Description: A study in the skills of persuasion in writing and speech through the study of Aristotle's Rhetoric, with the goal of cultivating what Quintilian called "the good man speaking well." A one-semester course.
Suggested Age: Grades 8 and up
Prerequisites: competency in English and composition
Required Course Texts: Classical Rhetoric, by Martin Cothran; Rhetoric and Poetic, ed. Corbett; How to Read a Book, by Mortimer Adler; Figures of Speech, by Arthur Quinn
Content Covered: Content includes the three elements of communication, the three kinds of persuasive speech, and the three modes of persuasion. Students will also study the elements of virtue, the four kinds of government, and the rudimentary elements of traditional psychology. Stress in this course is placed on persuasive speech in the context of human nature.
Class Chat Time: Friday 3:00 pm EST
Instructor: Dr. Taylor, author of Poetic Knowledge; former head of Hillsdale College's education program
High School Course Credit: The one-semester course in Classical Rhetoric is worth approximately 1/2 year high school course credit (logic, language arts, or philosophy).

(This is a one-semester course)
Enroll in Classical Rhetoric, Fall 2010 ($224.95 for the semester)
Enroll in Classical Rhetoric, Spring 2011 ($224.95 for the semester)

For more information on courses and enrollment, and sample course quizzes, click here.


Independent Study Course: This mini-course includes all the components of a regular course with the exception of the weekly chat time: the student receives a syllabus, online quizzes, a question and answer forum for assistance with course material, and a 24/7 virtual report card for parents to keep track of student work.

Enroll in Classical Rhetoric (Independent Study) ($49.95)