9th Grade Poetry

Class Overview

A person might be able to survive without beauty, but they would not be able to live. Poetry is a certain sort of music that we can carry with us, in our ears and in our hearts, giving us a window into transcendent beauty whenever we might want to let the world show its true face. This course will lay a foundation in critical thinking, verbal communication, and creative writing, but that foundation only exists so that we can understand Ray Bradbury when he reminds us to “Read poetry every day of your life.” By the end of this class, you might begin to see why.

About Mr. Jordan

djordan@areteprepacademy.org

Tutoring Hours: T/Th Lyceum, Rm. 200

Poetry Syllabus

Mr. Jordan realized during his first year at North Central College that a great injustice was being asked of him – despite his love of history, literature, philosophy, and theology, he would have to choose just one for his major in order to graduate. As a result of this impossible decision, he dodged the problem altogether by studying East Asian Studies and Japanese, which let him do all at once. Still not satisfied, he also received a minor in History of Ideas, which let seminar on the Great Books of the West, and he later went on to receive his Masters degree in the Eastern Classics at St. Johns and take a summer-long intensive program there on the Islamic Classics. This last summer, he returned to St John's for a second masters degree in the Liberal Arts, so that he can step back into the role of his students. Since 2008 Mr. Jordan has joyfully taught all of the courses in the Lit/Comp, History, and Humane Letters sequence at Arete Prep. In his leisure, he enjoys hiking in nature, reading books that challenge him, drinking good tea, and practicing meditation.

About Ms. Birdwell

lbirdwell@areteprepacademy.org

Tutoring Hours: M/Wed After School, Rm. 202

Poetry Syllabus

Ms. Birdwell is entering her 9th year at Arete Prep Academy, her 16th year with Great Hearts, and her 20th year in education. She received her BA in Philosophy and her MA from St. John’s College. Ms. Birdwell has worn many hats during her tenure at Great Hearts: Master Teacher, National Recruiter, Dean of Students, Director of the Senior Thesis program, Sub Coordinator, and Instructional Coach. While all of these are worthy and fun endeavors, her favorite role is teaching in the classroom where she loves discussing the Great Books and the Great Ideas with students. She has taught American History; 9th, 10th, and 11th Humane Letters; 6th, 7th, and 8th grade Literature & Composition; Poetry; and 6th grade American History. When she’s not in the classroom, Ms. Birdwell can be found mountain biking and hiking the trails of South Mountain — or reading a good book.

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