Mr. Rick Freeman

Week 33: May 19–22

9th CHRISTIAN STUDIES

• Use the study guide (attached below) to review for your final. We have class Tuesday, where we'll tie up just a few loose ends.

• Final: Wednesday morning (1st final)

10th LITERATURE

• Congratulations on completing your year. Have a good (though not too lazy) summer!

12th LITERATURE

• You've completed your Senior literature class. Buy yourself this Anna Karenina t-shirt as a reward. Or this one in Russian. Or you could go with a tote-bag if that's more your thing. Your call.

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12th CHRISTIAN STUDIES

• Look over Chapter 10 of Mere Christianity and "The Weight of Glory" to prepare for your final.

• Final: Tuesday afternoon (2nd final)

Week 32: May 12–15

9th 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: 

  • 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.) 

  • 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. 

10th LITERATURE

• Finish reading Jane eyre (page 671-736). Yes, this is a bit more reading—but it's the end! And it's good.

• Given the amount of reading we have, I have decided not to require the last set of vocabulary. 

• You will have time in class next Wednesday to prepare for the final, but if you wish to begin preparing this weekend:

  • Revisit that great passage on page 521.

  • Consider why she rejected Rochester's plea to stay and marry him and why she rejects St. John River's proposal as well. What does each show about Jane?

12th LITERATURE

• I will email you your final exam prompt in a few hours, after I wrangle my children and take care of my familial duties.

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12th CHRISTIAN STUDIES

• Print, read, and annotate "The Weight of Glory." 

• I passed it out today, but it's attached below as well. Bring this with you to class.

Week 31: May 5–8

9th CHRISTIAN STUDIES

• Study for a quiz over the differences between Luther and the Roman Catholic Church over faith, justification, and works (aka this week's classes).

• For your reading, I'm realizing I'm confused about what you all did or did not get to with the sub, SO :

  • IF the sub did not distribute in class the "Examining the Sacrament" reading attached below (which covers Luther's, Zwingli's, and the Catholic Church's views on communion), then read and annotate those readings. You do not have to write the paragraph, nor do you have to read the excerpt from Calvin below.

  • IF the sub did distribute in class the "Examining the Sacrament" reading attached below, then read and annotate instead the "Calvin's Institutes" reading attached below, marking at least one question in the margins.

  • If there is any confusion about which of these you need to do, please email me!

10th LITERATURE

• Read (and annotate) from page 609 to 654 of Jane Eyre (up to "then I felt dark indeed.").

12th LITERATURE

• Go forth do excellently on your thesis presentations! And then rest.

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12th CHRISTIAN STUDIES

• Read (and annotate) the rest of chapter 8 + chapters 7 & 9-11 of Mere Christianity. (This sounds like far more than it is—only 24 pages.)

Week 30: April 28–May 1

9th CHRISTIAN STUDIES

• Complete any class work (reading or writing) that was distributed/assigned last week but not yet completed.

• If you are interested in representing the class for recitation (and receiving the reward for doing so), send me an email (or have your parent do so). 

10th LITERATURE

• Write a brief reflection on St. John's character, including multiple quotes from Chapter 30 (or 29) to support your claims.

  • Do you find St. John Rivers to be an admirable character? Is there anything about him do you find noble or good? Is there anything that makes you unsure about him? Is he happy or not—and why?

• If you are interested in representing the class for recitation (and receiving the reward for doing so), send me an email (or have your parent do so). 

12th LITERATURE

• Read the short poem "Thirty Years More" by Wendell Berry (pg 90 of your readings booklet) and write a .5-1 page personal reflection on the poem.

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12th CHRISTIAN STUDIES

• Read (and annotate) chapters 4-6 of Book III of Mere Christianity (pages 69-87).

Week 29: April 21–April 24

9th CHRISTIAN STUDIES

• Finish on your essay reflecting on your week living by your rule of life (due Tuesday, 4/25). Prompt below in the "Rule of Life Evaluation" attachment from last week.

• If you are interested in representing the class for recitation (and receiving the reward for doing so), send me an email (or have your parent do so). 

10th LITERATURE

• Read (and annotate, as always) the last 4 pages of chapter 27 (524-528) and chapter 28 (535-560) of Jane Eyre. 

