Veritas In Academia

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Level 1 (ages 3-6)

Tutor: Terese Weber
Course Description: Catechesis of the Good Shepherd is a multi-year Montessori-based Catholic faith formation program where children can grow in their relationship with God through a deep engagement in Scripture and liturgy. CGS is based on the belief that God and the child are already in relationship. Our work as adults is to provide a place for the child and God to come together and grow. This place or atrium is a specially prepared room where children can come to know Jesus, the Good Shepherd. The atrium is prepared with materials that children work with as a way of meditating upon the essentials of our faith found in Scripture and in liturgy.

A Children's House

Tutor: Terese Weber
Course Description: The Montessori Children’s House is a mixed age environment specifically designed to help children between the ages of 3 to 6 years to develop at their own pace, choosing their own activities from the Montessori materials which are displayed in an ordered and accessible way. Children work individually, or in groups, with hands-on activities which are designed to help them develop physically, socially and intellectually. Each activity is complete in itself and also prepares for later activities so that the children move from one activity to the next. Children develop the ability to concentrate, work on eye-hand coordination, discover order, and develop independence.

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Level 2 (ages 6-9)

Tutor: Terese Weber
Course Description: Catechesis of the Good Shepherd Level Two is a multi-year Montessori-based Catholic Faith Formation program for children ages 6-9 years old. The True Vine is at the heart of this level, whereas, the Good Shepherd was at the heart of the Level I atrium. At this level children continue to grow in their relationship with God by looking at Sacred History, moral formation, sacramental preparation, Eucharist, the Incarnation, and the Paschal Mystery. The atrium is a specially prepared room where children can come to know Jesus, the True Vine. The atrium is prepared with materials that children work with as a way of meditating upon the essentials of our faith found in Scripture and in liturgy.

A Children's House 2 (6-9 year olds)

Tutor: Terese Weber
Course Description: The Montessori Elementary One class is a mixed age environment specifically designed to help children between the ages of 6 to 9 years. The Montessori elementary child enters a prepared learning environment that continues to be based on the use of concrete Montessori materials and learning through experience and discovery. The elementary program offers a continuum built on the preschool experience.

Irish Dance

Tutor: Teresa Richards
Course Description: Learn the basics of Irish dance the the basics of moving around in a dance choreography. No dance experience required.

Little Artists

Tutor: Julie Leighton
Course Description: Come and explore the JOY of art!
We will have fun creating art with crayons, paints, clay and more.
Children ages 3-9 are welcome.
$10. fee for the cost of supplies.

Language Arts

Tutor: Julia Johnson
Course Description: This language arts class is created for grades three through six. We will read energetic, age appropriate literature to spark writing quality sentences and paragraphs. We will focus on the writing process and introduce aspects of Andrew Pudewa’s Institute for Excellence in Writing. Students will also enjoy journaling, Caught’ya Grammar, Daily Oral Language, Grammar Ball and Mad Libs.

Faith Formation: Old Testament

Tutor: Julia Johnson
Course Description: Let’s go on a JESSE TREE JOURNEY! Children meet David, Jonah, and many more Bible heroes in this vacation bible school style Old Testament study. We will reach the Holy Family and our Savior during Advent, before we leave for Christmas Break. After Christmas break we'll move on to St. Luke VBS for elementary to middle school VIA student faith formation. This Gospel is popular with women and children because we believe St.Luke knew Mary, and he was especially gifted with the infancy narrative of Jesus. Children will read much of the Gospel according to Luke and enjoy art, music, games, role plays and, of course, prayer. Siblings of our original crew may join us too!” Also important, we explore the Incarnation, because with the birth of Jesus came His ministry and the building of our beautiful Church. By exploring Sacred Scripture we learn about the Holy Land and the Jewish men and women who were part of Jesus’ family. Children discover more about their faith in God and hope in Jesus. This energetic, really fun study brings participants closer to the Father, Son, Holy Spirit and our Church and has been practiced by many solid, Catholic parishes. We will read, play games, create art, enjoy snacks and PRAY. Mrs. Johnson looks forward to teaching this fun study to many of your children.

Art

Tutor: Julie Leighton
Course Description: We will learn about the different forms of art; their history and origin.
We will learn the technique to create our own works of art using each of these forms. Fall and Spring semesters can be taken independently of each other.

