Mr. Rick Freeman

Home Assignments Week 32: May 3-6, 2024

9th Grade Christian Studies:

• Study for your final (Tuesday) using the study guide I passed out in class (also attached below).

10th Grade Literature:

• You did it! Thanks for a great year.

12th Grade Classical Christian Studies:

• You did it! Thanks for a great year.

12th Grade English Literature:

• Choose one poem from the last couple of weeks to review and write about on our final. A prompt for the poetry reflection is attached below.

• For the Anna K portion of the test, you'll be summarizing the book. No need to "study" for this, but if you'd like to do something to prepare, you can just noodle on how you might summarize the book.

Home Assignments Week 32: May 3-6, 2024

9th Grade Christian Studies:

• Ask your parents, your pastor, or look around on your church website until you find (and write out) the answer to these question: 

  1. What kind of church government (or "church polity") governs your family's church? Is it governed by an episcopal model, a presbyterian model, or a congregational model? (We'll define all these terms next week— but you should be able to find out which one governs your church even if you're not sure what they mean.) 

  2. Write out, in as much detail as you can, who has authority to make important decisions in your church. Does your church have bishops? Elders? Deacons? A board? Who appoints these people?

• Print out and read (or, if you feel comfortable, pray) the excerpts from the Anglican Book of Common Prayer, which is representative of the English Reformation we'll discuss next week. 

• Begin studying for your final exam by reviewing the Leipzig Debate. 

• Finally: if you are a student who needs to get their Christian Empire test signed and has not yet, this is your last chance to do so!

10th Grade Literature:

• Finish reading Jane Eyre (pages 700-736).

• Complete the writing assignment in which you will summarize the novel. I hope this assignment is challenging but kind of—dare I say—fun. 

  2. • Put careful thought into your work, down to the very word—but don't spend more than an hour on this. 

     • The prompt is attached below.

• Your final will be next Thursday (16th). A study guide (of sorts) is attached, but if you haven't finished the novel read first, as it contains potential spoilers! I don't actually expect lots of studying/reviewing for this is necessary, but I know some of you like to feel prepared. A few things about the final:

  2. • There will be a handful of short questions over basic plot and key themes and scenes we've discussed in class, followed by one essay.

     • The essay will depend a fair amount on what we cover next week, so if you don't quite have an idea how to answer the whole thing yet, that is okay! 

     • You will be permitted to use your book for the essay portion (though it will be timed, so you should not rely on referencing your book for everything—it will take too long).

12th Grade Classical Christian Studies:

• Read chapters 8-10 of Book III + Chapter 1 of Book IV of Mere Christianity. 

• Use the study guide below to begin preparing for your final, which will cover the reading from this week and last (Book III + the chapter from Book IV)

  2. • note: the parts that are crossed out on the study guide mean that they will not be covered this year (though I don't want to delete them, because hopefully they will be next year).

12th Grade English Literature:

• Your papers over Anna Karenina are due Tuesday, May 14th. I've extended this date, so I hope to see good work here and will not have mercy on papers after this date.

  2. • See the prompt attached last week for the requirements (length, etc.), regardless of whether you are responding to the prompt or writing upon a topic you have proposed and had approved.

Home Assignments Week 31: May 3-6, 2024

9th Grade Christian Studies:

• Study for a quiz over Martin Luther and the Council of Trent (Roman Catholic Church) on the nature of faith and justification.

• Print and read the attachment with three differing views about the sacrament of the Lord's Supper (Luther, Zwingli, and RCC) and write a summary of the differences, per the instructions on the first page of the PDF. 

• Remember: if you're reciting for class, please review/work on this over the weekend!

10th Grade Literature:

• Read chapter 33-36 (pages 619-700) of Jane Eyre. It's a fair amount of reading, but it's goooood. 

• So you know, here's the plan for the end of the year: 

  1. You'll have a medium-sized writing assignment (1-2 pages) next weekend as we finish the book.

  2. Your final will be a test over Jane Eyre.

12th Grade Classical Christian Studies:

• Study for a quiz over Books I and II of Mere Christianity using the study guide attached below. 

• Read and annotate Book III chapter 1 and chapters 3-6 (we already read chapter 2 in early spring).

12th Grade English Literature:

• Because you all have thesis presentations, I am going to delay the day by which you must turn in your papers. If your thesis presentation is not until next weekend, I highly recommend you go ahead and complete this paper and turn it in today. It will be better for your paper and for your peace of mind. However, papers are not required to be in until Tuesday, May 14th. I will not have mercy on papers after this date.

  2. • See the attached prompt again for the requirements (length, etc.), regardless of whether you are responding to the prompt or writing upon a topic you have proposed and had approved.

• Next week we will have a test over Anna Karenina—this is not something you can really study for. Either you've imbibed this book for months or you haven't. Still, please email me if you have any questions!

Home Assignments Week 30: April 26-29, 2024

9th Grade Christian Studies:

• Read both Martin Luther and the Council of Trent (both attached below) on the nature of faith and justification. (This should have been completed in class, but look it over again.)

• Then write an evaluation/comparison of the two readings, per the instructions at the bottom of the Luther reading.

• Finally, consider whether you'd like to represent our class in reciting the Nicene Creed on recitation day. Doing so will augment your point total in the test/quiz category—so if you haven't excelled on those, this is an opportunity!

10th Grade Literature:

• Read chapter 29-32 (pages 560-619) of Jane Eyre.

