English Classics
Grade: 8-12 Tutor: John Cho
Format: Courses are conducted in real-time through virtual sessions, fostering active participation and collaboration with both the tutor and peers.
Prerequisites: Enrollment requires prior completion of any of our Latin programs (Oxford, Grammar, Intensive, ASAP, or Natural), along with a recommendation from the tutor. Additionally, a graded school essay showcasing analytical skills may be requested.
Duration: Each course consists of 20 class hours.
Welcome to our English Classics courses!
Embracing Arnold’s Vision
Matthew Arnold, a prominent 19th-century English poet and cultural critic, famously described education's aim as the pursuit of "the best that has been thought and said." This phrase comes from his work "Culture and Anarchy," published in 1869, where he discusses culture's importance in society, advocating for a form of enrichment that extends beyond literary or academic knowledge. Arnold believed studying classics, literature, and philosophy cultivates the mind and spirit.
Unveiling the Classics
Arnold saw the classics as humanity's highest achievements in thought and creativity, offering insights into timeless questions and fostering intellectual and moral development. At Emerson Latin, we've embraced Arnold’s vision, crafting a curriculum drawing from timeless works spanning centuries and continents. Our courses explore profound concepts like nature, politics, society, virtue, beauty, and knowledge, engaging students in rigorous literary analysis and insightful discussions.
Key Features
Cultivation of Sophisticated Analysis: Our courses prioritize developing advanced critical thinking skills through in-depth examination of literary texts, exploring themes, motifs, and techniques.
Socratic Seminar & the Harkness Method: We encourage active participation and critical thinking through interactive teaching methodologies.
Oxford-style Writing Tutorials: Personalized guidance and feedback enhance students' writing proficiency, refining argumentation and developing persuasive prose.
International Competitions: Students showcase their talents globally, refining their writing skills and gaining recognition for their insights.
Excellent Preparation for Higher Education: Students enhance critical thinking, research, presentation, and independent work skills, preparing them for higher education demands, including IB Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Extended Essay (EE), AP Seminar, and AP Research courses.
Our commitment to fostering intellectual, critical inquiry, and effective communication skills prepares students for a lifelong journey of learning and engagement with the complexities of the world.
Course Offerings
Each course meets once a week for two hours, totaling 10 sessions per course.
Foundational Course
CLASSICS 1
Roman Literary Masterpieces
Through meticulous literary analysis, we will explore the themes, characters, and narrative techniques that define the timeless works of ancient Roman authors, presented in English translation. This course establishes a solid foundation for further study in our Classics curriculum, equipping students with the essential skills needed for advanced analysis and interpretation. In subsequent elective courses, students will delve into essay-related topics, reading and analyzing texts to craft polished submissions for international competitions.
Elective Courses
CLASSICS 2
Literary Reflections on Nature
Through thoughtful analysis and engaging discussions, we'll explore inspiring essays that delve into individualism, human experience, and the wonders of nature. Central to this course is a thorough examination of a seminal work that embodies these themes, offering abundant material for reflection. In addition to literary exploration, students will refine their writing skills through personal and reflective essays, invaluable for crafting college application essays.
CLASSICS 3
Visions of Ideal Societies
Through detailed analysis and lively discussions, we will delve into literary works that scrutinize political and economic systems, explore the conflict between freedom and conformity, and highlight the differences between capitalism and communism. In addition to our literary exploration, students will sharpen their writing abilities by crafting analytical essays, equipping them to express their ideas with clarity and precision.
CLASSICS 4
Morals and Manners in Fiction
Through close examination and spirited discussions, we'll probe themes of morals and manners woven throughout 19th-century English literature. Students will also sharpen their writing abilities through the crafting of comparative and interpretative essays, preparing them to analyze and interpret complex literary texts with nuance and depth. Our discussions will delve into multiple perspectives on the readings, grounded in historical context and informed by retrospective analysis.
CLASSICS 5
Philosophy Through the Lens of Fiction
Through stimulating discussions and thorough analysis, we will explore the principal philosophical arguments from classical antiquity to the present day, tracing the progression of ideas across centuries. Additionally, we will cultivate the skills required to compose persuasive philosophical and argumentative essays, refining our capacity to express intricate concepts and participate in rigorous intellectual discourse.