Early Moderns: Rise of England
Shakespeare, Donne, Herbert, Marvell and Milton
RISE OF ENGLAND introduces students to some of the greatest poetry composed in the English language. Dr. Peter Leithart guides students through the three major play types by looking at the tragedy of King Lear, the history of Richard III, and the comedy of The Merchant of Venice, as well as six of Shakespeare’s sonnets. Wesley Callihan then guides students through the great epic poem: John Milton’s Paradise Lost, as well as the poetry of George Herbert, John Donne, and Marvell. Learn about the influence this poetry had on England in its day, and the lasting legacy of these works in culture to this day.
Twelve lectures, seven hours
Each lecture opens with a short review, then summary, commentary and connections across history, art and theology. Watch Lecture 1 free.
- 1Introduction to Early ModernsFree25 min
- 2Introduction to Shakespeare38 min
- 3Shakespeare's Sonnets41 min
- 4King Lear37 min
- 5Richard III35 min
- 6Merchant of Venice38 min
- 7Metaphysical Poets: John Donne33 min
- 8Metaphysical Poets: George Herbert and Marvell33 min
- 9Introduction to Milton37 min
- 10Lesson 10 Paradise Lost 128 min
- 11Paradise Lost 230 min
- 12Paradise Lost 328 min
Lecture 1 · Introduction to Early Moderns · 25 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
- ShakespeareKing Lear, Richard III, The Merchant of Venice, Sonnets
- Donne, Herbert, Marvellpoems
- MiltonParadise Lost
Every assigned text is in the Rise of England Reader (Vol. 13), 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.
Rise of England
782 pages · 6 × 9 in. · paperback $32 · hardback $45 · eBook included with the course
About this Reader
Questions
Is Rise of England 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.
Early Moderns: Rise of England
The complete digital course, from $74.75. Add the printed Reader and workbook above.