Classes
Omnibus I: Ancient
This year we will be exploring the history, literature, and culture of ancient civilizations, focusing on Israel, Sumeria, Egypt, Greece, and Rome.
Exams
Exams will consist of identifications, short answer questions, and an essay. Key dates, history, and literature will all be tested, with a focus on concepts. Class attendance is crucial for these exams. There should be one exam for every 1-2 books, based on length and content. There will be a cumulative midterm and final, which will be double-weighted.
Journal
The format will include responses to what we read or Ms. Feldman's presentations on art, answering one or two questions, or creative assignments (ex. Describe an animal to a foreigner as Herodotus did). Journals will give regular writing experience and an opportunity to interact with the material we have read in another way to increase understanding. Approximately 150 words a week, due each Friday morning. Peer responses may occasionally be required as well, to encourage further discussion. This will hopefully be done in an online format on our class website.
Quizzes
In addition to our primary reading, we will have Powerpoints, lecture notes, and supplementary books on history, art, and geography, being sure to explore cultures and key points not covered in our reading (ex. Etruscans and Minoan civilizations, cuneiform, architecture, wonders of the ancient world, etc.). There will be quizzes on this information, as well as on the books we are reading. The quizzes will be helpful in preparing for the exams.
Vocabulary
Vocabulary is an essential building block for the rhetoric stage. This is not just for the SAT - it increases students' reading comprehension, improves their writing style, and makes them more effective communicators. We will have a short weekly quiz, mainly consisting of fill in the blank and matching.
At this stage, we will aim for 10 new words each week, plus synonym/antonym extra credit (one point per synonym that can be listed for each list word, to build their knowledge exponentially). A personal thesaurus can be an excellent tool for learning synonyms.
Projects/Essays
There will be several projects and writing assignments throughout the year, allowing creative responses to the material encountered in class. Details for each project will be given well in advance.
Timeline
We will work on a large, multifaceted timeline during the course of the year. In addition to helping students place civilizations, events and literature in context, it will develop research skills.
Boni Libri
Students will choose one book each quarter from the Boni Libri list available on the CCA website. Individual presentations will be given one day each quarter. Each student will give a 5-7 minute speech on a book of their choice, and answer one or two questions from me. Notes are allowed, but not required. This gives valuable public speaking experience, and can spark interest in new books among fellow students.
Notebooks
To facilitate studying and keep a neat classroom, we will work on notebook organization and note-taking skills. A small notebook grade will be given each quarter based on neatness and organization.
Grading Scale
| Exams | 35% |
| Journals | 20% |
| History/Literature Quizzes | 10% |
| Vocabulary Quizzes | 7% |
| Boni Libri | 5% |
| Notebook | 3% |
| Projects/Essays/Timelines | 20% |
Schedule of Reading
- Genesis
- Exodus
- Herodotus - Egypt
- Code of Hammurabai
- Gilgamesh
- Poetics
- Last Days of Socrates
- Odyssey
- Herodotus - Greeks
- Antigone
- Livy
- Aeneid
- Luke/Acts
- Epistles (selection)
- Twelve Caesars
- Julius Caesar
Expectations
Each morning there will be a verse for the day on the board, to be copied into each student's notebook, and a logic puzzle, SAT problem, or other question to awaken our minds and focus before class. Students should arrive on time, put their things away in an orderly fashion, and proceed to writing in their notebooks until it is time to begin. Any assignments due that day should be on their desks.
Students are expected to pay attention, work diligently and seek help when needed. My desire is to help everyone to understand the material, and I will always be happy to assist in any way I can.
Students are also asked to:
"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ forgave you." - Ephesians 4:32
"Do everything without complaining or arguing." - Phillipians 2:14
Cell phones, ipods, and other entertainment devices are not to be used in my class. If I see or hear one in use, it will be sent to the headmaster's office.