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Rhetoric Stage
In the rhetoric stage, students refine judgment, expression, and persuasion, learning to present truth with clarity, confidence, and charity.
Students will know the basics of theology and will learn sound principles of interpretation. They will examine a broad range of theological ideas, touching on all of the major areas it addresses. All of this instruction will be consistent with the school’s educational framework, and students will be challenged to apply these ideas thoughtfully to their lives.
Students will become well versed in the common cultural consensus of the Western world—the body of thought, belief, and imagination that encompasses Western education. Students will also be given a context for understanding other types of study, since the great ideas in all areas of knowledge often find their popular expression in literature. Students will understand great ideas expressed through literature and will explore those ideas more deeply. Finally, students will appreciate the beauty of language and literature. Discerning beauty will help graduates engage thoughtfully and meaningfully with the world around them.
Students will be able to articulate the major forces and turning points that have shaped history. They will know leaders of our culture and of our nation, as well as other significant historical figures. Students will understand the consequences of human actions through the actions of our predecessors. The aim is that students gain wisdom from the past and can communicate their values in ways that help cultivate strong character in future generations.
Students will master the basics of formal rhetoric and refine their skills through constant practice in all classes. This will culminate in the writing and defense of a thesis paper during the senior year. Additionally, students will use their rhetorical skills to persuade others in a thoughtful and principled manner. They will learn to present and defend their convictions with clarity and confidence.
Students will master basic mathematics and solve complex equations with single and multiple variables. Students will be able to solve proofs in Geometry and solve problems using trigonometric functions. Through the study of mathematics, students will come to appreciate order, structure, and the patterns that exist in nature.
Students will gain an understanding of general science, the life sciences (biology, anatomy & physiology, and marine biology), chemistry, and physics. They will become acquainted with the system of inductive thought by using the scientific method. Students will learn to better understand the natural world through the study of scientific principles and observable phenomena.
Students will gain a greater understanding of English grammar and more quickly learn modern foreign languages through the study of classical language. Students will learn to master the English language. They will also be taught to read the great works of antiquity in the original language.
Students who study a modern foreign language will learn to communicate with people of other nationalities. Students will gain a mastery of the language’s grammar and syntax. They will also learn to interact with and enjoy literature written in that language, as well as other cultures.