• Write a one page, thorough reflection on the following:

  • In chapter 27, how does Jane's response to the pleas of Rochester demonstrate and illuminate the nature both of virtue and of sin? What impediments to doing what is right (common to all of us when our characters is tested) does Jane face in these moments, and how does virtue help her overcome them? 

  • If you feel like you've answered both these questions as well as you can and are still shy of a page, reflect further on whatever you find interesting or helpful in the passage on 521. 

• If you are interested in representing the class for recitation (and receiving the reward for doing so), send me an email (or have your parent do so). 

12th LITERATURE

• This is your assignment for 4/14 & 4/24:

  • Read at least 40 pages of a book at the beach (or at home, if you didn't finish this in Florida) that's not for school. If you need suggestions or need to borrow a book, just email me. You'll simply report to me what book you read. Choose something that you'll enjoy but that isn't just all fluff.

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12th CHRISTIAN STUDIES

• This is your assignment for 4/14 & 4/24:

  • Read (and annotate) chapters 1-3 of Book III of Mere Christianity (pages 69-87).

  • Study for a test Tuesday (4/25) over Books I & II of Mere Christianity using the study guide below (attached last week).

Week 28: April 14–April 17

9th CHRISTIAN STUDIES

• Review for a quiz (not test) Tuesday, 4/18, over the Late Middle Ages. 

  • If you have questions or missed something, don't hesitate to email me!

• Print and complete your report of how well you kept your rule of life (see below). This must be signed by your parent.

• Begin working on your essay reflecting on your week living by your rule of life (due Tuesday, 4/25). Prompt below in the same "Rule of Life Evaluation" attachment.

10th LITERATURE

• Read (and annotate, as always) pages 467-524 of Jane Eyre. 

  • (It's a little bit longer, yes; but there is not a point north of 500 where it will be easy to stop!)

• Study the Volume 2 vocab words for a quiz next week (probably Tuesday). 

12th LITERATURE

• This is your assignment for 4/14 & 4/24:

  • Read at least 40 pages of a book at the beach that's not for school. If you need suggestions or need to borrow a book, I'm happy to provide one and send it with Mr. Carter. Just email me. You'll simply report to me what book you read. Choose something that you'll enjoy but that isn't just all fluff.

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12th CHRISTIAN STUDIES

• This is your assignment for 4/14 & 4/24:

  • Read (and annotate) chapters 1-3 of Book III of Mere Christianity (pages 69-87).

  • Study for a test Tuesday (4/25) over Books I & II of Mere Christianity using the study guide below.

Week 28: March 31–April 10

9th CHRISTIAN STUDIES

• PARENTS (aka Abbots): your student will start living by their rule of life after the break (so as to not interfere with Easter, which is to be a time of feasting and celebration, not self-denial.)

• Students, make any edits necessary to your "Monastic Rule"/"Rule of Life." (This shouldn't take all that long.)

  • On Tuesday, you will turn in a copy of the final draft of your Rule, along with the first draft I marked up, so I can award points for edits. Remember, there are some edits (marked with star) that I'm requiring you to to make; others were merely suggestions. 

  • You'll start living by your rule Tuesday (4/11) after school until the next Sunday, and write your paper that weekend (4/17).

• Review for a quiz (not test) Tuesday, 4/11, over the High Middle Ages. (From monastic reform and Greogry VII to the Fourth Lateran Council in your notes.)

  • If you have questions or missed something, don't hesitate to email me!

• Enjoy your break!

10th LITERATURE

• Read (and annotate, as always) chapter 23 and the the first part of chapter 24 of Jane Eyre (pages 411-445, through "live with him in the moon.").

• Study the Volume 2 vocab words. 

• Enjoy your break!

12th LITERATURE

• Finish writing your paper. If you have questions or uncertainties about this, email me at the beginning of break! I'm happy to help, to ask some questions of you to prompt your further, etc.

  • Since you proposed your own topic, I've not given you an official prompt. Nonetheless, your paper should be between 4 and 6 pages and is expected to be thorough—this is, after all, a summative assignment for a massive book we've been working on for most the year.

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12th CHRISTIAN STUDIES

• Read (and annotate) chapters 2-4 of Book II (pages 40-59). Spend some time in particular on chapter 4, which is a fitting topic for reflection as we dwell on Christ's passion and resurrection this week.

