Please note that aside from the Paideia courses, each course is 1 credit (1 term). Each Paideia course is 3 credits (3 terms). Each term is approximately 12 weeks in length. In the spirit of Classical Lutheran education, we desire our students to experience depth in their learning. As such, we encourage students to take only 2 or 3 credits per term.
| Theatre I – Introduction to Theatre | Teacher: Mr. Adam Barkley | 1 Credit |
This introductory course is meant to foster an appreciation for the dramatic arts. Emphasis will be placed on the origins of the stage, theatre history, and play terminology. Students will explore different genres by reading a series of play scripts. Many of the scripts will be secular and take on issues such as truth and morality, however, the class will always be focused on Christ first in all things (Colossians 1:18).
Prerequisite: None
Corequisite: None
Term: Easter 2013
| Physical Education | Teacher: Mrs. Sharon Meyer | 1 Credit |
Physical education will be comprised of three components: 1) Physical activity 5 times per week for 45 minutes; biking, running, walking, etc.- something that increases the heart rate. Students will keep an exercise log. 2) Readings and related work in regard to exercise, eating, healthy lifestyle, etc. 3) Readings and related work in regard to how to play certain sports and their rules. You do not have to be a star athlete to play sports. Physical activity is for everyone!
Prerequisite: None
Corequisite: None
Term: Easter 2013
| Latin I | Teacher: Pastor Heath Curtis | 1 Credit |
Latin I is the first in a three term series of courses introducing the Latin language. The focus is on mastering the basics of Latin grammar. After completing the full three term series, students should be ready to enter Latin Readings I.
Prerequisite: None
Corequisite: None
Term: Michaelmas 2012
| Latin II | Teacher: Pastor Heath Curtis | 1 Credit |
Latin II is the second in a three term series of courses introducing the Latin language. The focus is on mastering the basics of Latin grammar. After completing the full three term series, students should be ready to enter Latin Readings I.
Prerequisite: Latin I
Corequisite: None
Term: Christmas 2012
| Latin III | Teacher: Pastor Heath Curtis | 1 Credit |
Latin III is the third in a three term series of courses introducing the Latin language. The focus is on mastering the basics of Latin grammar. After completing the full three term series, students should be ready to enter Latin Readings I.
Prerequisite: Latin II
Corequisite: None
Term: Easter 2013
| Greek I | Teacher: Pastor Heath Curtis | 1 Credit |
Greek I is the first in a three term series of courses introducing the Classical Greek language. The focus is on mastering the basics of Greek grammar. After completing the full three term series, students should be ready to enter Greek Readings I.
Prerequisite: None
Corequisite: None
Term: Michaelmas 2012
| Latin Readings I | Teacher: Pastor Heath Curtis | 1 Credit |
This course is designed for students who have completed at least one full year of Latin grammar (the material covered in First Year Latin, see Latin I). The focus in this course is on reading unabridged texts in classical Latin with a secondary focus on a review of grammar. Readings will change from term to term depending on the make up of the class. At least one live translation session will be scheduled each week.
Prerequisite: None
Corequisite: None
Term: Michaelmas 2012
| Greek Readings I | Teacher: Pastor Heath Curtis | 1 Credit |
This course is designed for students who have completed at least one full year of Greek grammar (the material covered in First Year Greek, see Greek I). The focus in this course is on reading unabridged texts in classical Greek with a secondary focus on a review of grammar. Readings will change from term to term depending on the make up of the class. At least one live translation session will be scheduled each week.
Prerequisite: None
Corequisite: None
Term: Michaelmas 2012
| German I | Teacher: Mrs. MichelleVenteicher | 1 Credit |
This course will introduce students to the basics of German grammar and vocabulary. Drills in those topics, as well as in some conversational idioms will comprise the bulk of our task. By the end of the course, students will be able to pronounce, read, and speak the German language at a basic level!
Prerequisite: None
Corequisite: None
Term: Christmas 2012
| Introduction to Logic | Teacher: Pastor Jason Braaten | 1 Credit |
God created man with the ability to reason so that man could communication with God and one another: "Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord" (Is 1:18). The right use of reason draws proper conclusions from other information and opens the mind so that it can close upon what is true, what is good, and what is beautiful.
In this course, students will be introduced to formal logic: the science and art of reasoning well. Logic as a science discovers universal rules and principles. Logic as an art teaches students to apply those rules and principles in a variety of situations. The student will learn the difference between an argument and an explanation, the difference between deduction and induction, and the differences among truth, validity, and soundness in argumentation. He will learn effective methods of analysis and criticism, developing the ability to think critically, as well as learn the basis of the construction of arguments.
Prerequisite: None
Corequisite: None
Term: Michaelmas 2012
| Intermediate Logic | Teacher: Pastor Jason Braaten | 1 Credit |
God created man with the ability to reason so that man could communication with God and one another: "Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord" (Is 1:18). The right use of reason draws proper conclusions from other information and opens the mind so that it can close upon what is true, what is good, and what is beautiful.
