Exposition

Reading introduces new ideas while writing reveals the best ways to articulate them. Rigorous reading and writing regarding American literature characterize this seminar. Students read essays, Christian sermons, speeches, short stories, and novels, then practice the art of rhetoric by discussing literature and by writing many essays during the year. Time management is key for both homeschool parents and students. In seminar, students engage in book discussions, and Tutors suggest ways that students can improve their writing.

Grammar

Long-term learning relies on ritual repetition. Students continue their study of Latin with an emphasis on memorization of vocabulary, declensions, and conjugations. Directors review previous lessons and preview the new material from the upcoming lesson as needed.

Debate

Dive into the past to better understand the present and future. In the first semester, students read and discuss various original documents related to American government and its history. Tutors facilitate and encourage discussion of political ideas, past and present, in historical context. Integrating dialectic and rhetorical skills, students learn to perceive and understand context when analyzing political, social, and policy decisions.

Students also take the principles they have learned from American government and apply them to a series of public policy debates on current political issues, all firmly rooted in a Christian worldview. Students learn and practice the skills of research, argumentation, critical thinking, public speaking, and logic.

In the second semester, students read and discuss with their group original sources related to free market economics. Tutors lead discussions about the impact of free market economics on national histories and present-day politics. Students participate in various hands-on group projects that allow for real-life understanding and practical application of current economic issues.

Research

Students can learn from a variety of sources. This is more textbook driven than the research strands of Challenges A and B. Students learn to take good notes and study from a textbook. Each week, students are assigned a physical science module from the text. In community, Tutors lead students through simple labs and explain the integrated math principles, as well as content from the current module. Integrating exposition skills, your homeschool student will also have the opportunity to learn how to write a well-structured research paper with appropriate documentation.

Logic

Continue to stack the building blocks of increasingly advanced mathematical principles. Individually and in community, students further their understanding in math through study and group conversations about the building blocks: numbers, laws, relationships, shapes, equations of the first degree, knowns and unknowns, and variables.

Reasoning

Logical thinking ushers in strong rhetorical skills. In the first semester, students study formal logic to learn the classical syllogism, the four logical statements, and the seven rules for validity. On a deeper level, students gain an appreciation of logic, as it serves to lead them from one truth to another and to a basic understanding of the Christian theory of knowledge.

In the second semester, using The Taming of the Shrew, students learn how to read and enjoy the plays of Shakespeare. Through their homeschool community days each week, they also complete a special project related to this play. The theme of this play centers around courtship, so community discussion embraces that theme and compares different cultural perspectives on relationships, courtship and dating.