In this high-interest (and fun) history course, learn the epic stories of pirates and how they changed the shape of America as well as how they affected global empires. Join us as we sail the high seas of history together!

The OPTIONAL Instructor Access Grading Service is available for this course!

How to get the most out of Pirates: The Golden Age, and their World with Christopher Martin, PhD:

• First, download and read/review the course materials below before the first class recording. PLEASE REFERENCE THESE THROUGHOUT THE TERM OF THE COURSE

• Review the class's PowerPoint slides before watching the recorded class meeting

• Have a notebook ready and available for class notes while watching the recording

• Watch the recorded class meeting

• Do the assignments, quizzes, and any extra work assigned for that class.

• Repeat the above for each class.

• Once the course is completed to the parent's and professor’s satisfaction, there is a Certificate of Completion at the end to be filled in for your records.

Total classes: 8

Duration: 55 minutes per class

Prerequisite: None

Suggested grade level: 7th to 8th grade. NOTE: Adjustments can be made to assignments to accommodate 9th to 12th grade students.

Suggested credit: 2/3 semester History or World History

Instructor: Christopher Martin, PhD

Course Description: As ships and treasures began sailing the ocean in greater numbers, legendary pirates and privateers emerged to prey upon them. This course examines what brought about the Golden Age of Piracy (roughly 1550-1730), as well as some of the key stories and figures of that time period, including Henry Morgan, Captain Kidd, and Blackbeard.

Course Outline:

Class 1: Introduction and overview of syllabus and assignments;      

Class 2: The Age of Discovery, and the definition of Pirates

Class 3: “My Good Pirate:” Privateers in the Caribbean

Class 4: Legends of Infamy, and Crackdown

Class 5: “Money as plenty as sand:” Pirates and America

Class 6: The Jackpot: Big Scores, and War’s Reprieve

Class 7: Nassau: The Republic of Pirates

Class 8: Blackbeard, and the Last Hurrah

Course materials: All course materials provided by the instructor.

Homework: Students will complete a one- to two-page semi-biographical report of a pirate, privateer, or pirate hunter. Note: High school students will complete a guided two- to three-page exercise in a character analysis.

Daily, optional review quizzes based on classroom lectures and discussions. Worth bonus points.

Technical Help: If you have any technical trouble or questions about course content, please email us at homeschoolconnections@gmail.com.

• OUR PRAYER BEFORE CLASS MEETINGS

• Grant me the grace, O merciful God,
  to desire ardently all that is pleasing to Thee,
  to examine it prudently,
  to acknowledge it truthfully,
  and to accomplish it perfectly,
  for the praise and glory of Thy name.
  
  Amen.