• Then in a short paragraph each, answer the following:

  1. What is Mr. St. John like? What are your initial impressions of him? 

  2. What's going on inside Jane during this new chapter of her life? Do you see any change in her?

12th Grade Classical Christian Studies:

• Finish reading Book II of Mere Christianity (pages 35-65).

• Choose one idea/section that strikes you as particularly insightful or helpful (or problematic) and write a solid couple paragraphs reflecting on this section. This will provide good fodder for discussion and demonstrate your having read well.

12th Grade English Literature:

• It's time. Finish reading Anna Karenina. (pg 800-820)

• Because I was absent Thursday and unable to finish wrapping up Levin's arch, I'm going to push the due date for the paper to Tuesday, May 7th.

• HOWEVER, you are to work on the paper over the weekend and bring everything you have thus far (outline, pages drafted, quotes, etc.) to class on Tuesday. I will record this as a grade and (hopefully) work with you on your paper a bit.

Home Assignments Week 27: April 8, 2024

There is no homework Friday (March 9) to make space for you to enter into Good Friday.

9th Grade Christian Studies:

• Read the Cathedral book I distriuted in class. (Remember: this is a book you'll return, so don't mark in it.)

  1. Summarize what from the book you found the most fascinating or mindblowing.

  2. Write down the page number of the illustration you find most fascinating or beautiful.

• Remember, your evaluations for your Rule of Life project will be due Tuesday, April 15th. If you have time, you may as well knock that out over spring break, or at least get started. The closer to actually doing your Rule of Life you are when you write, the easier it will be. The prompt is attached, below.

10th Grade Literature:

• Read the rest of chapter 25 + chapter 26 (pages 466-489).

12th Grade Classical Christian Studies:

• Read Book I of Mere Christianity (pages 3-32) by the time the Italy group returns and we all meet for class again.

• As you read, write down a few key ideas or questions to help you remember and help the discussion as we go over the section in class. (Yes, I'll be checking these.)

12th Grade English Literature:

• Read through Chapter 13 of Part XIII (pg 787-800) of Anna Karenina;

• This is a very short reading, so you can do some work on your paper, which will be due April 30th.

Home Assignments Week 26: March 22-25 2024

9th Grade Christian Studies:

• Use my notes to edit/revise your Rule of Life. Two notes:

  1. Complete this assignment first thing, so you may begin living by your rule.

  2. Remember: you will earn back points for quality revisions!

• Then start living by this rule (from Friday the 22nd through Friday the 29th).

  2. • (Note: You might jot down some notes about when it's hard, what most tempts you to break your rule, etc., as these might be helpful when you write your reflection paper.)

• Finally, read the rest of Anselm's Why God Became Man (129-130) and answer these questions:

  1. Why can't God just ignore our debt?

  2. Who can pay the debt owed? Who ought to?

  3. What's the solution?

10th Grade Literature:

• Read pages 397-455.

• Study for a Volume II vocabulary quiz. (See below for the definitions we didn't get to in class.)

12th Grade Classical Christian Studies:

• I hope you enjoyed your trip! Looking forward to hearing all about it. Before you return:

• Distilling Thomas's wisdom, create a flowchart to help navigate the question: "Can/Should I Disobey This Law?"

• Review your notes on law (kinds of law and specifics of human law) for a brief quiz.

12th Grade English Literature:

• Read through Chapter 5 of Part XIII (pg 787) of Anna Karenina;

• Have written at least a page of your paper. (Bring this, as I will be checking it.)

Home Assignments Week 25: March 15-18 2024

9th Grade Christian Studies:

• Re-read the guidelines (passed out in class and attached below) and then write your Rule of Life. If you'll take this assignment seriously, I believe it could really be a way to invite God to work in your life—work that perhaps he's been knocking on the door of your life for a long time, calling you to. I pray that your rule of life can be a way of opening that door and letting God work in you.

• Three things:

  1. You'll be living by this rule from Friday, March 22 through Friday, March 29. 

  2. The guideline passed out in class said you needed to share this with 2 classmates—but I'm not going to require this after all. You only must share this with your Abbott (parent) and me. Which means you only need to print 3 copies.

  3. If you're having trouble getting started, I've attached an exercise below that should help you find where to start. But if you're still having trouble, please email me! I'd be very glad to help you get the most out of this assignment you can.

10th Grade Literature:

• Read chapters 19, 20, and the first part of 21 (through pg 383).

• Identify a quote in the reading you think is especially helpful for understanding the book (not just its plot but its depth), copy the quote, and write a brief explanation of why this quote is meaningful.

12th Grade Classical Christian Studies:

• You're about to leave on your senior trip. I wish you well! In light of that, here's a light assignment to have completed before you return (either this weekend or next):

• Distilling Thomas's wisdom, create a flowchart to help navigate the question: "Can/Should I Disobey This Law?"

• On Monday before you return, review your notes on law (kinds of law and specifics of human law) for a brief quiz.

12th Grade English Literature:

• Before you return (either this weekend or next) you should:

• Read through Chapter 5 of Part XIII (pg 787) of Anna Karenina;

• Have written at least a page of your paper. (I will be checking this.)

Home Assignments Week 24: March 8-11 2024

9th Grade Christian Studies:

• Study for a test Tuesday over the Early Middle Ages using the guide attached below.

10th Grade Literature:

• Read chapters 16 and 17 of Jane Eyre (pg 267-312).

