Loading...
This chapter outlines a comprehensive approach to studying history and great books at the high school level, emphasizing the rhetoric stage of classical education. The curriculum is designed to engage students with the ideas of the past and present, fostering a deeper understanding of our civilization, country, and place in time.
The study is structured over four years, covering ancient, medieval, Renaissance, and modern periods. Students are expected to dedicate 10 hours per week to this subject, dividing their time equally between building a foundation of historical knowledge and engaging with great books.
The methodology involves keeping a well-organized binder, reading narrative history texts, and studying 8-18 great books per year in chronological order. For each book, students create context pages, take notes, participate in discussions, and write compositions. This approach integrates history, literature, philosophy, and critical thinking skills.
The curriculum also includes writing research papers, which helps students develop their analytical and writing skills. American history and government are incorporated into the broader world history study, providing a comprehensive understanding of historical developments.
Overall, this method aims to develop students' critical thinking, analytical, and writing skills while fostering a deep appreciation for the interconnectedness of ideas across time and disciplines. It prepares students for college-level work by teaching them to engage critically with complex texts and ideas.