• Enjoy your break!

Week 27: March 24–27

9th CHRISTIAN STUDIES

• PARENTS: see the email from me about the role you get to play in your student's assignment(s) over the next few weeks.

• Students, write your "Monastic Rule"/"Rule of Life" this weekend. 

  • Be sure to recall our class conversation on Thursday (as well as my admonitions/dare!). The prompt we went over in class is also attached below.

  • This is something that should be done thoughtfully, reviewing your homework from last weekend and putting forth significant time and effort. If you do so, I truly believe this can/will be an interesting and meaningful assignment for you.

10th LITERATURE

• Read (and annotate, as always) through chapter 21 of Jane Eyre (pages 371-403). Then answer the following in a paragraph:

  1. Who dies in this chapter? In what spiritual and mental state does he or she die? Does facing death change him or her?

• Define the Volume 2 vocab words we marked in class Thursday. Begin studying those now!

12th LITERATURE

• Finish writing your paper. It will technically not be due until the Tuesday after spring break (4/11). But you will have separate reading/homework over the break—so it should be finished for the most part this weekend!

  • I realize that since you proposed your own topic, I've not given you an official prompt. Nonetheless, your paper should be between 4 and 6 pages and is expected to be thorough—this is, after all, a summative assignment for a massive book we've been working on for most the year.

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12th CHRISTIAN STUDIES

• Read Chapters 3-5 of Book I (pages 19-32). Then read Chapter 1 of Book II (pages 35-39).

• For each chapter, at the end summarize in a few sentences the central points (or questions) from the chapter. (You may jot these in the book—there's space at the end of each.)

Week 26: March 17–20

9th CHRISTIAN STUDIES

• Print and read through the Rule of St. Francis, attached below.

  • As you read, make note in the margin of what vices, sins, or errors these rules wish to correct, prevent, or work against.

• Print and complete the attachment below to begin preparing for your week as a monk. 

  • (Parents, you'll get an email explaining more about this extended assignment next week.)

10th LITERATURE

• Read (and annotate, as always) through chapter 19 of Jane Eyre (pages 287-349).

12th LITERATURE

• This is the week: You are to finish Anna Karenina. 

• Continue writing your paper, which will be due Tuesday, March 28. 

  • I realize that since you proposed your own topic, I've not given you an official prompt. Nonetheless, your paper should be between 4 and 6 pages and is expected to be thorough—this is, after all, a summative assignment for a massive book we've been working on for most the year.

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12th CHRISTIAN STUDIES

• Complete your take-home "test" over virtue, attached below. You may use your books and/or notes to do so. 

Week 25: March 10–13

9th CHRISTIAN STUDIES

• Study for test Tuesday over early middle ages (some requested Wendesday, but this isn't an option due to NLE).

• The attachment below should help you focus your studies, though it is not an exhaustive study guide.

10th LITERATURE

• Read through chapter 16 of Jane Eyre (pages 225-281, unless you were absent Tuesday, in which case you need to go back and read 209-220 as well).

• Review for quiz Tuesday over the vocabulary words we defined for Volume I.

12th LITERATURE

• Read through Chapter 7 of Part XIII of Anna Karenina (pg 785). 

• Continue writing your paper, which will be due Tuesday, March 28.

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12th CHRISTIAN STUDIES

• Read in Mere Christianity the chapter on the Cardinal Virtues (pg 76).

  • As you do so, add notes to your definitions of the cardinal virtues you started last week. 

Week 24: March 3–6

9th CHRISTIAN STUDIES

• Read the Tome of Leo (page 59-61) and re-read the Definition of Chalcedon (61).

• Between the two passages, clearly mark at least one place where each of the heresies we've been discussing (Apollinarianism, Nestorianism, and monophysite) are corrected/addressed.

10th LITERATURE

• Read through chapter 12 of Jane Eyre (pages 163-208).

• Review the vocabulary words you defined for Volume I (attached below). (Quiz on3/14.)

12th LITERATURE

• Read through Chapter 29 of Part XII of Anna Karenina (pg 760). 

• Continue writing your paper. You should have at least 2 full pages written. (Hint: this will be something I check.)

