Course Overview

Discover the dramatic story behind one of history’s most consequential royal scandals: Henry VIII’s break with Rome. This course traces the rise of the Tudor dynasty, the glory of Catholic England, Henry’s marriage to Catherine of Aragon, his obsession with Anne Boleyn, and the political maneuvering that led to the birth of the Church of England. Along the way, you’ll meet Saints, schemers, kings, queens, cardinals, and martyrs—and see how one monarch’s pursuit of power and passion changed the religious history of the world.
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Course Overview

You can do this!

This course on Henry VIII contains 15 short, easy-to-watch video segments, so you can study at your own pace.

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Skills covered in this course:

Christopher Check’s course will give you the historical, theological, and political context you need to understand Henry VIII’s divorce and the origins of the Church of England. Among many other things, you will learn how to:

  • Explain why England’s break with Rome was different from other Protestant Reformation movements

  • Understand the marriage question at the heart of Henry VIII’s attempted annulment

  • Identify the key figures who shaped the crisis, including Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Cardinal Wolsey, Thomas Cromwell, Thomas Cranmer, St. Thomas More, and St. John Fisher

  • Answer common misconceptions about Henry VIII, the Catholic Church, and the founding of the Church of England

  • Describe how one king’s personal and political choices helped reshape the religious history of the English-speaking world

Meet Your Instructor

  • Christopher Check

    Instructor

    Christopher Check

    A graduate of Rice University, Christopher Check is the president of Catholic Answers. He lectures on Church history, lives of saints, the culture war, and the dangers of modern communication technology. Chris appears frequently on Catholic Answers Live, and Catholic Answers FOCUS, both as a guest and host.

Course curriculum

  • 1
    Introduction
    • Download the course study guide
    • Lesson 1: Introduction to Henry VIII
    • Quiz: Introduction to Henry VIII
  • 2
    Section One: The Roots of Henry VIII's Divorce
    • Lesson 2: Christianity Comes to England
    • Quiz: Christianity Comes to England
    • Lesson 3: Henry Becomes King and Catherine of Aragon
    • Quiz: Henry Becomes King and Catherine of Aragon
    • Lesson 4: A Quick Lesson in Canon Law
    • Quiz: A Quick Lesson in Canon Law
    • Lesson 5: Henry Marries Catherine
    • Quiz: Henry Marries Catherine
  • 3
    Section Two: The Crisis Turns Against Rome
    • Lesson 6: Lady Anne Boleyn
    • Quiz: Lady Anne Boleyn
    • Lesson 7: Cardinal Wolsey’s Solution
    • Quiz: Cardinal Wolsey’s Solution
    • Lesson 8: Henry Overplays His Hand
    • Quiz: Henry Overplays His Hand
    • Lesson 9: Cardinal Wolsey’s Fall
    • Quiz: Cardinal Wolsey’s Fall
    • Lesson 10: The Fight Intensifies
    • Quiz: The Fight Intensifies
  • 4
    Section Three: The Break with Rome and the Martyrs’ Witness
    • Lesson 11: Henry Attacks the Clergy
    • Quiz: Henry Attacks the Clergy
    • Lesson 12: Thomas More
    • Quiz: Thomas More
    • Lesson 13: Cardinal Pole’s Letter
    • Quiz: Cardinal Pole’s Letter

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How long will I have access to the course?

    You’ll have access to the course for one year from the date you enroll, so you can work through the lessons at your own pace and revisit the material as needed.

  • Is this course self-paced?

    Yes. You can begin whenever you’re ready and move through the lessons on your own schedule.

  • How do I access the course after purchase?

    After enrolling, you’ll receive instructions by email for accessing the course through our online learning platform.

What Others Are Saying

Reviews

  • Great piece of history

    Aleksandra Blaszczyk

    This course provided an accurate and easy to understand element of this fascinating piece of history. Thank you Chris.

    This course provided an accurate and easy to understand element of this fascinating piece of history. Thank you Chris.

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  • This was a great course.

    Tricia Knox

    Hello, I completed your course and really enjoyed it. This was a great course. I really enjoyed understanding the canon law arguments, along with the brie...

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    Hello, I completed your course and really enjoyed it. This was a great course. I really enjoyed understanding the canon law arguments, along with the brief to Queen Isabella and the subsequent Papal Bull, and then the arguments used years later by Henry VIII, contradicting the original dispensation with his reasons and conditions to marry Anne. This adds another rich layer of history. I have long been fascinated by this story. I have read widely on the topic, attended Tudorcon for several years, visited England, and toured castles and locations that are part of this story, but I haven't studied it deeply from a true Catholic perspective. So thank you for expanding my knowledge. On a final note, I am currently researching recusant Catholics in England for a novel I hope to write. If you are back in London, visit the Gunpowder Plot experience located next to the Tower of London. This is a two-hour, hands-on immersive experience that dives into the story. It's a piece of Catholic history you must experience. Sincerely, Tricia Knox

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  • Caught my attention

    Elizabeth Schaefer

    I loved this course. So interesting and well presented.

    I loved this course. So interesting and well presented.

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  • Great course

    Robert Lindstrom

    I just finished the course, the first I’ve ever purchased. I thought it was really well done, and I gained a deeper understanding of the motives and intrigue...

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    I just finished the course, the first I’ve ever purchased. I thought it was really well done, and I gained a deeper understanding of the motives and intrigue surrounding Henry the VII’s “divorce”.

    Read Less