When explaining Christiana’s curriculum to new families, I make sure to cover Latin, Logic, and Rhetoric since I assume they may need as much explanation / justification as anything else we do. There is much to be said about all three, but today I wanted to write just a little bit about our Rhetoric program. At CHA, Rhetoric classes are offered in high school, and are fundamental to completing the capstone Thesis in senior year. However, Rhetoric begins with good writing. Therefore, you can make the case that IEW, begun in 3rd grade, and Lost Tools of Writing, begun in 9th grade, are also a serious part of the Rhetoric program. Ultimately, Rhetoric is the art of speaking and writing well and persuasively.
As those who stand in the Christian tradition, it is quite likely most of you have met and listened to able rhetoricians at weekly church services. For what is a sermon or homily at its best other than a piece of rhetoric? It is crafted well: clearly articulated points, supporting examples, memorable turns of phrase, and many other literary devices mark the speaker’s speech. Additionally, the preacher presents a logical progression of thought (logos), does so in a manner consistent with his / her own life (ethos), and is able to stir up an emotional response in the listener (pathos).
We all know good rhetoric when we hear it. We say things afterward along the lines of “I was really able to follow her line of thought,” and “I can tell that the speaker practices what he preaches,” or “He moved me to action with his passion and expression.” Likewise, we recognize poor rhetoric: wandering lines of argument, lack of clarity, unnecessary connectors (“umm”, “you know”), the horrific abuse of the word “like”, a lack of depth in language, and worse, a speaker whose life does not match the views he espouses.
It is our goal at CHA that student character will be developed in such a way that will allow them to speak with authority on moral issues. It is our goal from IEW up through the Rhetoric classes to give them the tools to write and speak fluently, colorfully, and strongly. Good rhetoric is not necessarily bombastic and loud (though times may call for that). Nor is it dry. It is the combination of language skills, logical thinking, strong character, voice inflection, and proper appeal to the listener.
When these all come together, it makes for a great speech! Next week, our seniors will deliver their thesis presentations. While younger children are asked not to attend this event unless related to the speakers, it is our hope that many parents, and all high schoolers, will come and hear what students who have worked their way through the program at CHA are able to do. Please consider attending the Thesis Presentations on Saturday April 13th at 9:30am. But whether you attend or not, know that your child(ren) are being prepared as eloquent and persuasive writers and speakers in their classes at Christiana.
This is part of the Board Bits: Tips, Tricks, and Hacks series. Is there a question about CHA or homeschool that you would like answered?
Submit inquiries to Tracey at [email protected]
As those who stand in the Christian tradition, it is quite likely most of you have met and listened to able rhetoricians at weekly church services. For what is a sermon or homily at its best other than a piece of rhetoric? It is crafted well: clearly articulated points, supporting examples, memorable turns of phrase, and many other literary devices mark the speaker’s speech. Additionally, the preacher presents a logical progression of thought (logos), does so in a manner consistent with his / her own life (ethos), and is able to stir up an emotional response in the listener (pathos).
We all know good rhetoric when we hear it. We say things afterward along the lines of “I was really able to follow her line of thought,” and “I can tell that the speaker practices what he preaches,” or “He moved me to action with his passion and expression.” Likewise, we recognize poor rhetoric: wandering lines of argument, lack of clarity, unnecessary connectors (“umm”, “you know”), the horrific abuse of the word “like”, a lack of depth in language, and worse, a speaker whose life does not match the views he espouses.
It is our goal at CHA that student character will be developed in such a way that will allow them to speak with authority on moral issues. It is our goal from IEW up through the Rhetoric classes to give them the tools to write and speak fluently, colorfully, and strongly. Good rhetoric is not necessarily bombastic and loud (though times may call for that). Nor is it dry. It is the combination of language skills, logical thinking, strong character, voice inflection, and proper appeal to the listener.
When these all come together, it makes for a great speech! Next week, our seniors will deliver their thesis presentations. While younger children are asked not to attend this event unless related to the speakers, it is our hope that many parents, and all high schoolers, will come and hear what students who have worked their way through the program at CHA are able to do. Please consider attending the Thesis Presentations on Saturday April 13th at 9:30am. But whether you attend or not, know that your child(ren) are being prepared as eloquent and persuasive writers and speakers in their classes at Christiana.
This is part of the Board Bits: Tips, Tricks, and Hacks series. Is there a question about CHA or homeschool that you would like answered?
Submit inquiries to Tracey at [email protected]
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