Rhetoric Class Descriptions and Supply Lists

Rhetoric

The Great Conversation II Primary

In this course, Rhetoric students will immerse themselves in the Great Conversations of the Church Fathers through the Reformation. Through readings of literature from the Medieval and Reformation World as well as through lively discussions, their minds will be enlightened, trained, and developed while their hearts are turned toward what is long-lasting and true. Students will be required to read several book selections and excerpts from Veritas Press’s Omnibus II Primary curriculum. 

Required Curriculum: Omnibus II Teacher Edition which includes downloadable materials and various literature texts (see supply lists below), Omnibus II Primary Self-Paced videos

At Home Requirements: In order to fully  participate in class meetings, students will be required to complete weekly readings and assignments using the Omnibus II text as well as watch the Omnibus II Primary Self-Paced videos pertaining to the assigned readings.

History of Modernity

The students will be completing Dave Raymond’s Modernity history video course. They will be assigned weekly video lessons to watch during the week, and the time in class will be devoted to discussion and application of the lessons learned during the week. Students will learn how to apply and refine a Christian worldview to major developments in philosophy, science, and government; personalities such as Newton, Bach, Napoleon, and Austen; and movements including the Enlightenment, Darwinism, Nationalism, and Victorianism.

Required Curriculum: Dave Raymond’s History Series: Modernity History video and student/teacher set.

At Home Requirements: Students will watch the assigned history videos, complete assigned activities, and come prepared to discuss topics learned during the week.

Rhetoric Alive

Rhetoric Alive! explores the principles of winsome speech as developed in Aristotle’s Rhetoric. Students will step through the essential components of persuasion—the three appeals, the three types of speech, and the five canons. Students also have plenty of opportunities to practice developing their own rhetorical skill through imitation assignments and oratory presentations.

Required Curriculum: Rhetoric Alive Book 1 Principles of Persuasion. Teacher editions are optional but recommended.

At Home Requirements: Students will complete assigned workbook activities, prepare written tasks, and present oral arguments or speeches.

Shakespeare:

In this lively and engaging class, students will dive into the rich language, memorable characters, and timeless stories of William Shakespeare through four of his plays: Macbeth, Julius Caesar, Twelfth Night, and Love’s Labour’s Lost. Together, we will listen to original passages, read through one play throughout the block, and bring scenes to life by reading aloud and acting them out during class time.

This course is carefully tailored for upper grammar students. While Shakespeare’s works sometimes explore heavy and darker themes, Upper Grammar Shakespeare will focus on the noble, humorous, adventurous, and character-building aspects of each play, appropriate to the maturity level of 10–12-year-olds. Darker or more troubling elements will not be emphasized.

Here’s how each play will be approached:

• Macbeth
  • Themes we will not emphasize: murder, betrayal, madness, and the supernatural.
  • Themes we will highlight: the dangers of unchecked ambition, the consequences of choices, and the importance of loyalty and honor.
• Julius Caesar
  • Themes we will not emphasize: political conspiracy, graphic violence, and betrayal among friends.
  • Themes we will highlight: leadership, bravery, loyalty to one's country, and the complexities of friendship and decision-making.
• Twelfth Night
  • Themes we will not emphasize: elements of romantic deception and the more mature romantic entanglements.
  • Themes we will highlight: mistaken identity, the joy of friendship, clever problem-solving, kindness, and the celebration of life's surprises.
• Love’s Labour’s Lost
  • Themes we will not emphasize: satire of courtly love and the more cynical view of romance.
  • Themes we will highlight: wit, learning, friendship, the fun of language, and the joy of youthful promises and endeavors.

Throughout the year, students will build a foundation for appreciating Shakespeare’s works, growing their skills in listening, reading comprehension, dramatic reading, and collaborative performance. They will also begin to understand the beauty of Shakespeare’s storytelling — stories of loyalty, courage, friendship, cleverness, and the human spirit.