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12th CHRISTIAN STUDIES

• Read the excerpts in your book on the Cardinal Virtues and the Theological Virtues (153-156).

• Then try to write a brief definition of each of the cardinal virtues.

Week 23: February 23–26

9th CHRISTIAN STUDIES

• Read Apollinarius's points 9-6 (pages 51-52). Then summarize in 1-2 sentences the central idea/teaching of Apollinarius.

• 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?

• Read the Definition of Chalcedon (61). Then identify (mark in your text) where this statement of belief answers/corrects the teachings of Apollinarius and Nestorius.

10th LITERATURE

• Read through chapter 8 of Jane Eyre (pages 85-140).

• After you finish chapter 4, answer in a well-developed paragraph the following: 

  1. Is the change we see in Jane in this chapter good for her?

12th LITERATURE

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

• 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;

  2. written at least a page of your paper.

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12th CHRISTIAN STUDIES

• Use the study guide to prepare for our test Tuesday over Man's Last End (aka Happiness).

Week 22: February 17–20

9th CHRISTIAN STUDIES

• Study for your test Tuesday (2/21) over the Christian Roman Empire (from Constantine to the fall of Rome)

  • Email me if you have questions! I'm happy to help.

10th LITERATURE

• Complete your Macbeth paper. (Prompt attached last week.)

  • Your paper is due Tuesday, February 21st. 

  • If you have an outline that I was unable to look at this week but would like my input, email that to me ASAP so I can look at them by Friday night.

12th LITERATURE

• Read through Chapters 11-17 of Part XII of Anna Karenina (pg 701-723).

• Then write up a proposal for a topic about which you would like to write your paper on Anna Karenina. (Manning, you must choose something other than your thesis topic—as much as I do want to read that!)

  • For this paper your might consider a key motif or recurring idea from the book (like how/why we fall into temptation or the effects of sin). Or you might choose a study of a particular character; but you must have a central point to make or idea you're exploring through that character—this is not just a book report.

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12th CHRISTIAN STUDIES

• Revisit the Spiritual Exercise with Thomas you began in class on Thursday. Maybe you've had a few thoughts about it after you put it away. Once you feel you've given it a thorough consideration, enjoy your weekend.

Week 21: February 10–13

9th CHRISTIAN STUDIES

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

• Read the excerpts from Augustine's On the Grace of Christ. Then:

  • Summarize the basic problem Augustine has with Pelagius's teaching.

  • Try to summarize the difference between "capacity," "volition," and "action" (this isn't easy—but give it a go!)

10th LITERATURE

• Begin working on your Macbeth paper. 

  • Your paper will be due Tuesday, February 21st. 

  • But on Tuesday the 14th you'll need to show me either an outline or a few paragaphs of the paper you've begun writing. 

• Quiz Tuesday over Act IV vocabulary from Macbeth.

12th LITERATURE

• Read through Chapter 10 of Part XII of Anna Karenina (pg 670-701).

• Then answer the following question in words in writing on paper:

  • 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?

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12th CHRISTIAN STUDIES

• Complete the Spiritual Exercises with Thomas, attached below. 

  • I think you'll find it interesting—but it doesn't work if you wait until Monday night at 8 to do it! So at least read the assignment in full by Monday morning.

Week 20: February 3–6

9th CHRISTIAN STUDIES

• Prepare for a quiz Tuesday over the Edict of Milan and the heretical teachings of Arianism.

• Read "Letter 159" from Basil of Caesarea (pg 45) and write a 2 sentence summation of his central point. 

• Read paragraphs 2 and 3 from Gregory of Nazianzus (pg 46) to review what it means that Christ is "eternally begotten of the Father."

10th LITERATURE

• Review for a quiz over the basic plot of Macbeth thus far (through Act IV). This should be an easy chance to demonstrate your attention to the book thus far!

• Identify the correct definitions for the Act IV vocabulary in the Macbeth workbook.

12th LITERATURE

• Read through the end of Part XI of Anna Karenina (pg 635-669)

• Reflect thoughfully on the following questions:

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

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

  • 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.).

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12th CHRISTIAN STUDIES

• Commit the time you normally spend on CCS to Anna Karenina this weekend.

