Description and Objectives

This course is a philosophical study of Western Civilization by way of some of its most foundational literary and historical texts—from the fall of the Roman Republic to the rise of Napoleon. This course seeks to cultivate praesentia animi, a virtue of classical antiquity prized by medieval and early modern thinkers that translates as “presence of mind.” Through exposure to these great works, students will strengthen their close reading, clear writing, and lucid thinking.

The primary goals of this course:

1. Acquire comprehensive knowledge of major historical figures and events
2. Learn to read more carefully and thoughtfully by examining major literary texts
3. Become more proficient in the art of writing
4. Develop an understanding of major philosophical positions
5. Acquire the ability to enter into lucid and mature discussion with classmates and the teacher
6. Improve presence of mind and grow in prudence and wisdom.

Textbooks

• • The Aeneid by Virgil
  • Beowulf
  • Sir Gawain and the Green Knight
  • Prologue to the Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer
  • Henry V by William Shakespeare
  • Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe
  • Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
  • A Tale of Two Cities  by Charles Dickens.
  • The Martian by Andy Weir (Optional in conjunction with Robinson Crusoe)
  • Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton (Optional in conjunction with Frankenstein)

Course Requirements

Students should expect daily reading assignments, weekly writing assignments and exams, and periodic evaluations of their reading notes.  In addition, students will be required to memorize and to recite key passages from the texts.  

• The final grade each quarter will be based on the following: History English
  • Essays 30%
  • Homework 30%
  • Quizzes 10%
  • Projects/Recitations 20%
  • Organization and Participation 10%

• Essays: Writing assignments will be completed in class or at home. 
  • In-class writing assignments will be open-book/open-note.  
  • Take-home writing assignments must be typed and cite the text(s) according to the MLA format.
    • Regarding late papers:  Late papers will be accepted, but with a penalty of minus a letter grade for every day the assignment is late. 
• Homework: students should expect to be quizzed on the content of every homework assignment the day that it is due. English homework will be assigned every day with the exception of Fridays.
• Quizzes: in addition to homework quizzes, students should expect periodic quizzes. English quizzes will cover important material from class (literary terms, writing techniques, background knowledge on books, etc). 
• Recitations: Periodically, students will be required to memorize passages from the texts.  Good eye-contact, accurate intonation, and smooth delivery—all achieved by much practice—will be essential.
• Organization: Students will organize their class materials in a binder/folder, which will be evaluated periodically.  Organization requirements will be specified on the first day of class.  Student’s organization grade will be based on both binder organization and assignment notebook management. 
• Participation: Class participation is required whether it takes the form of effective insights or the asking of probing questions.  Comportment, attention to detail, and sustained improvement over time in the student’s work will also factor into class participation.  The teacher will keep an account of how well students are participating, and students can approach the teacher at any time to ask about how well they are performing in this respect.  At the end of each grading period, class participation will play a substantial role in improving, maintaining, or decreasing the student’s score for the quarter. 

Successful Students

• The successful student must maintain daily reading and writing schedules and avoid waiting for deadlines to complete work.  Reading and writing, which is spaced out over a proper amount of time, allows for adequate mental digestion, more effective intellectual nourishment, and more advanced writing instruction that is relieved of the burden of discussing simple, preventable errors.
• Successful students will consult with the instructor frequently to discuss the texts, as well as rough drafts. I am available outside of class and will make myself available for extra help whenever an appointment is needed.  I encourage parents to contact me with any questions or concerns either by email or phone.
• At the conclusion of the course, the successful student will have a solid grasp of the literary and historical antecedents for our own modern era. He will also be able to speak and write his thoughts more clearly.  The successful student will leave the course after making strides in those virtues especially concerned with presence of mind.