Rhetoric Companion

Description

Rhetoric! Does the very word strike fear, confusion, or disinterest? It's really much more than "effective communication," although that would be the modern so-called equivalent. But classical rhetoric refers to thinking skills and an understanding of classical literature as much as it does to speaking skills. This course offers students the opportunity to gain a solid grasp of what rhetoric is and how to master the art. There are 31 lessons (3-7 pgs each) which teach each aspect of classical rhetoric, giving examples and providing diagnostic questions. Sidebar quotes from classical works on rhetoric illustrate and augment the lesson. Passages from these classical works are listed as suggested reading assignments. A writing exercise and review questions conclude each lesson. Two questions permeate all of the lessons: 1) How does classical rhetoric intersect with Christian faith? 2) What does classical rhetoric mean in the modern world? Students can use this book in two ways - either as a stand alone course used over one semester or as a companion to historic rhetoric texts for a full year's course. This course will especially be appreciated by students pursuing a Classical Education or, maybe more so, by ones who did not. I would recommend using this before your first college-level course. 157 pgs. pb ~ Janice

Suggested texts:Aristotle, The Rhetoric and the Poetics of Aristotle (Loeb edition)Quintilian, Institutio Oratoria (4 Volumes) (Loeb edition)Harry Caplan, ed., Rhetorica Ad Herennium (Loeb edition)
Teaching Method
Traditional
Teacher-centered curriculum commonly used in classrooms that may include a text, teacher manual, tests, etc.
Charlotte Mason
A methodology based on the work of a 19th century educator who maintained that children learn best from literature (Living Books), not textbooks.
Classical
A methodology based on the Latin Trivium (three stages of learning), including the grammar stage (memorization and facts), logic stage (critical thinking), and rhetoric stage (developing/defending ideas).
Unit Study
A thematic or topical approach centered around one topic that integrates multiple subject areas.
Montessori (Discovery)
A methodology based on the work of a 20th century educator that emphasizes student and sensory-driven discovery learning and real-life applications.
Other
Other methodologies
Religious Content
Secular
Contains content contrary to common Christian beliefs (i.e. evolution).
Neutral
Avoids religious or theoretical topics or presents multiple viewpoints without preference.
Christian/Religious
Faith-based or including instructional religious content.
Learning Modality
Auditory
Learns through listening, talking out loud or reading out loud.
Visual
Learns through seeing, prefers written instructions and visual materials.
Kinesthetic/Tactile (Hands-On)
Learns through moving, doing and touching.
Multi-Sensory
Curriculum that employ a variety of activities/components.
Presentation
Sequential
Curriculum progresses through well-defined learning objectives. Emphasizes mastery before moving to the next topic.
Spiral
Topics and concepts are repeated from level to level, adding more depth at each pass and connecting with review.
Conceptual/Topical
Focus is on the “why,” often with a unifying concept as well as specific skills; coverage may be broader.
Teacher Involvement
Low Teacher Involvement
Student-led materials; parent acts as a facilitator.
Medium Teacher Involvement
A mix of teacher-led time and independent student work.
High Teacher Involvement
Teacher-led lessons; may utilize discussions, hands-on activities and working together.
Additional Materials Required
No other materials needed
Everything you need is included.
Other Materials Required
There are additional required resources that are a separate purchase.
Other Materials Optional
There are additional resources mentioned or recommended but are not absolutely necessary.
Consumable
Consumable
Designed to be written in; not reusable.
Non-Consumable
Not designed to be written in; reusable.