Tuesday, January 31: Home Assignmnents

9th CHRISTIAN STUDIES

• Read (and annotate, as always!) the excerpt from Athanasius's On the Incarnation (38-40). 

  • CIRCLE what he identifies as the "problem"—the issue that has to be overcome.

  • UNDERLINE what God does to answer and overcome this problem.

10th LITERATURE

• Read in Act IV, Scene 3 Macduff's conversation with Malcolm (pages 91-97—notice I'm not asking you to read the whole scene). You might also watch this rendition of the scene.

• As you read mark in your text:

  • the vices Macduff says he has;

  • the virtues he proclaims a king ought to have;

  • the twist/turn at the end of the conversation.

12th LITERATURE

• Think/look back on your weekend reading and write a 2 paragraphs on the passage from 608-609:

  • As Dolly goes to visit Anna, what temptation does she face? Did this scene surprise you? What makes this so tempting to her? How does she respond? If a friend voiced to you what Dolly thinks here in response to her temptation, what would be your advice to her?

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12th CHRISTIAN STUDIES

• We've been discussing happiness. Watch this sermon from Bishop Robert Barron (a student of St. Thomas in his own right) reflecting on the beatitudes the way to happiness. (It's just 14 minutes.)

  • As you listen, identify at least one overlap with what we've discussed in Aquinas thus far and jot that down.

Week 19: January 27–30

9th 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.

  • Note: You might hightlight these with different colors, mark a X besides Arian things in the margin and a cross by Athanasius's thoguht, 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 LITERATURE

• Read and answer the questions according to the Guided Reading handout, attached below.

12th LITERATURE

• Read pages 597-635 of Anna Karenina.

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12th CHRISTIAN STUDIES

• Read pages 135-139 of St. Thomas on whether Happiness consists in honors (second article) or fame (third).

• FOR EACH, summarize one (or two) point(s) you think most important or helpful.

Week 18: January 20–January 23

9th CHRISTIAN STUDIES

• Study for a quiz/test over the Ancient Church using the study guide (attached below).

10th LITERATURE

• Study for a quiz over Act II vocabulary from Macbeth.

• Read and answer the questions according to the Guided Reading handout, attached below.

12th LITERATURE

• Read pages 541-597 of Anna Karenina. 

• Write 2-3 paragraphs on the important difference between Vronsky and Levin that we discussed this week. Why is Vrosnky not happy in his circumstances while Levin is?

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12th CHRISTIAN STUDIES

• Commit the time you normally spend on CCS to Anna Karenina this weekend.

Week 17: January 13–January 16

9th CHRISTIAN STUDIES

• Read the "Gospel" of Thomas (pg 2-4 in your History of Christian Theology). 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 LITERATURE

• Read the rest of Act I, Scene 7 and read Act II, Scene 1. 

  • Remember: you are not to use outside sources (Google, Sparknotes, etc.) though you are welcome to utilize the summaries from your workbook (located on pages 38 & 46).

• Complete the writing reflection, attached below.

• Identify the correct definitions for the Act II vocabulary in the Macbeth workbook (pg 48).

12th LITERATURE

• Read pages 499-541 of Anna Karenina. 

• In addition, read the 4 poetry options below and choose the two you'd most prefer to recite. If you don't wish to have any input, you do not have to complete this.

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12th CHRISTIAN STUDIES

• Complete the second edition of Spiritual Exercises with Thomas (attached below).

Week 16: January 6–January 9

9th CHRISTIAN STUDIES

• Read the excerpts from Justin Martyr and Tertullian's (attached below, and handed out in class). 

• These two represent two different ideas for how Christianity should respond/relate to the world—particularly to the philosophy of the world, like the ancients. With this knowledge, write responses to each of the following:

  • 1. Describe the general approach of Justin Martyr: how did he think the church should respond and relate to the culture and learning of the rest of the world, especially those from before Christ?

    2. Describe the general approach of Tertullian: how did he think the church should respond and relate to the culture and learning of the rest of the world, especially those from before Christ?

    3. Now evaluate the two: which do you think is wiser, more prudential, more fitting for a faithful Christian? Why? Why do you find the other approach less satisfying?

10th LITERATURE

• Study for a brief quiz over Act I vocabulary from Macbeth (Tuesday).

