Great Books Primer: Intro to Western Civilization - TNSP

Self-Paced Courses are accessed through our learning management system. The students are guided by clear weekly schedules, instructional videos, and automated assessments. Courses are written to be completed in one academic year, but students set their own pace. No grading is provided, but answer keys are available for most courses. Access is for one calendar year. Course Description: Our great books courses are 3-in-1 classes that integrate Literature, Philosophy, and Theology into a single reading sequence. Courses are organized by historical period, with purposeful repetition: GB Primer: Intro to Western Civilization GB 1: Ancient & Classical Times GB 2: The Christian Age GB 3: Modern Times GB 4: The American Idea GB 5: Return to Tradition The class format is that of a "great books" seminar--students read primary works from the great authors and authoresses of Western Civilization and then discuss them in a round-table format, thus joining what has been referred to as the "Great Conversation." The students learn to read, listen, speak, relish, and dispute the true, good, and beautiful things that "our tradition" has to offer. Though primary works are read, care is taken to see that students are not overburdened, through abridgment and editing of the works read and study aids. History & Composition: This course is part of an integrated course cluster that includes History Primer: World Civilizations and Composition Primer. Self-paced and Live course options are available. This course is an introduction to the Great Books method and to western civilization, covering all three of the historical cycles found in our Great Books courses: Ancient & Classical Times, the Christian Age, and Modern Times. Readings are no more than a few pages and the discussions are specifically crafted for younger students. Reading Topic List: Abraham, Chosen & Covenant Ruth, Faithfulness Psalms & Proverbs David, The Heart of Man Esther, Courage & Providence Aesop's Fables Hesiod, Justice & Work Herodotus, Happiness and History Alcestis, Love Virgil, Funeral Games Cicero, Friendship Gospel of St. Matthew, Parable Gospel of St. John, Lazarus Gospel of St. John, Passion, Death, and Resurrection Acts of the Apostles, Spread of the Gospel Epistle of St. Paul, Theological Virtues Didache, Way of Life St. Ambrose, Hymn St. Augustine, Confession Edict of Milan, Religious Freedom Rule of St. Columba, Monasticism Einhard, The Life of Charlemagne Chaucer, Canterbury Tales Shakespeare, As You Like It Milton, Paradise Lost Edmund Burke, Revolution in France William Wordsworth, Poems Prerequisites: None Recommended Age Range: 7th grade Required & Recommended Books: See The Self-Paced Course Book List Required Tech: Computer and internet connection capable of video playback. Components: Reading, Agenda, Video Lecture (background on the author and concepts of which to be aware), Automated Quiz, Audio Recording of Reading, and Activity Sheet (Reading Questions & periodic writing assignments).