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. ISBN 0140449329
• Beowulf. ISBN 0451530969
• Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. ISBN 0451531191
• Prologue to the Canterbury Tales by Geoffrey Chaucer. ISBN 0553210823
• Henry V by William Shakespeare. ISBN 0451526902
• Robison Crusoe by Daniel Defoe
• Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. ISBN 0199537151
• A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens. ISBN 0743487605

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:
  • Exams, Tests, and Quizzes                                50%
  • Writing Assignments                                           25%
  • Recitations and Reading/Homework Notes      15%
  • Participation                                                         10%
• Exams will require knowledge of objective facts, but they will also evaluate the student’s ability to think and to synthesize material critically. The examinations will be composed some of the following types of questions:
  • Short answer
  • Definition/term identification
  • Quotation identification
  • Document (primary sources) based essay questions
  • General essay questions
• Quizzes will always be announced. On the mid-term and final examinations, comprehensive knowledge of all the semester’s vocabulary words will be required.
• Writing assignments will be completed in class or at home and will typically take place each week.
• 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 class period the assignment is late.
• 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.
• Students need to keep reading notes, both in the margin of their texts and on loose-leaf in their binder.       Requirements will be specified later. On an unannounced basis, reading notes will be graded.
• Students will organize their class materials in a binder or folder, which will be evaluated on a regular basis. Organization requirements will be specified the first day of class.
• 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.