• Study the Volume I vocabulary for a quiz on Tuesday.

12th Grade Classical Christian Studies:

• Read "Whether human law prescribes acts of all the virtues?" from your handout, in class and below.

• Then, provide a judgement and rationale (appealing to St. Thomas) for whether legislating the follow is or is not a good idea:

  1. prohibiting overeating

  2. prohibiting abortion

  3. prohibiting sloth

  4. requiring church attendance

  5. requiring temperance regarding alcohol

12th Grade English Literature:

• Read through Chapter 28 of Part XII (pg 760) of Anna Karenina.

• Begin writing your paper, which should be 4-6 pages in the end. By Tuesday you need to have:

  1. have a well-developed list of the various scenes, quotes, or moments from the book you intend to work with in your paper, including page numbers (some of you already have this);

  2. written at least a page of your paper. (Tip: it doesn't have to be the intro; tart where the ideas are most naturally flowing.)

Home Assignments Week 23: March 1-4 2024

9th Grade Christian Studies:

• Finish any work you were unable to complete in class on Thursday (or the entire assignment attached below, if you were absent). 

10th Grade Literature:

• Read through the end of Volume I of Jane Eyre (pg 262).

• If you did not complete this in class Thursday, copy out a quote that best exemplifies the character of Jane, and one best showing the character of Rochester, as we know him thus far.

12th Grade Classical Christian Studies:

• Complete the essay/assessment attached below. I passed out a prompt this week, but the one below has all the specific requirements listed. Due Wednesday (March 6th).

12th Grade English Literature:

• Read through Chapter 22 of Part XII (pg 739) of Anna Karenina.

• Continue developing your essay ideas and begin writing. If you did not turn in your proposal or outline to the sub Thursday (they scanned and sent them to me), email me those, in hopes of my reviewing them before next weekend.

Home Assignments Week 22: Feb 23-26 2024

9th Grade Christian Studies:

• Read the excerpt from Nestorius (pages 55-57). Then answer the following:

  1. What does theotokos mean? What is the big question about this word?

  2. What is Nestorius's answer to this question? What are his reasons?

10th Grade Literature:

• Read chapters 9-11 of Jane Eyre.

• Finish defining the Book I vocab words identified on the handout from class (if you did not complete this assignment when in class already).

12th Grade Classical Christian Studies:

• Complete the Exercise with Thomas (attached below) based on your reading from yesterday. 

12th Grade English Literature:

• Choose a direction for your final essay (Option I: the prompt below or Option II: a proposed topic of your choosing).

• Either write your proposal or begin outlining your essay. 

  2. • An outline for the essay must include a first go at the basic argument/thesis, 3-4 of the key points you want to make regarding that argument, and several partiuclar scenes, quotes, etc. inlcuding page numbers.

     • Obvsiously there is more to go in the book, and things might shift; but this is a reading-free weekend and so you are required to put in good work toward this paper, which will come soon.

• Spend a few minutes reviewing last week's reading (670ish-701), as we'll (finally) be focusing on this section in class this week.

Assignment for Thursday, Feb 22, 2024

9th Grade Christian Studies:

• Read and annotate both the writings of Pope Pelagius I (pg 106 & 107) on the two primary authorities of the medieval world.

10th Grade Literature:

• Read up to Chapter 9. (That is, since some of you are at different points due to illness or other situations, chapters 1-8 should all be completed.)

12th Grade Classical Christian Studies:

• Read page 150 of A Shorter Summa (St. Thomas) and send me an email identifying the three kinds of goodness we might be seeking when we do anything at all that we do, explaining each just a bit.

12th Grade English Literature:

• For your final paper over Anna K you will have three options. You will each write an essay either:

  1. contrasting Anna and Dolly to examine the role that contentment plays in happiness;

  2. contrasting Stiva and Levin to examine the role that contentment plays in happiness;

  3. exploring a theme, idea, or character from Anna Karenina of your own choosing (once approved by me).

• Today you should decide which of these you want to do and begin collecting your thoughts if you wish to propose a topic of your choosing. By Friday I'll get the full prompt written and posted for options 1 and 2.

Home Assignments Week 21: Feb 16-19 2024

9th Grade Christian Studies:

• Study for a test over the early Christian (Western) empire using the study guide below.

10th Grade Literature:

• Read chapters 6 and 7 of Jane Eyre.

12th Grade Classical Christian Studies:

• Read the "Cardinal Virtues" chapter of Mere Christianity.

  1. • As you read, (1) define each virtue and (2) describe a situation wherein each virtue would be exercised.

12th Grade English Literature:

• Read through Chapter 10 of Part XII of Anna Karenina (pg 701).

• Then answer the following question(s):

  1. • When Levin goes to the "club" (this is an exclusive club for men of the nobility), what happens to him? What effect does the club have on him? To what degree does this comport or fit in with Levin's character as we know him so far?

Home Assignments Week 20: Feb 9-12 2024

9th Grade Christian Studies:

• Read the excerpts from Book II (just Book II, not all) of Augustine's Confessions (pg 86-88 of your Readings book).

• Prepare for a brief quiz Tuesday over the heretical teachings of Arianism.

10th Grade Literature:

• Finish your essay, which is due Tuesday (13th). If you have questions or need clarifications, email me about those Friday so I have time to get back with you and you have time to adjust accordingly. Godspeed!