• Read Act I, Scene 5, which starts on page 20. Then complete the guided reading questions attached below.

12th LITERATURE

• Read pages 463-499 of Anna Karenina. 

• Pay special attention to the beginning of the reading (463-465) and write about a page on the following:

  • How do Anna and Vronsky's experience of running away compare? How does each reveal something about people tend to relate to and experience sin?

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12th CHRISTIAN STUDIES

• Review for a quiz over St. Thomas's reflections on the nature of love. 

  • For the quiz you should: 1) know and be able to write out St. Thomas's definition of love; 2) know the difference between God's love and ours that Thomas highlights here; 3) be able to reflect on this definition and this difference in light of our class discussion.

Week 15: December 16–January 2 (Christmas Break)

Very merry Christmas to all of you!

9th 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 LITERATURE

• Identify the correct definitions for the Act I vocabulary in the Macbeth workbook you received before break. 

  • If you did not receive a book, email me sooner rather than later! 

  • The Act I vocab is around page 38, I believe, though I don't have my book in front of me.

12th LITERATURE

• Read chapters 1-7 of Part V of Anna Karenina (437-463). 

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12th CHRISTIAN STUDIES

• Write a 2 or 3 paragraph reflection on love. What do you think love is? How would you define it? How do you know when someone loves another? What's love look like? 

Week 14: December 9–12

9th CHRISTIAN STUDIES

• Bring a Bible next week for our discussion of Revelation.

• Study well for your remaining finals.

10th LITERATURE

• Use the prompt below to prepare for your final essay/memorization, which you will write in class on Tuesday, December 13th.

12th LITERATURE

• Use the prompt below to prepare for your final essay, which you will write in class on Tuesday, December 13th.

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12th CHRISTIAN STUDIES

• Study well for your remaining finals.

Week 13: December 2–5

9th CHRISTIAN STUDIES

• Read the rest of the book of James (chapters 4 and 5). 

• Study for your final test of the year (Thursday, December 8th). 

  • Your final will cover Hebrews (last week) and James (this week + this coming Tuesday). 

  • See the brief guide attached below to study. 

10th LITERATURE

• Read "The Pulley" by George Herbert. (You should have it printed, on the back of John Donne's poem—abut it's also attached below.) Then answer these two questions:

  • What's the action of the poem? (That is, what is God doing? What's in glass and what is God doing with it?)

  • What's the point/"message" of the poem? (That is, why does God do things this way?)

• Begin preparing for your final exam (Tuesday, December 13). 

  • You have two options—see the attachment below for the details on each.

  • You should at least go ahead and decide which one you want to do.

12th LITERATURE

• Read the rest of Part IV (408-435). 

  • There is lots of interesting stuff in this short reading—so read it well! Our exam (Tuesday, December 13th) will primarily be over our discussion on this next week.

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12th CHRISTIAN STUDIES

• Study for your final test of the year (Thursday, December 8th). 

  • Your final will cover all from St. Thomas that we have read since our first test a couple weeks back.

  • See the brief guide attached below to study. 

Week 12: November 18–28 (Happy Thanksgiving!)

9th CHRISTIAN STUDIES

• Read the rest of the book of Hebrews (chapters 10-13). 

• Then answer the question below in a thorough paragraph or two. (Hint: both our notes thus far and chapter 10 should be very helpful for answering.)

  • Why is the new covenant superior to the old?

10th LITERATURE

• Finish working on your paper over A Tale of Two Cities.

  • If you have questions on the prompt or uncertainties about your direction for the paper, you should email me before Thanksgiving if you want to guarantee a response in time to help you.

  • The prompt is attached below in Week 11.

12th LITERATURE

• Read through Part IV, chapter XVI (pg 362-408).

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12th CHRISTIAN STUDIES

• 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 who have come from something akin to purgatory to visit the Heavenly country. 

Week 11: November 11–14

9th CHRISTIAN STUDIES

• Study for a short quiz over Galatians. You'll need to:

  • understand why Paul confronted Peter and why what Peter was doing was undermining the gospel;

  • memorize Galatians 3:28;

  • explain how the ancient/Biblical vision of Freedom is different than the popular modern undrstanding of what it means to be free.

10th LITERATURE

• Begin working on your paper over A Tale of Two Cities.

