School of Classics
Why Study the Classics?
In the School of Classics we aim to understand the perspectives and traditions of the Western thinkers, artists, philosophers, politicians, and religious leaders to familiarize ourselves with the foundations of present culture, so that we might compare today’s Culture to God’s Truth reveled to us in the Bible. Students will experience an interdisciplinary study of History, Theology, Philosophy, and Literature, so that they might obey Paul’s teachings to “not be conformed to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of our minds”.
Aims of the School of Classics (SoC)
We want to cultivate students who listen compassionately to perspectives that are not their own. So that they might love and lift up the marginalized in any sphere they find them. God’s created order is not “preserved” in the writings of Western thought and culture, but rather investigates what is (or is not) Good, True and Beautiful. As Calvin writes, “All truth is God’s Truth”. By analyzing classic texts and studying Western culture, students may also join the conversations that ask what those truths are.
VALUE TRADITION BY MEASURING IT AGAINST TRUTHWe want our students to challenge and change Culture that doesn’t align with Truth. They will practice analyzing contemporary culture through the lens of the Bible as they trace the roots of Western History that brought about our contemporary culture. They will understand the major philosophical movements of Western Thought by studying the major texts of the Western Canon, and take part in these grand conversations of the past through discussion and writing.
DEVELOP WISDOM AND VIRTUEWe want our students to form habits of virtue that will grow with them for the rest of their lives. Students will honestly and genuinely discuss what makes things Good, True and/or Beautiful as they read and analyze tests and as they evaluate the current culture around them. Students will also have the opportunity to exercise what they’re learning and put it into practice through reflection and the mentoring of their peers. More importantly, they will be steeped in the word of God, hiding it in their hearts so that it might light the paths of their feet.
ENJOY LEARNING AS A LIFE-LONG PROCESSWe want our students to enjoy reading, writing, speaking and discussion by practicing their ailities and fostering their confidence in these academic skills. They will learn to work effectively and efficiently in collaboration with each other. Students will know that failure is part of the learning process and are not afraid of it since the work of “renewing our minds” is a continuous process. We want students to choose to be life-long learners for the joy of exploring the world that the Creator set in motion and maintains with love and mercy.