12th Grade Classical Christian Studies:

• Finish your essay or dialogue, which is due Tuesday (13th).

  1. • If you're writing a dialogue, your work may be 900-1,000 words; if you're writing an essay, 1,000-1,200.

     • If you have questions or need clarifications, email me about those Friday so I have time to get back with you and you have time to adjust accordingly. Godspeed!

12th Grade English Literature:

• Read through the end of of Part VI in Anna Karenina (to page 670).

• As you read, answer the following:

  1. What is the primary thing causing tension or division between Anna and Vronsky here?

  2. What is Anna's primary hope or plan to try to keep Vronsky's affections?

  3. There's a big swath of this readin where the men are at the elections—note just one passage in this section that seems helpful to the development of one of the men in these scenes (Levin, Stiva, Vronsky, etc.).

Home Assignments Week 19: Feb 2-5 2024

9th Grade Christian Studies:

• Read the excerpts from Athanasius's First Discourse Against the Arians (42-44). As you read, mark what Arius/Arians taught and believed vs. what Athansius taught and believed.

  1. • Note: You might highlight these with different colors, mark a X besides Arian things in the margin and a cross by Athanasius's beliefs, etc. You can figure it out for yourself!

• Then read the sayings of Anthony the Great (attached below). Choose one and write a response of about 200 words, explaining and reflecting on the meaning and depth of the desert father's advice.

10th Grade Literature:

• Study for your test Tuesday over Macbeth using the study guide I distributed in class.

• Begin working on your essay, which will be due Tuesday, February 13th.

12th Grade Classical Christian Studies:

• Review for a quiz/test Tuesday over the things in which man seeks happiness. 

  1. • This includes the pages listed on your chart + Aquinas on pleasure (handout or page 144 in Shorter Summa)

• Continue work on your essay or dialogue. Whichever you've chosen will be due Tuesday, February 13th.

  1. • If you're writing a dialogue, your work may be 900-1,000 words; if you're writing an essay, 1,000-1,200.

12th Grade English Literature:

• Read chapters 18-22 of Part VI in Anna Karenina (pages 613-635).

• As you read, fill out the guided reading questions attached below. (Number 1 is review.)

• This is a short reading—good luck on your thesis writing! Godspeed!

Home Assignments Week 18: Jan 26-29 2024

9th Grade Christian Studies:

• Study for your test Tuesday over the ancient church using the study guide attached below.

• Read the letter from Arius (pg 40-41 of Readings) and clearly mark the belief for which he is condemned as a heretic.

10th Grade Literature:

• Choose which essay you will write from the three prompt options (attached last week). 

• Create an outline (due Tuesday) for your essay which should include:

  1. • 3-4 main points you want to make

     • at least one direct quote/moment to demontrate each point

     • a central argument/thesis for the essay (for some of the prompts this might be harder—if so, perhaps try to work backwards from the points you see that need to be made to the conclusion that they demonstrate)

• The completed essay will be due Tuesday, February 13th.

12th Grade Classical Christian Studies:

• Review the prompt options attached below and begin writing your essay or dialogue. Whichever you choose will be due Tuesday, February 13th.

12th Grade English Literature:

• Read chapters 1-13 of Part VI in Anna Karenina (pages 551-597).

Home Assignments Week 17: Jan 19-22 2024

9th Grade Christian Studies:

• Read and annotate:

  1. The Teaching of the Twelve Apostles (pg 11-12 of Readings), otherwise known as the Didache, which explains the practices of the ancient church.

  2. the exceprts from Book 1 and 2 of Irenaeus's Against Heresies (pg 13-14 of Readings), in which Ireaneaus (an orthodox Christian) explains the basic view of Marcionism (a heresy). Clearly identify and mark 2 central beliefs of Marcionism.

10th Grade Literature:

• Review the paper prompt options below. Choose two that seem most interesting to you and begin gathering at least 3 quotes + some rough notes for both.

• Study for a quiz over Act IV vocabulary words.

12th Grade Classical Christian Studies:

• Finish your initial go at our chart in search of happiness by reading the pages on Pleasure and filling out the chart.

12th Grade English Literature:

• Read the remainder of Part V of Anna Karenina (pages 520-549).

• Write a 1-2 paragraph reflection about either: a) how Anna relates to Vronsky in these chapters and what this suggests; or b) Anna's visit to her son and what this shows about Anna.

Snow Day: Jan 16 2024

ALL CLASSES: Go play in the snow! But if you insist on staying in, consider watching (or re-watching) the courtroom classic 12 Angry Men. (This is not homework; merely a suggestion if you're looking for something to do.)

9th Grade Christian Studies:

• Study for a brief quiz Wednesday over early Christian heresy thus far. 

• Twenty minutes of studying, starting where you definined "apologist" in your notes, should more than suffice.

10th Grade Literature:

• Read Act IV, Scene 2, lines 72-78 again, then write a brief summary of Lady Macduff's complaint here (2-3 sentences).

• Study the vocabulary words for Act IV you defined yesterday.

12th Grade Classical Christian Studies:

• Listen to this song by Frank Sinatra, which is, indeed, an ode to Boethius. (Here on YouTube, if you don't have Spotify; but Spotify gives you lyrics.) 

• Then write a paragraph wherein you quote both Sinatra and Boethius, explaining how this song testifies to the truths of The Consolation of Philosophy.

12th Grade English Literature:

• Look back over your annotations (or go back and make annotations if you failed to do so).