Conversational Spanish

Tutor: Ana Grace Plotts
Course Description: Learn to speak Spanish the way all people learn their native language - by using it. We will discuss, listen, celebrate, play and eat our way through the Spanish language. We will immerse ourselves in the faith, culture, and daily life of the Hispanic people. In addition to in-class participation, there will be outside time required for specific online tools, and outside speaking/hearing opportunities.
Supplies Needed: Students will need access to a computer at home to use Duolingo 10-15 minutes per day. Post-it Notes (5-90 sheet pads of 5 different colors) and lined paper in a three ring binder or a folder.

Geography and Culture Studies

Tutor: Joshua LaFond
Course Description: World Geography and Culture engages the student in the study of countries, places, peoples, and geography concepts and skills. This comprehensive reference class makes it enlightening and exciting to study all aspects of the natural features of the Earth, while also coming to understand what is at the heart of whole nations and cultures. This class can serve for both history and geography classes and projects as well as for general country and U.S. state research since as the region of the Earth is studied, so naturally will also be the origin and development of the culture specific to that region. In-depth geographic terminology will be studied along with comprehensive geo-political analysis. Facts at a glance and in-depth coverage will be regularly employed. Highlights and features:
✓ Authentic foods from each region explored. Student and guest participation encouraged.
✔ Country and state/province profiles, with descriptions of more than 200 countries; all 50 states of the United States of America (including Washington, D.C.), with information on geography, people and culture, weather and climate, history, government, and society, plus a variety of maps, flags, facts and figures, images, and much more
✔ Maps: more than 1,300 easy-to-read maps, including political, elevation, outline, regional geographic, thematic, city, state, physical features, and more
✔ Compare and rank tools: valuable tools that compare and rank countries or U.S. states by a variety of criteria
✔ News articles, updated regularly
✔ Dynamic citations (varied print and student initiative) / periodical / persistent record links
Supplies needed: Tutor will contact prior to the start of the semester.

Irish Dance

Tutor: Teresa Richards
Course Description: All ages welcome.

Physical Education

Tutor: Joshua LaFond
Course Description: The P.E. Course lifts directly from the Minnesota recommendation for Physical Education. Students will be facilitated in realizing the core of the outline. Varied outlets will be employed each class, with a regular regimen per class of the following: • core body posture • stretching • breathing • over-all wellness (washing hands, vit/min/sunlight/air/water/air/stress/prayer/virtue) • warm-ups • group activity (low impact, team effort, drills)
Supplies needed: Clothing and shoes appropriate for physical activity. No black soled shoes.

Language Arts through IEW Narnia
(4-6th grades and 6-8th grades)

Tutor: Julia Johnson
Course Description: Children love learning Language Arts when we make connections with what interests them. This course uses the first books of C.S. Lewis' Narnia stories, using the Institute for Excellence in Writing Structure and Style method. We will read one or two C.S. Lewis novels. Weekly reading and writing assignments will be provided. Class time consists of an introduction to the writing assignment, practice with IEW's writing structures and styles, grammar skills, as well as guided discussion of the reading assignment. Students, 4th to 8th Grade, will enjoy working at their own appropriate levels journaling, Daily Oral Language, Grammar Ball, Mad Libs and other fun games for learning.
Course materials: Course Materials: Each student needs a student copy of Catholic Heritage Curricula, Level D, Language of God (some of you already own this workbook from 2018-19). Students will also be enjoying The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe for first semester. Please bring a new notebook, folder and pencil.
The Lion's Song - https://iew.com/shop/products/following-narnia%C2%AE-volume-1-lions-song-student-book-only
The Magician's Nephew by C.S. Lewis
Note: One workbook per family is necessary for siblings to share and if they use their local school district “book allowance” they can purchase the books ahead of time and get reimbursed.

Middle School Science

Tutor: Julia Johnson
Course Description: Firmly grounded in the belief that faith and reason are inseparable, the Behold and Sees Science series has been written to teach up-to-date scientific knowledge within the context of our Catholic faith. This Behold and See Science will provide students with an in-depth, conceptual understanding of physical science, ecology, and astronomy while communicating the richness and order of God’s creation. It is not last year’s curricula. Mrs. Johnson will also conduct labs and add the important “ingredients of creativity while studying Creation.”
Course materials: ONE PER FAMILY
CHC Behold and See 6 Workbook and Text - https://www.chcweb.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=3777

Acting

Tutor: Amy Bittner
Course Description: This class is intended to provide young actors with an overview of the concepts of acting, the basic techniques of acting, and a brief look into dramatic literature. We will look at physical form, vocal techniques, and creating a character, as well as some beginner information about the world of Theatre. During this course students will investigate voice, movement, text, improvisation, and performance with the goal of improved performance skills and theatrical understanding.

