CLASS DESCRIPTION

A year-long in-depth study of Medieval and Renaissance English literature. Each work will be fully placed in its historical, philosophical, literary, and theological context. CS Lewis said that it's the duty of the reader to read the Great Books like the original audience; otherwise we cannot understand what we are reading. This takes work because we come to these texts with modern assumptions that we are largely unaware of.  Therefore our first task as readers is to learn how to read these books like a Medieval. Only then can we begin to evaluate like a Christian.

The Less is More Approach:  In my classes, I prefer to teach students how to think deeply and engage thoughtfully with the ideas that have shaped us and the world. Therefore, I deliberately limit the number of works we cover.  This allows students to read slowly and truly contemplate what they are reading, rather than rushing through huge reading lists with very little understanding—or enjoyment. Alexander Pope famously wrote, “A little learning is a dangerous thing. Drink deep, or taste not…”  We drink very deeply.

Students (especially those who are not as Humanities oriented) respond very well to the less is more approach.  It is a true delight to watch their confidence and excitement build as they begin to truly understand and enjoy intimidating old books.

This class is primarily a class in learning how to read well. Therefore, there are only two small writing assignments--a midterm and a final. These are two short essays which allow a student to express his or her experience of reading and demonstrate a close and thoughtful reading of the text.

All of our classes are available as self-paced classes. The self-paced option allows a student to view the classes on their own time. The content of the course is exactly the same, but there are no writing assignments and no grades issued for the high school courses. The self-paced option gives a student access to the streaming videos of the course for a full year. The classes are not discussion based and focus rather on the art and skill of reading well, and in the high school classes, on the Intellectual Tradition of a work. Students from all over the world choose the self-paced option.

Bundle with Readings in Medieval History at registration and save $50.