• Then go enjoy what could be your last snow day ever.

Home Assignments Week 16: Jan 12-15 2024

9th Grade Christian Studies:

• Read the excerpts from Justin Martyr and Tertullian ( attached below) and complete the guided reading handout (also attached below). 

• Read the "Gospel" of Thomas (pg 2-4 in your Readings History of Christian Theology or attached below if you do not yet have a copy of the book—for which I apoologize). Identify and annotate how this text exhibits the gnostic tendencies we discussed in class.

  • note: As I mentioned in class, this is called a "gospel"—but do not be deceived! It's a writing not embraced by the church, nor included in Scripture. We'll talk about why.

• Read the Treatise of Great Seth (pg 4-5). Identify and annotate how this text exhibits the kinds of gnostic teachings we discussed, too.

10th Grade Literature:

• Read Act IV, Scene 1 & 2. 

• As you do so, complete the guided reading worksheet attached below.

• Finally, define the vocabulary words for Act IV on pages 64-65 of your student workbook.

12th Grade Classical Christian Studies:

• Read pages 37-39 and 56-58 of The Consolation of Philosophy.

• Then complete the front page of the chart we started in class (the rows concerning wealth, honor/status, and power).

12th Grade English Literature:

• Read chapters 15-25 of Part V (pg 483-520).

Home Assignments Week 16: Jan 12-15 2024

9th Grade Christian Studies:

• Read the excerpts from Justin Martyr and Tertullian ( attached below) and complete the guided reading handout (also attached below). 

• Read the "Gospel" of Thomas (pg 2-4 in your Readings History of Christian Theology or attached below if you do not yet have a copy of the book—for which I apoologize). Identify and annotate how this text exhibits the gnostic tendencies we discussed in class.

  • note: As I mentioned in class, this is called a "gospel"—but do not be deceived! It's a writing not embraced by the church, nor included in Scripture. We'll talk about why.

• Read the Treatise of Great Seth (pg 4-5). Identify and annotate how this text exhibits the kinds of gnostic teachings we discussed, too.

10th Grade Literature:

• Read Act IV, Scene 1 & 2. 

• As you do so, complete the guided reading worksheet attached below.

• Finally, define the vocabulary words for Act IV on pages 64-65 of your student workbook.

12th Grade Classical Christian Studies:

• Read pages 37-39 and 56-58 of The Consolation of Philosophy.

• Then complete the front page of the chart we started in class (the rows concerning wealth, honor/status, and power).

12th Grade English Literature:

• Read chapters 15-25 of Part V (pg 483-520).

Home Assignments Week 15: Jan 8, 2024 (Christmas Break)

9th Grade Christian Studies:

• Read the account of the martyrdom of Polycarp (attached below). Then respond to these two questions:

  • How did Polycarp respond when the soldiers came to his home to take him to his death? Why is this so striking? What principle or virtue or disposition does this beautifully model for us as Christians?

  • Besides this moment, identity one other detail or moment in this account that reflects the greatness of Polycarp's Christian witness.

• Then print, read, and annotate the brief description of Nero's persecution of early Christians (also attached below).

10th Grade Literature:

• Finish reading Act III, Scene 1 + read scene 2. 

• As you do so, complete the guided reading worksheet attached below.

12th Grade Classical Christian Studies:

• Read and annotate pages 29-32 and 47-51 of The Consolation of Philosophy. (We're jumping around a bit because Beothius organized his book a little wonky. But cut the guy some slack—he was about to die, after all.)

12th Grade English Literature:

• Read chapters 7-13 of Part V (pg 459-479).

• You might read this who-knows-when during the break and so be prone to return not remembering much. So: write down three things (a quotes, a moments, a question, etc.) to help you recall your reading.

Home Assignments Week 14: Dec 15–18, 2023

9th Grade Christian Studies:

• Bring a Bible to class to read along as we dip our toes into the final book of the Bible: Revelation.

• Study well for your other finals.

10th Grade Literature:

• Study for your final Wednesday over Macbeth using the study guide distributed in class and attached below.

12th Grade Classical Christian Studies:

• To prepare for your final exam Thursday, review our discussion of Fortune thus far. 

  • • What's the nature of Fortune? Why does God allow Fortune to hold sway over man? How does this fit into God's governance of the world?

12th Grade English Literature:

• Prepare an outline for your final in-class essay over the prompt given in class Tuesday.

Home Assignments Week 13: Dec 8–11, 2023

9th Grade Christian Studies:

• Read chapters Hebrews 4:14-5:10 + 8:1-10:25.

• Study for your final (Thursday, 14th) using the study guide below.

10th Grade Literature:

• Study for a quiz Tuesday over Act I Vocabulary

• Read Act 2, Scene 2 (pages 35-40). Notice that "sleep" and "wash" recur in this scene. Then:

  • • Write in a short summary/synposis of the scene (a paragraph is plenty).

    • Write a short reflection (again, a paragraph is plenty) trying to grapple with the either the importance of sleep this scene or the importance of washing.

12th Grade Classical Christian Studies:

• Read the rest of Book I, Chapter IV (pages 9-15).

• In this section Boethius replies to Lady Philosophy. Part of what he does is explain the sort of tangly political situation that led to his being falsely accused. But he also levies his complaint or accusation against Lady Philosophy. Identify and brief write out 1) Boethius's complaint and 2) the line or two that strikes you as most interesting.