Introduction to Scripture

Tutor: Jenna Leighton
Course Description: As Catholics, we know the Bible is the inspired and inerrant Word of God but how often are we panged with guilt for not knowing the Bible as well as we ought? St. Jerome convicts us when he says, “ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ”. But the attempt to simply read the Good Book from cover to cover proves difficult. This course will strive to reveal Scripture as the epic love story in which God reveals Himself to us gradually and in stages. Using Dr. Bergsma’s Bible Basics for Catholics as companion to our reading of the Good Book, students will use simple images to learn and memorize the story of Scripture.
This class will cover the Church’s teaching on Scripture, the major covenants throughout Salvation History, the key figures and themes, the prefigurements of Christ contained in the Old Testament, and the fulfillment of those prefigurements in the New. This class is designed for middle-school learners, however, high-school learners are very welcome and will certainly benefit as well.

Supplies Needed Fall Semester: Bible Basics for Catholics by Dr. John Bergsma; The Bible (Students should have their own for class they can mark as desired . Preferable translation: NABRE or RSVCE2 or another Catholic translation)

Supplies Needed Spring Semester: TBD

Shakespeare, Poetry, Music, and Art Appreciation (full year)

Tutor: Susan Steinke
Course Description: This class will focus on four elements that can often fall to the wayside during busy homeschool weeks: Poetry, Art Appreciation, Music Appreciation, and Shakespeare study.

      Poetry: We’ll spend the whole year reading the poems of Alfred, Lord Tennyson. We’ll learn about his life and become familiar with his poetic style and expression.

      Art Appreciation: We’ll cover the works of three artists throughout the year: Raphael (Renaissance), Gainsborough (Baroque), and Homer (Modern). We’ll read biographies of the artists, and each week linger over one of their pieces, discussing what we see, what stands out, details about the subject, etc.

      Music Appreciation: We’ll cover the Romantic and Modern Eras of music using the SQUILT curriculum (SQUILT stands for Super Quiet Un-Interrupted Listening Time). We’ll listen to pieces from each era of music, learn about composers, and discuss concepts such as instrumentation, rhythm, tempo, and dynamics.

      Shakespeare Study: I’ll be using Ken Ludwig’s How to Teach Your Children Shakespeare to present Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet,” “Macbeth,” and “Henry IV” to the students. We’ll memorize key passages and work hard at understanding the meaning behind them. We also won’t be reading the plays in their entirety, but I will be sharing some wonderful retellings of the plays as we study them.

We’ll spend approximately a quarter of our class time on each element, give or take depending on what we are doing that week. Little to no homework will be assigned (except to practice reciting Shakespeare at home!).

Supplies Needed: A one-inch binder with four dividers for handouts. Colored pencils/markers for occasional class work when we illustrate poems or draw an artist’s work.

Catholic Inspired Studio Art

Tutor: Julie Leighton
Course Description: Students will learn technique and develop skill in the areas of drawing and painting. We will work with a variety of media including pencil, pastels, pen&ink, and watercolor. We will look at the act of creating art as a form of prayer. We will work from the inspiration of the many beautiful works of Catholic art. Advanced to beginner students in grades 7-12 welcomed. Fall and spring semesters can be taken independently of each other.
Supplies needed: 14” x 17” pad of drawing paper
(Recommend 80lbs Strathmore or Canson)
Set of drawing pencils
Blending Stumps (a variety of sizes)
Gum Eraser (also called “Art Gum”)
Rubber Eraser (also called “pink pearl”)
Kneaded Rubber Eraser (recommend Generals)

Public Speaking (Fall 7th-12th grade)

Tutor: Susan Robinson
Course Description: (no prerequisite) It doesn’t matter what occupation or endeavor God calls us to in this life, speaking in front of others isinevitable. The sooner students can learn public speaking skills, the more comfortable they will become. This class will train students to prepare and deliver a variety of speeches including but not limited to: Self-Introduction, Narrative, Descriptive, Demonstrative, and Persuasive. The Institute for Excellence in Writing (IEW) Speech Boot Camp program will be used as a backbone and includes a bit of videolearning during class, along with provided handouts. Each student will prepare a notebook in whichhandouts and notes will be placed (this will serve as a good reference for the future). This class is sure toengage students not only in the physical aspects of speaking in front of others, but also in the mental and spiritual preparation needed for effective speaking. To the students: in the words of St. Padre Pio, “Pray, hope and don’t worry.” Rest assured, this class will be most enjoyable!