  • Paper will be due Wednesday after Thanksgiving break, but it is a fairly large assignment—so don't just put it off!

  • The prompt is attached below. Email me if you have questions!

12th LITERATURE

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

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

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

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12th CHRISTIAN STUDIES

• Review for a test over St. Thomas so far on Tuesday, November 15. 

  • See the attachment below for an outline of what the test will cover.

Week 10: November 4–7

9th CHRISTIAN STUDIES

• Study for a quiz/short test over Romans. Attached below is a brief review guide for studying. 

• Read (and annotate, as always!) Galatians 2:11-3:29 and briefly answer this question in the margins of your book:

  • About what does Paul confront Peter? Why do Peter's actions elicit in Paul such strong reaction?

10th LITERATURE

• Read (and, as always, annotate) through chapter 13 (up to pg. 408).

• Review for a quiz over the basic plot and characters thus far.

  • (Note: this will be over the major characters and plot points. The most minor character I'd ask about would be someone like Jerry Cruncher or The Vengeance. If you've been tracking in class, you should be good.)

12th LITERATURE

• Read through chapter XXIII (pg 320).

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12th CHRISTIAN STUDIES

• Read Aquinas's Fifth "Way" of proving God's existence (pg 63).

• Then try to write out a brief summary of the argument.

Week 9: October 28–31

9th CHRISTIAN STUDIES

• Read (and annotate, as always!) Romans 8-12.

10th LITERATURE

• Read (and, as always, annotate) through Book III, chapter 10 (up to pg. 380).

12th LITERATURE

• Finish your Anna Karenina paper, which will be due Thursday, November 3rd. The paper prompt is attached in Week 8 below. 

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12th CHRISTIAN STUDIES

• Read "The Rebellion," attached below, noting how it encapsulates the "problem of evil" objection to God's existence. (Note: this is very sad. Probably best not to read this right before your big volleyball games.)

• In addition, read the summaries of 24 arguments for God's existence in the Shorter Summa, pages 56-58 (section III)

Week 8: October 21–24

9th CHRISTIAN STUDIES

• Read Romans 4-5 and complete the guided reading questions, attached below.

• Then read (and annotate, as always!) Romans 6-7 as well.

10th LITERATURE

• Read (and, as always, annotate) through Book III, chapter 6 (up to pg. 330).

• Study for a quiz Tuesday over Book II vocabulary words I handed out during class. 

12th LITERATURE

• Begin working on your paper, which will be due Thursday, November 3rd. The official paper prompt is attached below. Two things:

  • 1. Don't put this off! 

  • 2. If you're unclear on what the assignment is asking, ask me sooner rather than later.

• Read "The Tell-Tale Heart," Edgar Allen Poe's short story in your readings booklet (pg. 17-22). 

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12th CHRISTIAN STUDIES

• Complete your first Spiritual Exercise with St. Thomas, attached below.

Week 7: October 14–17

9th CHRISTIAN STUDIES

• Finish reading and annotating Matthew chapters 26-28 (if you haven't already). 

• Finish the reading questions from class (if you haven't already).

• Begin memorizing the books of the New Testament in order, using the attachment below. (In a few weeks we will have a quiz over these.)

10th 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 LITERATURE

• Read Part II Chapter 26 to Part III Chapter 6 of Anna Karenina (up to page 200-259).

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12th CHRISTIAN STUDIES

• Finish your assessment for Abolition of Man, which is due Tuesday, October 18th. See the prompt attached in Week 6. 

  • If you are unclear what is being asked, first look at my example on the back. 

  • If you still have questions, please email me!

Week 6: October 7–10

9th CHRISTIAN STUDIES

• Read and annotate Matthew chapters 23-25. 

• Memorize the greatest commandment(s) from Matthew 22:37-40:

  • “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the great and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. 40 On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.”

• Review your notes on Christ clearing the Temple (Matt 21:12-17) for a very brief quiz.

10th LITERATURE

• Read (and, as always, annotate) through chapter 20 (pg. 237).

• Using your "Student Guide" book, define the Book II vocabulary words I handed out during class. 

• Finish your essay or art capturing the tension in France, due Thursday, Oct 13. 

  • The prompt is attached below in Week 5.