12th Grade English Literature:

• Read chapters 2-6 of Part V (pg 442-458).

• If you'd like, you could begin preparing for your final exam, in which you'll write an essay that tracks Anna's character from the beginning, how she becomes the kind of woman who lives in adultery, the scene in which she repents, and where she goes from there.

Home Assignments Week 12: Dec 1–4, 2023

9th Grade Christian Studies:

• Read the rest of the book of James (2:14-the end).

• Finish memorizing Galatians 3:27-28 for a memorization quiz on Tuesday.

10th Grade Literature:

• Read the rest of Act 1, Scene 5 + all of Act 1, Scene 6 (pages 22-26). This is a short reading. Read slowly and carefully. 

• After read, complete the rest of the Reading Questions handout over Scene 5 that we began in class today.

  • • If you are having trouble understanding you should read the summary in your workbook then re-read—especially for the soliloquoy! If you've done so and are still having trouble even getting started, email me. This is a small reading, so this is the perfect time to re-read and practice reading the more difficult language.

• Vocab: You were supposed to have a vocab quiz over Act 1 words, but I failed to review those in class this week. Instead, go ahead and define the vocabulary words for Act 2 of Macbeth, found on page 48 of your student workbook.

12th Grade Classical Christian Studies:

• Study for a test Tuesday over the last couple weeks of St. Thomas. Use your notes and the study guide I distributed in class.

12th Grade English Literature:

• Answer the short essay question attached below. 

  • • This should be approached not as a paper but moreso as you would an in-class writing assignment. You're free to use your book and class notes, but do not think it needs to be as thorough or long as a full-fledged paper. Hand-written is totally fine.

• Read chapters 18-23 of Part IV (pg 415-435).

Home Assignments Week 11: Nov 17–27, 2023 (Happy Thanksgiving!)

9th Grade Christian Studies:

• Read (and annotate) Galatians chapters 4-6.

• Begin memorizing Galatians 3:27-28. 

  • • You will need to have this memorized for our quiz over Galatians after we finish up (which will most likely be on Tuesday, Dec. 5)

10th Grade Literature:

• Define the Vocabulary words for Act I of Macbeth, found on page 39 of your student workbook.

  • • You'll have a quiz on these the week after we get back (most likely on Tuesday, Dec. 5).

12th Grade Classical Christian Studies:

• “Do not indulge in dreams of having what you have not, but reckon up the chief of the blessings you do possess, and then thankfully remember how you would crave for them if they were not yours.” – Marcus Aurelius, Meditations

• Reckon up the blessings you possess, and then thankfully remember how you would crave them if they were not yours—and from whence they come. That's your homework.

12th Grade English Literature:

• Read through chapter 16 of Part IV (pg 362-408).

Home Assignments Week 10: Nov 10–13, 2023

9th Grade Christian Studies:

• Read (and annotate) Romans 13-16.

• As you read chapters 14 and 15, complete the questions I passed out in class on Thursday to help you think through what Paul is saying.

• We will have a quiz/test over Romans next Thursday (11/16). 

  • • A study guide for this is attached below. 

    • The last couple of things on the study guide will be covered Tuesday and Wednesday next week—but you should use the weekend to brush up on the others that won't be as fresh on your mind.

10th Grade Literature:

• Finish reading the final chapter of A Tale of Two Cities. 

• Finish writing your major essay for the book, due Tuesday, November 14th.

  • • The prompt is attached below in Week 8. 

• Reminders: 

  • • Next week we'll have an open-book, in-class exam. This isn't something to study for.

    • Vocab quiz will be after Thanksgiving break.

12th Grade Classical Christian Studies:

• Scheduling: Come to class with an idea of what your schedule looks like in December (particularly the 8th to 16th, as I'd guess these might be the ideal weekends for us to schedule something).

• Read the attached excerpt from C. S. Lewis's The Great Divorce. 

• Then write a 2 paragraph reflection on how this reflects the idea of "degrees of being" that we discussed in St. Thomas on Thursday (pg 72). 

  • For context: The narrator in The Great Divorce has just arrived on a bus full of people at a new, strange place. They have come from something akin to hell or purgatory to visit the Heavenly country. 

12th Grade English Literature:

• Read through Part IV, chapter III (pg 320-362) and answer these questions in a sentence or two each:

  • What is going on with Nikolai, and how does Levin respond?

  • At the end of the reading, what is Anna is convinced is going to happen to her? Why?

Home Assignments Week 9: Nov 3–6, 2023

9th Grade Christian Studies:

• Finish your essay assignment over Judas, due Tuesday Nov. 7th. 

  • • The prompt is attached in Week 8 below.

• Read (and annotate) Romans 9-11.

10th Grade Literature:

• Read chapters 11 and 12 of Book III (pages 381-394).

• Begin writing your major essay for the book, due Tuesday, November 14th.

  • • The prompt is attached below in Week 8. 

• Define the vocab words for Book III (list attached below) using your Student Guidebook.

12th Grade Classical Christian Studies:

• Change of plans: Study for a quiz over St. Thomas's "Five Ways" of proving God's existence. 

  • • For the quiz, you'll simply explain two of the "ways" of your choosing. Come prepared to do so!

12th Grade English Literature:

• Read through chapter XXIII (pg 320).

Home Assignments Week 8: Oct 27–30, 2023

9th Grade Christian Studies:

• Begin working on your essay assignment over Judas, due Tuesday Nov. 7th. 

