Big Names of History
Dive deep into the fascinating lives and legacies of history’s most influential figures—from rulers and revolutionaries to inventors and visionaries. This class explores not only the official narratives surrounding these key individuals but also the controversies and conspiracy theories that have followed them through time.
Students will critically examine how these figures shaped politics, culture, and society, while learning to evaluate multiple perspectives and question widely accepted stories. Through engaging discussions and source analysis, learners develop a richer, more nuanced understanding of history’s movers and shakers.
Live Group Lessons
$20CAD per session
3-7 learners maximum
25 classes (Section 1)
1 hour per class
Completed by 95+ learners
Live, interactive video meetings
Ages: 7-9, 9-12, 13+
Watch your FREE trial class here.
About | Learning Overview | Teacher | Review
Class Information
US Grades 2+ | Beginner-Intermediate Level
✅Gifted Student Approved
✅Neurodivergent Friendly
✅ “Awake” Curriculum*
✅Humanities/Social Studies Credit for Transcripts
Class Description:
Explore the lives of history’s most influential figures, examining both official accounts and the conspiracy theories surrounding them. This class encourages students to think critically about how these individuals shaped the world and to consider multiple perspectives. Through engaging discussions, students gain a deeper, more balanced understanding of history’s key players.
Materials Needed:
-Stable internet connection for online lessons
-Pencil and paper for taking notes
Materials Provided:
-Access to a Google Drive folder with all class video recordings for flexible review
-Complete planned materials for previewing and revisiting lessons at your convenience
Syllabus:
Week 1: Vincent Van Gogh
Week 2: Marie Curie
Week 3: George Washington
Week 4: Michelangelo
Week 5: Thomas Edison
Week 6: Mahatma Gandhi
Week 7: William Shakespeare
Week 8: Sir Isaac Newton
Week 9: Queen Elizabeth I
Week 10: Leonardo da Vinci
Week 11: Albert Einstein
Week 12: Abraham Lincoln
Week 13: Ludwig Van Beethoven
Week 14: Nikola Tesla
Week 15: Martin Luther King Jr.
Week 16: Jesus Christ
Week 17: Charles Darwin
Week 18: Joan of Arc
Week 19: Martin Luther
Week 20: Henry Ford
Week 21: Queen Victoria
Week 22: Sir Francis Drake
Week 23: Michael Faraday
Week 24: Christopher Columbus
Week 25: Simón Bolívar
Additional Sections:
There are two sections (50 classes total) planned of this course.
Course Accreditation:
This course counts towards 1 humanities/social studies credit
While our courses are not formally accredited, they are designed to align with CCSS standards. For homeschooling families, transcripts are typically parent-created documents that list completed coursework. This course is comprehensive and academically rigorous, and can confidently be counted as a full humanities/social studies credit.
Curriculum:
Follows teacher-created curriculum.
Standards:
CCSS (Common Core State Standard) compliant.
External Resources:
We will be using YouTube videos in this class to ensure complete understanding of historical figures.
Parental Guidance:
This class is designed to be hands-off for parents. You’re welcome to sit off-screen and learn alongside your student, but it’s not required.
Homework:
We don’t assign homework in our courses—and that’s by design. One of the major issues we see in the public school system is the overreliance on busywork to measure learning. We believe that real understanding comes from engagement, curiosity, and conversation—not endless assignments.
As a homeschooling parent, you know your child best. That’s why we provide linked materials with each course—so you can use them in your own homeschool classroom as you see fit. Feel free to assign additional work, projects, or review based on your child’s needs and interests. We support flexible, parent-led education that respects your family’s learning style.
*Important Note:
In this course, we carefully examine the mainstream narratives about these historical figures and cross-reference them with original source documents. Students may encounter information not typically found in public school textbooks, offering a broader perspective on history.
This material is designed for parents who want their students to explore a worldview that questions mainstream stories. The educator teaches from an “awake” perspective, encouraging critical thinking and healthy skepticism.
All content is age-appropriate and rated PG-13, using clear, non-graphic language and materials. Parents are welcome to observe or participate according to their preferences.
Learning Goals
Critical Examination of Historical Narratives: Students will learn to analyze mainstream accounts of historical figures by comparing them with original source documents, fostering a deeper and more nuanced understanding of history.
Independent Thinking and Skepticism: Learners will develop the ability to question official stories and cultivate healthy skepticism toward widely accepted narratives presented by media and institutions.
Respectful Engagement with Complex Topics: Students will practice discussing sensitive issues like race, religion, and politics thoughtfully and respectfully, building skills in open dialogue and critical reflection.
Offered by
Alastair Wright, B.A. (History) Joined March, 2020
Rating: ★★★★★ | Reviews: 187
Teacher Expertise and Credentials
Alastair Wright holds a Bachelor’s degree in History from Dalhousie University and brings over 7 years of teaching experience across Canada, the United States, and Asia. As a gifted learner with thousands of hours of independent research under his belt, Alastair approaches history from an “awake” perspective—encouraging students to question mainstream narratives and think critically about the stories they’re told. His passion for history and ability to engage students from diverse backgrounds, along with his skill in adapting lessons to various cultural contexts, create dynamic, insightful classes that inspire curiosity, critical thinking, and a deeper appreciation for history.
Other classes by Alastair
Reviews
★★★★★
"I was surprised at how much new information my daughter got from this course—things she never heard before in her regular history lessons. The focus on original sources really helped her feel like a real historian. It’s definitely made her think twice about some ‘facts’ she assumed were true."
— Heather M., mom of five homeschoolers
★★★★★
"My child’s favorite week so far has been the Marie Curie lesson. He loved learning about her discoveries and the challenges she faced as a woman in science. The class made her story inspiring and relatable, and the way both the official history and lesser-known facts were shared really kept my child engaged."
— Sarah M., homeschool mom
★★★★★
"This course is amazing for families who want their kids to think critically and question mainstream narratives. It approaches history with honesty and encourages students to explore both well-known facts and alternative perspectives. We appreciate the respectful discussions on sensitive topics—exactly what ‘awake’ families are looking for!"
— Jordan T., unschooling parent
★★★★★
"My kid really likes this history class — it’s way diffrent from other stuff we’ve tried. The teacher gets them thinking and questioning things, which is great. Wish their was a bit more fun stuff or games, but overall it’s been super helpful."
— Lillian G., homeschool mom
