High School British Literature Curriculum: Renaissance

High School British Literature Curriculum Lesson Plans for Homeschooling the Renaissance & Georgian Eras

Introduction to High School British Literature Renaissance & Georgian Eras

From the earliest written work of British literature to the literary greats of the twentieth century, get ready to explore high school British literature of the Renaissance and Georgian eras. Learn about the earliest poets, English short stories, and the victorian periods most fascinating authors.  In future posts, you’ll also take a stroll through contemporary authors who spin the idea of the worlds of heroes in a way no one could have dreamed possible.  For now, let’s dive into the high school British literature curriculum for the Renaissance and Georgian eras.

Learn about the Anglo-Saxon and Medieval eras of high school British literature curriculum for high school. You will also want to explore the high school British Literature curriculum for the Victorian through Modern eras.

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Home educating in The UK or Europe? Join us over at AriseHomeEducation.com for resources & courses created specifically for your unique homeschool environment.

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As an introduction to studying British literature and composition, a high schooler will want to have undertaken the study of grammar and the completion of a language arts curriculum to ensure they are well prepared to study these classics. While studying American literature first may be helpful,  it is not generally required for well-read high schoolers. Creative writing and short story study are helpful also but again, are not a required pre-requisite since there will be plenty of opportunity to explore these areas whilst learning about British Literature.

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The Importance of British Literature in High School

Understanding the importance of British literature in high school can be a hard sell to many homeschooled high school students, no matter which era studied.  By focusing on creativity and using an exciting lesson plan with answer keys you will e able to engage students in the history and literature of the Renaissance and Georgian eras. Add thoughtful dialogue and discussion for opportunities to gain incredible insight into how history shapes our future. 

For many homeschool families with high school students, these curriculum choice goals are top priority:

• Establishing a love of literature that will last through adulthood
• The ability to allow quality classic literature to produce a broader worldview and love of people,
• Allow the study of British Literature to become a building block in understanding society through the ages.

The Major Authors and Works of British Literature

The list of major authors and the number of quality literature selections for high school British Literature in the Renaissance and Georgian eras in each section below is not exhaustive. So keep in mind that you may find your student loves a particular writer, genre, or era. If they wish to camp there and take it all in slowly – let them. This is ok.  Studying the literature, history, and science of an era in-depth together allows the process to weave a beautiful tapestry of historical life. This provides a rich understanding that will be useful throughout the education years as well as in life-long learning opportunities.

The Renaissance (1485-1660)

Often an overview of high school British literature will contain many writers from the Renaissance era – most notably William Shakespeare. And, quite often, Midsummer Night’s Dream, Romeo & Juliet, and Hamlet are the plays of choice. Each is great to study (especially if you plan on visiting England or Scotland), but don’t miss out on other great literary works of this era. Make sure you include:

• Paradise Lost by John Milton
• Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan
• Edward II, by Christopher Marlowe
• The Faerie Queene by Edmund Spenser
• Utopia by Thomas More
• The Flea and A Valediction – Classic works of poetry by John Donne
• Sonnets  and Plays by William Shakespeare

The above-selected works of British literature scratch the surface of classic stories available. With the advent of the printing press and the explosion of philosophy and scientific thought along with the Protestant Reformation and expression through art and music, there is much to consider when choosing what aspect of Renaissance literature to explore. An online course or a curriculum that provides creative projects, or an in-depth writing project, will bring focus and enjoyment to this fascinating era bursting with literary icons from the early Renaissance, Elizabethan & Stuart historical eras.

High School British Literature Curriculum Renaissance Resources  

• Paradise Lost by John Milton – Study Guide
• Pilgrim’s Progress by John Bunyan – Study Guide Selections
• Edward II, by Christopher Marlowe – In-depth study guide including several Marlowe works
• The Faerie Queene by Edmund Spenser – Study Guide
• Utopia by Thomas More – Study Guide
• The Flea and A Valediction – Classic works of poetry by John Donne – Study guide for a variety of 17th-century poetry.
• Midsummer Night’s Dream and Romeo & Juliet by William Shakespeare

The Georgian era (1714-1830)

Those that love this era could easily spend a full year just studying Jane Austen! But, again, there are some other notable authors to enjoy from this pre-victorian era. Your high schooler will want to include as much from the following authors as possible if time allows.

• Emma and Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen
• Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift
• Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe
• Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray
• Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

“For home educators, the novel provides a rich source of discussion and exploration. It offers insights into historical context, character development, and the timeless themes that continue to resonate with readers today….Explore its relevance for home educators seeking to engage students with classic literature. Join us as we journey into the world of Jane Austen and her beloved “darling child.”

~E. Cummings, Arise Home Education

High School British Literature Resources for the Georgian era

• Emma, Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen – Pride & Prejudice Study Guide and a variety of study guides for Jane Austen’s books.
• Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift – Study Guide Selections
• Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe – Study Guide Selections
• Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray – Reading guide/resource.
• Frankenstein by Mary Shelley – Study Guide Selections

Full-Year Live, Interactive, Online Classes

High School British Literature Curriculum: Semester & Full-Year Online Courses

Companion Studies for Your High School British Literature Curriculum

adding British Literature to your high school curriculum lineup

A complete curriculum of British literature can include a lesson plan for each book studied or you may find that a course using selected excerpts will work well for your homeschooler. Either way, adding British Literature to your high school curriculum lineup is vital to a well-rounded education that will allow you and your family to continue to use the world as your classroom by inspiring you to explore in person or virtually the places you enjoy during your studies. The bountiful, yet not exhaustive homeschool resources in this post focus on the Renaissance & Georgian eras and will delight your high school student with a thought-provoking curriculum.

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