  • • The prompt was passed out this week and is attached below.

• Finish memorizing the greatest commandment (Matthew 22:37-40). 

  • • Quiz over this will be Tuesday, Oct 31.

    • Use the translation we have in our book for class.

10th Grade Literature:

• Read (and, as always, annotate) through Book III, chapter 10 (pages 330-363).

• Begin working on your major essay for the book, the prompt for which is attached below. To demonstrate you have begun preparing for the essay in a meaningful way, bring to class next week:

  • • Evidence that you have made significant progress collecting (on paper, not just in your head) your ideas for your paper. 

    • This might be an outline or might just be a list of ideas, signifcant passages, or key quotes. 

    • Either way, it must include page numbers.

• The essay is not due until Tuesday, November 14th, but the prep work above is due this coming Tuesday.

12th Grade Classical Christian Studies:

• Read "The Rebellion," attached below, noting how it encapsulates the "problem of evil" objection to God's existence. (Note: this is a very sad read. Choose a time to read accordingly.)

• In addition, read the summaries of 24 arguments for God's existence in the Shorter Summa, pages 56-58 (section III), marking with a star those you find most persuasive and a question mark those you find least helpful.

12th Grade English Literature:

• Finish your frst major essay. The essay is due Tuesday, Oct 31 and the prompt is attached in Week 6 below. 

Home Assignments Week 6: Oct 13–16, 2023

9th Grade Christian Studies:

• Read and annotate Matthew Chapters 21-25.

• Study for a quiz over the Matthew 21:1-22, which we covered in class on Thursday (Christ's triumphal entry, cleansing the temple, and the fig tree).

10th Grade Literature:

• Read (and, as always, annotate) chapters 21-24 (pg. 238-278).

• Begin studying the Book II vocabulary words I handed out during class. 

12th Grade Classical Christian Studies:

• Study for a quiz/small test over Book III of Abolition of Man. Specifically, focus on:

  • 1. How does man reduce something to "mere nature"? 

       • What do we gain by doing so? What do we lose? What is the danger that Lewis wants us to beware of?

    2. Contrast the fundamental differences between "magic and applied science" and "the wise men of old."

       • How do these fundamental differences create a different idea about what knowledge is for?

12th Grade English Literature:

• Read through the rest of Part II of Anna Karenina, pages 200-237. (This is a bit lighter weekend of reading in order that you can begin working on your first essay.)

• Begin working on your frst major essay, the prompt for which is attached below. To demonstrate that you have begun working in a meaningful way, bring to class next week:

  • 1. a printed prompt;

    2. evidence that you have made signifcant progress collecting (on paper, not just in your head) your ideas for your paper. This might be an outline or might just be a list of ideas, signifcant passages, or key quotes. Either way, it must include page numbers.

Home Assignments Week 5: Oct 6–9, 2023

9th Grade Christian Studies:

• NOTE: The homework below has shifted from what I said in class! You do not need to complete the Prodigal Son reading/questions I distributed in class. You might check with your friends to make sure they notice this change!

• Read and annotate Matthew Chapters 14-20.

  • • This is more reading than we've had thus far—but it's still only about 16 pages. Shouldn't take you more than an 45 minutes or so. 

• Study for a quiz over the 12 apostles.

10th Grade Literature:

• Read (and annotate) through chapter 20 of Book II (up to page 239).

• Finish your essay or art. 

  • • See the prompt in Week 4 below if you do not have your copy from class.

    • If you have questions about the assignment, send those to me Friday so you give me time to respond and yourself time to get work done after you hear back from me.

12th Grade Classical Christian Studies:

• Reflect on/look back over your book or notes and try to answer this question (in writing):

  • • What are two key ideas (or central take-aways) from The Abolition of Man thus far?

    • Summarize each idea/its importance in a solid paragraph.

12th Grade English Literature:

• Read through Chapter 25 of Part II of Anna Karenina (up to page 200).

• We'll have an open book quiz on Tuesday. Nothing to study, but I'm warning you so that it's not a "pop" quiz.

Home Assignments Week 4: Sept 29–Oct 2, 2023

9th Grade Christian Studies:

• Read and annotate the rest of Chapter 12 (verses 33-50).

• Study for a (decent-sized) quiz over the following:

  • • the Jewish People groups handout

    • how does Jesus show his authority in chapters 8 and 9 and why does he do so?

10th Grade Literature:

• Read (and annotate) through chapter 15 of Book II (up to page 200).

  • • As you read Chapter 15, consider these questions (just to help focus your reading, not to be turned in):

    • Who killed the Marquis St. Evremonde?

    • What's it mean that someone is "registered"?—why are they "registered," and how are they "registered"?

    • Why do they go see the king and queen?

• Begin work on your essay or art. This is a light weekend of reading, and next weekend may not be as light—so don't just put it off! We've already read all that you'll need to complete this assignment.

  • • See the prompt below if you do not have your copy from class.

    • If you have questions about the assignment, send those to me Friday so you give me time to respond and yourself time to get work done after you hear back from me.

12th Grade Classical Christian Studies:

• Read (and annotate) up to page 73 of The Abolition of Man.

  • • As you annotate, the key things to try to understand are:

    • How do men "reduce things to mere nature"?

