer to bring their own.
The Reformation
703 pages · 6 × 9 in. · paperback $32 · hardback $45 · eBook included with the course
About this Reader
Questions
Is The Reformation right for a younger student?
Old Western Culture is intended for mature and discerning students; we recommend it for ages 14 and up. The course deals with mature themes such as paganism, sexual immorality, battle scenes (mostly in the reading) and classical paintings, and is meant to equip your child with a Biblical lens for them. We assume a working knowledge of the Bible and basic Christian doctrine.
How much credit is it?
One unit is half a high-school credit in literature or history; a full year of four units is two credits.
How long does a unit take?
Nine weeks: one lecture a week, with the reading and the questions between. The Honors schedule reads everything; the Essentials schedule reads a shorter selection and still watches every lecture.
Do we need the printed Reader?
No. The Reader eBook is in the app with the course, and the editions already on your shelf work too. We do recommend reading in print, whether that is our Reader, a Roman Roads Classic where one exists, or your own copy; the Reader’s advantage is every assigned text in one volume.
Can a co-op or school use it?
Yes. Students watch at home and discuss in class, or a teacher lectures live. Ask us about group licensing.
Is it a subscription?
No. You buy it once and it is yours for life.
Christendom: The Reformation
The complete digital course, from $74.75. Add the printed Reader and workbook above.