"Be slow to speak, and only after having first listened quietly, so that you may understand the meaning, leanings, and wishes of those who do speak. Thus, you will better know when to speak and when to besilent." -Saint Ignatius

Required Materials: 3-ring binder with 4 tabs, pens/pencils to take notes, a folder, materials from home to bring in for a demonstration speech.
All instructional materials will be provided by the tutor.

Speech and Debate (Winter/Spring Semester)

"Words that do not give the light of Christ increase the darkness." - Saint Mother Teresa

Tutor: Susan Robinson
Course Description: (no prerequisite, but some level of public speaking experience will be helpful)
This course will take public speaking to the next level, developing the critical thinking skills to effectively communicate the issues of the day in a manner which is pleasing to God. Students will develop skills in topic research, effective and respectful argumentation, organization, refutation, and public speaking. Students will learn how to debate both sides of a topic without abandoning their personal values and beliefs. This course will include learning the value of Lincoln-Douglas style debate and, as time allows, delving into value and/or policy debate. Resources through the National Christian Forensics and Communications Association (NCFCA) will be utilized and students will be encouraged to continue competitive debate in the years to come. Students: Be not afraid, come and learn the power of debate!

"The greatest kindness one can render to any man consists in leading him from error to truth." -St. Thomas Aquinas

Required Materials: 3-ring binder with tabs; writing utensils, a folder; access to the internet and a personal email account.
All instructional materials will be provided by the tutor.

Personal Finance

Tutor: Robin LaFond
Course Description: Learn about personal finances before you graduate into the adult world and have to learn the hard way! The concepts taught in this class will show you how to take control of your money and help you avoid huge money mistakes down the road. Chapters include: Saving, Budgeting, Debt, Life after High School, Consumer Awareness, Bargain Shopping, Investing and Retirement, Insurance, Money and Relationships, Careers and Taxes, and Giving. For out-of-class assignments, students will have online videos to watch, as well as a few workbook pages to complete.
Supplies needed: Dave Ramsey's "Foundations in Personal Finance, High School Edition for Homeschool
Book cost: If you don't already have the book, coordinate with the tutor as she can get if for $20.

Programming Logic and Constructs

Tutor: Jenni Fuchs
Course Description: Students will learn about the essentials of computer programming logic and constructs such as loops, if/thens, switches, functions, pseudo-coding, and commenting. These topics are the building blocks that are important no matter what coding language the student uses. For the class, programming will be done using an EV3 robot(s).

Supplies Needed: A computer that should be fairly new, Windows computers with a mouse and keyboard (or equivalent). Laptops tend to be easiest. However, a PC with a working USB port or Bluetooth available will also be able to connect with the robots. The computer will need the EV3 software installed on it and be in the same room as the robot running area. They should also have internet access so we can download updates to the software and firmware for the robots as well as access instructional/help materials on Lego Education and EV3Lessons.com.
According to the software download site, here are the specific computer specs

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS PC WITH MICROSOFT WINDOWS

• Windows Vista (32/64-bit) with the latest Service packs or later versions of Windows
• Dual core processor 2.0 GHz or better
• 2GB of RAM or more
• 2GB of available hard-disk space
• XGA display (1024 x 768)
• 1 available USB port

Here is a link to download the software: https://www.lego.com/en-us/mindstorms/downloads/download-software

Spanish

Tutor: Karyn Schneider
Course Description: Learn to speak and understand Spanish the way all people learn their native language - by using it! We will discuss, listen, play and eat our way through the Spanish language. We will immerse ourselves in the faith, culture, and daily life of the Hispanic people. We will be using two textbooks! The first one will walk us through the Spanish language, starting with "Hola!" It is called "Practice Makes Perfect Basic Spanish, Second Edition: (Beginner)" (about $13 on Amazon). This will allow advanced students to polish their skills and students that are new to Spanish will have all of the tools that they need to succeed. Beginner students should also be aware that we will move fairly quickly through some of the first chapters of this textbook. However, beginners will also receive extra support during class time. The second text is called "Read & Think Spanish, Premium Third Edition" (about $14 on Amazon). This fun-filled book is a collection of short articles in Spanish about traditions, geography, music, etc! This text makes these articles easy to read with, vocabulary aids on each page! Advanced students will work out of this text more than the beginners, but it is suitable and will be fun for both. The texts have additional recourses that can be accessed through their app for families that find this supplemental material helpful. In addition to in-class participation, there will be outside time required for specific homework assignments, online tools, and outside speaking/hearing opportunities.
Supplies Needed: Practice Makes Perfect Basic Spanish, Second Edition: (Beginner) & Read & Think Spanish, Premium Third Edition