12th LITERATURE

• Read Part II Chapters 11-25 of Anna Karenina (up to page 149-200).

• We will have an open book quiz Tuesday—nothing to study, but letting you know so it isn't a "pop" quiz.

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12th CHRISTIAN STUDIES

• Begin our assessment for Abolition of Man, which will be due October 18th. See the prompt below. 

  • If you are unclear what is being asked, first look at my example on the back. 

  • If you still have questions, please email me!

Week 5: September 30–October 3

9th CHRISTIAN STUDIES

• Read Matthew chapters 15-20.

• Quiz Tuesday, Oct 4 over Jewish People Groups/Vocab (handout)

• Brief Writing:

  • Read the parable of the mustard seed (Matt 13:31-33) a couple of times again. Then write a brief reflection considering what this parable means. In particular, make sure to consider what he's talking about with the "birds of the air." 

10th LITERATURE

• Read through chapter 15 (pg. 168-200).

• Begin working on your essay or art capturing the tension in France, due Thursday, Oct 13. 

  • Parents, see the prompt below for details.

12th LITERATURE

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

• As you read, identify one passage that is most important for understanding a character or a theme in the book. Simply type that passage out, print it, and bring it to class.

12th CHRISTIAN STUDIES

• Read the article attached below concerning human genetic research.

• Then, as practice/for fun, write out what you would identify as the four Aristotelean causes (see your notes) of each of the following: 1) a house; 2) a brick; 3) a soup; 4) a statue; 5) a human.

Week 4: September 23–26

9th CHRISTIAN STUDIES

• Sermon on the Mount assignment: due Tuesday, September 27.

  • If you are writing the essay, bring the printed essay to class on Tuesday.

  • If you are memorizing the passage from Matthew 6, be prepared to write the passage out first thing during class Tuesday.

  • (To see the options for the essay or memorization, see the prompt attached in Week 2.)

10th LITERATURE

• Read through chapter 10 (pg 157).

• Study your vocabulary from Book I, over which you will have a quiz Tuesday, Sept 27.

12th LITERATURE

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

• Then give me a very brief response to the following:

  • What's the most admirable thing any of the characters do in this section? Most loathsome?

12th CHRISTIAN STUDIES

• Read (and, as always, annotate) remainder of part II of The Abolition of Man.

  • (This is through 51 total; 44-51 if you were in class today). 

Week 3: September 16–19

9th CHRISTIAN STUDIES

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

• Begin writing your Sermon on the Mount essay, or 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.

  • To see the options for the essay or memorization, see the prompt attached in Week 2.)

10th LITERATURE

• Read through chapter 5 (pg 73-105).

• In this reading, you'll meet three new characters: Charles Darney, Mr. Stryver, and Sydney Carton. Write a brief summation of each, including basic description and a couple basic observations about their character traits.

• Begin studying your vocabulary from Book I, over which you will have a quiz Tuesday, Sept 27.

12th 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, including basic description and a couple basic observations about their character traits.

12th CHRISTIAN STUDIES

• Read pages 29-32 of The Abolition of Man and 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, 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?

Week 2: September 9–12

9th CHRISTIAN STUDIES

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

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

• Bring your signed syllabus to class Tuesday.

• If you wish to choose the memorization option for the Sermon on the Mount, begin memorizing! 

  • (Parents, to see the options for the essay or memorization, see the prompt below.) 

10th LITERATURE

• Finish reading book 1 (to page 57).

  • As you read, it may help to jot 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.

12th 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 syllabus to class Tuesday.

12th CHRISTIAN STUDIES

• Complete the reflection/writing prompt, attached below.

• Bring your signed syllabus to class Tuesday.

Week 1 (assignments before the first day of school): August 30–September 5

9th CHRISTIAN STUDIES

• Read and annotate the excerpt from 1st Maccabees (passed out at parent orientation, or attached below).

• Read and sign your syllabus (passed out at parent orientation, or attached below).

10th LITERATURE

• Read and sign your syllabus (passed out at parent orientation, or attached below).

12th LITERATURE

• Read and sign your syllabus (passed out at parent orientation, or attached below).

12th CHRISTIAN STUDIES

• Read and sign your syllabus (passed out at parent orientation, or attached below).