Project Illumine: The History and Writing of Women in Early Modern England and Ireland

Abstract

Project Illumine is a digital site that provides open-access, deeply researched teaching materials to middle school, high school, and college educators. It addresses a critical need to bridge the gap in teaching early women’s history by providing high-quality, standards-based materials that introduce students to the history and genres of writing produced by women in early modern England and Ireland. The dissertation enriches and expands students’ understanding of the diversity of women’s identities, literacies, and cultural impacts in early modern England and Ireland. Project Illumine was designed based on data collected during an IRB-approved qualitative study with North Carolina educators. Upon publication, it was presented to middle school, high school, and community college educators as part of a program hosted by UNC World View, an organization dedicated to global education and to connecting educators (particularly those in North Carolina) with UNC researchers. Educators attending this program affirmed their strong desire to bring early modern women’s histories into their classrooms, particularly those of underrepresented voices and cultures. Educators stressed the value and usefulness of Project Illumine’s resources, noting the diversity of lessons and projects applicable to different grade levels. Project Illumine also includes a space for educators to collaborate and to share how they have incorporated early modern women’s history into their own classrooms. Project Illumine sheds light on the accomplishments of early modern women left behind by history books and encourages other educators to light the way for students to engage with this history.Doctor of Philosoph