Beginning Latin I

Tutor: Susan Steinke
Course Description: A major skill needed for fluency in reading Latin is the ability to identify phrases and clauses as one meets them in reading Latin sentences. This introductory Latin course will develop a firm foundation of grammar, vocabulary, and translation skills with the goal of recognizing core elements and the basic patterns of Latin sentences. Coursework will cover 1st , 2nd , and 3rd declension nouns and adjectives (masculine, feminine, and neuter) in all six cases and present, imperfect, and perfect tense active voice verbs and infinitives. Class time will focus on translation and introduction of new grammatical concepts, with weekly homework assignments given for practice and mastery of skills.
Supplies needed: Ecce Romani I, either 3rd edition (published 2005) or 4th edition (published 2009). Ecce Romani Language Activity Book I (4th edition). Please note that the textbook is printed both in a hardcover version and a paperback version. The paperback version is split into IA and IB. Either version is fine. Folder or binder to store handouts; loose leaf paper or notebook with perforated pages for classroom work; index cards and storage box for vocabulary flashcards.

Social Ethics

Tutor: Jacob Nelson
Course Description: We will use the great social encyclicals of the Church to guide our discussion, especially from Leo XIII through Benedict XVI. We will use the socratic method as we are in the government class. The course in social ethics will explore how society functions and what the Catholic response enough to be. While we will cover more mild subjects such as Unions, wages, and subsidiarity, we will also talk about more sensitive issues such as gender theory, IVF and abortion. I do welcome middle schoolers into the course, but at the parents discretion.
Supplies needed: TBD

High School Language Arts

Tutor: Julia Johnson
Course Description: Today’s worldliness produces impersonal, incorrect communication, and in this class we will enjoy creative and smart words. What are the methods for creating these skills in this 9th through 12th Grade Language Arts study? We explore excellent authors who communicate phenomenally and in fascinating ways . . . to our students. Julia will choose three novels. Then, students will decide, together, which author appeals to them. Good authors influence our reading, writing and speaking skills. Mrs. Johnson has some other surprising, fun tools that this social, high school generation will embrace.

United States History

Tutor: Dr. Chuck Chalberg
Editorial comment from the VIA administration: Dr. "Chuck" Chalberg is a treasure. If you want more than checking a box for your MN High School graduation U.S. History requirement, this is the place for you. Dr. Chalberg is a national treasure. Your students will not just learn what happened in U.S. History, but why! What were people thinking? Why things worked, and others failed. Don't miss a chance to expose your student to this great opportunity to expand their ability to learn how to think. Dr. Chalberg's 30 years of teaching history at Normandale and around the country as Teddy Roosevelt, G.K. Chesterton, Rickey Branch, make the discussions in the class truly come alive.
Course Description: American History from the Age of Exploration to the Civil War and Reconstruction. The heart of the course will focus on 1) the road to the American Revolution, the revolutionary era itself and its aftermath and consequences; 2) the road to the Civil War, the war itself, and the aftermath and consequences.
Supplies needed: A Land of Hope by Wilfred McClay

Chemistry

Tutor: John Leighton
Course Description: Coming soon!

Irish Dance

Tutor: Teresa Richards
Course Description: Learn the basics of Irish dance the the basics of moving around in a dance choreography. No dance experience required.

Physical Education

Tutor: Joshua LaFond
Course Description: This courseifts directly from the Minnesota recommendation for Physical Education. Students will be facilitated in realizing the core of the outline. Varied outlets will be employed each class, with a regular regimen per class of the following:

• core body posture
• stretching
• breathing
• over-all wellness (washing hands, vit/min/sunlight/air/water/air/stress/prayer/virtue)
• warm-ups
• group activity (low impact, team effort, drills)

The students will:
1. Demonstrate competency in a variety of motor skills and movement patterns.
2. Apply knowledge of concepts, principles, strategies and tactics to movement and performance.
3. Demonstrate the knowledge and skills to achieve and maintain a health-enhancing level of physical activity and fitness.
4. Exhibit responsible personal and social behavior that respects self and others.
5. Recognize the value of physical activity for health, enjoyment, challenge, self-expression, and/or social interaction.