    • Why do men "reduce thigns to mere nature"

• Then prepare for a quiz over Part II: The Way, which will be over this quote:

  • • "There never has been, and never will be, a radically new judgement of value in the history of the world. What purport to be new systems or (as they now call them) 'ideologies' all consist of fragments from the Tao, arbitrarily wrenched from their context in the whole and then swollen to madness in their isolation." (43-44)

    • Your goal: understand this quote and some examples of these supposed new systems/ideologies.

• OPTIONAL: Read the article attached below on human genetic research

12th Grade English Literature:

• Read through chapter 10 of Part II of Anna Karenina (up to page 149).

• As you read, identify one passage that you think most important for understanding a particular character or a theme (i.e. temptation, etc.) in the book thus far. Simply type that passage out, print it, and bring it to class.

Home Assignments Week 3: Sept 22–25, 2023

9th Grade Christian Studies:

• Finish your first major assignment, due this coming Tuesday. 

  • • Either A) finish writing your Sermon on the Mount essay, or B) finish memorizing the passage from Matthew 6.

    • If you wish to have feedback on an outline or general direction for your essay, you should email me by Friday if you wish to receive feedback in time to help you write.

    • To see the options for the essay or memorization, see the prompt attached again below.

10th Grade Literature:

• Reread the last bit we read in class today (pages 126-129; we actually didn't get to read the last page or so). Then answer the following:

  • • What happened at the fountain? Who causes it, and how does he respond?

    • To what does he compare the people?

    • What does all this show us about social conditions in France?

• Read through chapter 12 of Book II (up to 170).

• Study for your quiz Tuesday over Book I vocabulary.

12th Grade Classical Christian Studies:

• Read (and annotate) the remainder of Part II of The Abolition of Man (pages 44-51; should be fairly quick)

• Then prepare for a quiz over Part I: Men Without Chests, covering the things outlined in the study guide below.

12th Grade English Literature:

• Read through chapter 28 of Anna Karenina (up to page 99).

• Write a brief response to the following: 

  • • What's the most admirable thing any character does in the section? The most loathsome?

Home Assignments Week 2: Sept 15–18, 2023

9th Grade Christian Studies:

• Read Matthew 7 (and annotate, including a question or two)

• Work on your first major assignment, due Tuesday, September 26th. 

  • Either A) begin writing your Sermon on the Mount essay, or B) continue memorizing the passage from Matthew 6.

  • If you wish to have feedback on an outline or general direction for your essay, you should get those to me by Monday evening so I can look at them and offer brief feedback before Thursday.

  • To see the options for the essay or memorization, see the prompt attached in Week 1.

10th Grade Literature:

• Read through chapter 6 of Book II (up to 119).

• In this reading, you'll meet three new characters: Charles Darney, Mr. Stryver, and Sydney Carton. Write a brief summation of each, as follows:

  • • include a basic description ("so-and-so's cousin" or "handsome chimney sweeper", etc.);

    • include a couple observations about their character traits, and support these with specific passages/quotes;

• Begin studying your vocabulary from Book I, over which you will have a quiz Tuesday, Sept 26.

12th Grade Classical Christian Studies:

• Read pages 27-32 of The Abolition of Man (yes, I know you're skipping pages—I want to read those in class.)

• Then briefly answer the following:

  • Some people reject "the Tao," the idea of objective value. Yet these same people still want to claim that you should or should not do some things. If their reason that a man should do something isn't that it's good or right, what is their judgement grounded in? In other words, what do they try to argue is the real rubric for whether a man should or should not do something?

12th Grade English Literature:

• Read through chapter 11 of Anna Karenina (up to page 43).

• In this reading, you'll meet three new characters: Levin, Kitty, and Vronsky. Write a brief summation of each, (I'll likely pick these up) as follows:

  • • include a basic description ("so-and-so's cousin" or "handsome chimney sweeper", etc.);

    • include a couple observations about their character traits, and support these with specific passages/quotes;

Home Assignments Week 1: Sept 7–10, 2023

9th Grade Christian Studies:

• Read and annotate Matthew Chapter 4.

• Attached below is the prompt for your first major assignment. In it, you will have the option of a) writing or b) memorizing a large passage of Scripture. If you are interested in memorizing, begin doing so! If you plan to write the essay, we'll talk about that next week.

• Study for a brief quiz over Matthew 1-3 on Tuesday:

• Why Genealogy? (Matt 1); Names of Jesus (Matt 1); Connection to Moses (Matt 2); Who is John the Baptist (Matt 3);

• Bring your signed syllabus to class Tuesday.

• Answer and bring Tuesday your the questions about yourself I passed out this  week. 

10th Grade Literature:

• Read chapters 3-6 of Book I (pages 16-56).

• As you read, write down a brief summary/description of each of the following characters: 

  • Jarvis Lorry, Jerry Cruncher, Miss Manette, Monsieur Defarge, Mr. Manette

• Bring your signed syllabus to class Tuesday.

• Answer and bring Tuesday your the questions about yourself, attached below. 

12th Grade Classical Christian Studies:

• Read from page 9 to the top of page 14 in The Abolition of Man.

• Then complete the reflection/writing prompt attached below.

• Bring your signed syllabus to class Tuesday.

• Answer and bring Tuesday your the questions about yourself, attached below. 

12th Grade English Literature:

• Read the first two chapters of Anna Karenina (pages 1-6) and then briefly answer the following:

  • What kind of man is Stephan (Stiva)? How does he respond to his sin? 

• Bring your signed Summer Reading Form to class Tuesday.

• Bring your signed syllabus to class Tuesday.