Why study European Enlightenment? Because our governing forefathers and constitution were shaped by their words and philosophies. Presented here are facts and achievements of 8 different figures from the enlightened era. Also included is...

An excerpt from Michel de Montaigne's essay "On Cruelty" provides advanced readers an opportunity to polish their close reading skills. Scholars read the passage twice and then respond to the provided questions.

For this online interactive history worksheet, students respond to 10 short answer and essay questions about Leviathan by Hobbes. Students may check some of their answers on the interactive worksheet. 

The four major trends of the 18th century (The Enlightenment, the Great Awakening, British global ambitions, and economic disagreements) are the focus of a PowerPoint that places in context such influences as deism, mercantilism,...

In this literature worksheet, students respond to 29 short answer and essay questions about Locke's "An Essay Concerning Human Understanding." Students may also link to an online interactive quiz on the novel at the bottom of the page.

For this online interactive reading comprehension worksheet, students respond to 15 multiple choice questions about Locke's "An Essay Concerning Human Understanding." Students may submit their answers to be scored.

Learners discover the ideas of enlightenment by reading historical poetry. In this philosophical lesson, students read poems by Sir Walter Scott and Sergeant Joyce Kilmer while discussing the themes of the writing with classmates....

In this life, liberty, and property worksheet, students read about the influences of John Locke and then write a short story on the back of the page. Students write about how life, liberty, and property have influenced them and their...

Young scholars examine how religion affected arguments justifying American independence. They read and analyze primary source documents, and write an essay analyzing how Americans used religious arguments to justify revolution against a...

Key concepts, major writers, and historical events related to Transcendentalism are explored in a student-produced PowerPoint about this movement. The presentation could be used as an introduction to a unit or as a model that class...

Sixth graders investigate the ideas, literature, music, and art of the Romantic Movement. They apply romantic ideals to their original writing and art, analyze poetry, discuss key vocabulary, and analyze artwork from this era.

In this online interactive philosophy worksheet, students respond to 13 multiple choice questions based on the analysis of Ethics by Aristotle.

In this online interactive reading comprehension worksheet, students respond to 13 multiple choice questions about Aristotle's Ethics. Students may submit their answers to be scored.

Students explore the life of Benjamin Franklin. In this American history lesson, students research primary and secondary documents regarding Franklin's life. Students should examine the point of view each of the accounts is written from...

Young scholars create original Haiku poetry and paint images that depict the emotions of each poem in this high school Language Arts lesson plan adaptable for other curriculums including Art and Social Studies.

The Enlightenment's emphasis on reason shaped philosophical, political, and scientific discourse from the late 17th to the early 19th century. This article traces the Enlightenment back to its roots in the aftermath of the Civil War, and...

Essays about understanding your audience in the development of websites. This extended discussion can enlighten the understanding the audience in writing any work.

The University of Groningen provides information about the 17th century British liberal philosopher. Includes concise biographical information and a link to the text of "A Letter Concerning Toleration." Read about what part of his...

Encyclopedia entry about the French philosopher and writer. Features biographical information, including Diderot's education, philosophy, and major literary works.

Based on the Greek myth of Orestes and Electra, ths play was written during the Nazi occupation of Paris. Read about the themes and characters in this enlightening site.