Quality physical education programs are needed to increase physical competence, health-related fitness, self-responsibility and enjoyment of physical activity for all students so that they can be physically active for a lifetime. Physical education programs can provide these benefits only if they are well-planned and well-implemented so that they include the following:

• Skill development - Physical education develops motor skills that allow for safe, successful and satisfying participation in physical activities.
• Regular, healthful physical activity - Physical education provides a wide range of developmentally appropriate activities for all children and youth. It encourages young people to choose to be physically active and aware of the benefits of such a choice.
• Improved physical fitness - Quality physical education improves cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, flexibility, muscular endurance, and body composition.
• Support for other subject areas - Physical education reinforces knowledge learned across the curriculum and serves as a laboratory for application of content in science, math, and social studies.
• Self-discipline - Physical education facilitates the development of responsibility for personal health, safety, and fitness.
• Improved judgment - Quality physical education influences moral development. Students learn to assume leadership, cooperate with others and accept responsibility for their own behavior.
• Stress reduction - Physical activity becomes an outlet for releasing tension and anxiety and facilitates emotional stability and resilience.
• Strengthened peer relations - Physical education is a major force in helping children and youth socialize with others successfully and provides opportunities to learn positive social skills. Especially during late childhood and adolescence, being able to participate in dances, games, and sports is an important part of youth and peer cultures.
• Improved self-confidence and self-esteem - Physical education instills a stronger sense of self-worth in young people based on their mastery of skills and concepts in physical activity. They become more confident, assertive, independent and self-controlled.
• Experiencing goal setting - Physical education gives children and youth the opportunity to set and strive for personal, achievable goals. (National Association for Sport and Physical Education)

Math Tutoring - Any level through Pre-calc

Tutor: Robin LaFond
Course Description: Will provided help scheduling out students year and/or keep the student on track with where they should be with their assignments. Will also assign and check tests. Aid in weekly instruction as needed. This will be similar to what was provided last school year, but a little less formal. There will not necessarily be prepared lessons. Instruction only as needed.

Math Assignment Help - Any level through Pre-calc

Tutor: Robin LaFond
Course Description: Tutor will be available for help with any questions on student's homew assignments. This is a good option for parents who aren't confident in their own Math skills to have someone to help their child with any questions that come up. Less involvement on tutor's part with scheduling. Simply a "homework helper."

Individual/Small Ensamble Voice Lessons

Tutor: Joshua LaFond
Course Description: This private class offers a wide variety of music lessons and classes for children as young as 6 weeks through teenagers. Youth can explore the world of music in an age-appropriate and fun environment. The instruction creatively and flexibly meets the unique needs and learning styles of students as they grow and mature.
Ages 8 and under: This is the best place to give your child a great start in music. Mr. LaFond is in-tune with the developmental stages and needs of very young learners.
Ages 9-12: School age kids discover the joy of playing and singing music so they’re motivated to learn. Whether learning music individually or with a small peer group, students gain music appreciation, focus and creativity.
For Teens (13 – 18): Whether your teen is a first-time musician or conservatory bound, tapping into their growing maturity provides an exciting outlet to express themselves through music.

Love of Writing (Returns in 2020!)

Tutor: John Leighton
Course Description: People and God communicate in many ways, some mystical and some banal. But the most ordinary of these ways is language. Language, however, is a double-edged sword that need be wielded carefully. How often have we uttered something uncharitable, only to immediately regret and long to corral the echoes of our words. Wielded well, language communicates goodness, beauty and truth, or parries another sword that denies these attributes of holiness. This writing class will attempt to impart to the student the following abilities: i) to know the metrics of good writing, and to discriminate between the good and bad; and ii) to learn how easy it is to write, so easy that writer's block is banished to its proper abode in the hinterland of fantasy.

This course will prepare you for life and college by focusing on writing prose, for fiction follows non-fiction. Great fiction communicates truth, and thus is only as good as the underlying reality. To identify the metrics of good prose, one must be exposed to great writers. And so we will be reading many of the great writers of our language, as well as employing the following resources: i) "Excellence in Writing;" and ii) "Elements of Style." We will also expose ourselves to bad writing so as to obtain the skill of avoiding such drivel. Finally, we will meditate on the wonder of our God, so that our souls excite in the Good, the Beautiful, and the True. A soul in ecstasy cannot help but attempt to communicate itself.

Prerequisites: Student should have a command of basic grammar and be able to write a complete paragraph.