In this course, students will further their knowledge and ability of formal logic by building upon what was learned in the course Introduction to Logic by delving deeper into propositional or symbolic logic. The student will gain facility with the use of logic in their everyday lives, especially as they encounter arguments in the public square in newspapers, books, movies, songs, and newscasts.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Logic
Corequisite: None
Term: Easter 2013
| Biology I | Teacher: Mr. Jeremy Staub | 1 Credit |
Biology is the study of life. What better way to study life than in a school that allows us to study the God who created all life around us, including ourselves. In this class we will start with the simplest part of organisms (cells) and continue all the way up to the relationships between organisms (ecosystems). We will study key scientists and their impact on biology over the course of history. We will also take a look at the impact that the various areas of biology are having on our modern society and world.
Prerequisite: None
Corequisite: None
Term: Easter 2013
| Music I | Teacher: Pastor Jesse Krusemark | 1 Credit |
This course will introduce basic music terminology, notation, and concepts of tonality through a study of Bach chorales. A means of analyzing this music will be developed and students will use the insights of this analysis to compose music of their own. The students’ musical ear will also be developed through exercises in sightsinging, rhythmic performance, and dictation (melodic and rhythmic).
Prerequisite: None
Corequisite: Participation in a music ensemble or private instrumental or vocal music lessons.
Term: Christmas 2012, Easter 2013
| Music II | Teacher: Pastor Jesse Krusemark | 1 Credit |
This course is a continuation of Music I. A greater appreciation for the melodic and harmonic language of the Bach chorale will be gained by considering embellishment, modulation, and chromaticism. Analysis and composition will become more advanced. Ear training will include also keyboard exercises and harmonic dictation.
Prerequisite: Music I
Corequisite: Participation in a music ensemble or private instrumental or vocal music lessons.
Term: Michaelmas 2013 (note- this is in the 2013-14 academic year)
| Paideia I | Teachers: Mrs. Jocelyn Benson and Pastor Jeffrey Kuddes | 3 Credits |
Paideia I covers history, literature, and theology within the chronological time period of Creation-Christ. The first two terms (Michaelmas 2012 and Christmas 2012) cover literature and history from this time period and the third term (Easter 2013) covers the theology of this time period. The theology portion of all Paideia courses is taught by an ordained LCMS pastor.
Prerequisite: None
Corequisite: None
Term: Michaelmas 2012- Easter 2013
| Paideia II | Teachers: Miss Christina Harman and Pastor David Kind | 3 Credits |
Paideia II covers history, literature, and theology within the chronological time period of Christ-Columbus. The first two terms (Michaelmas 2012 and Christmas 2012) cover literature and history from this time period and the third term (Easter 2013) covers the theology of this time period. The theology portion of all Paideia courses is taught by an ordained LCMS pastor.
Prerequisite: None
Corequisite: None
Term: Michaelmas 2012- Easter 2013
| Paideia III | Teachers: Miss Christina Harman and LCMS pastor | 3 Credits |
Paideia III covers history, literature, and theology within the chronological time period of Columbus-present day. The first two terms (Michaelmas 2012 and Christmas 2012) cover literature and history from this time period and the third term (Easter 2013) covers the theology of this time period. The theology portion of all Paideia courses is taught by an ordained LCMS pastor.
Prerequisite: None
Corequisite: None
Term: Michaelmas 2012- Easter 2013
| Paideia IV | Teachers: Mrs. Jocelyn Benson and LCMS pastor | 3 Credits |
Paideia IV is the capstone of the Paideia courses. The first two terms (Michaelmas 2012 and Christmas 2012) will be devoted to study of government, economics, and philosophy. The third term will be devoted to apologetics. The theology portion of all Paideia courses is taught by an ordained LCMS pastor.
Prerequisite: None
Corequisite: None
Term: Michaelmas 2012- Easter 2013
| Algebra I | Teacher: Vicar David Buchs | 1 Credit |
Algebra is the bridge between arithmetic and an entire world of mathematics. In this course, students will be introduced to the basic principles of algebra, which are the tools necessary for handling abstract mathematical concepts. These tools include real and rational numbers, variables, expressions, and simplification, equations, inequalities, and functions, evaluation and solution, and graphing. This course will emphasize memorization, drilling, and review – the tools which are developed in Algebra I are essential and should become second nature. The different elements of Algebra will be placed within the context of the history of mathematics by means of primary sources and secondary historical literature.
Prerequisites: Students entering this course should have a strong grasp of arithmetic, the ability to perform arithmetic operations on fractions, decimals, and percents, and an understanding of factoring and prime numbers.
Corequisite: None
Term: Michaelmas 2012
| Geometry | Teacher: Vicar David Buchs | 1 Credit |
This course is a hiatus from the world of Algebra: students are introduced to the essential vocabulary and concepts of geometrical proof. Topics will include the construction, proofs, similarity, congruence, perimeter, area, volume, and transformations. This course will emphasize memorization, drilling, and review – the precision and thoroughness required for rigorous geometric proof are directly related to general skills of sound reasoning. The different topics covered in this course will be placed within the context of the history of mathematics by means of primary sources and secondary historical literature.
Prerequisites: Algebra I (or equivalent)
Corequisite: None
Term: Christmas 2012
| Algebra II | Teacher: Vicar David Buchs | 1 Credit |
This course reviews and expands on the topics introduced in Algebra I. More sophisticated and abstract applications of the concepts learned in Algebra will be discussed, and the course will conclude with an introduction to Trigonometry. This course will emphasize problem-solving: through drilling and review, the students will improve their skills in analysis and learn to quickly evaluate complex problems for possible solutions. The different topics covered in this course will be placed within the context of the history of mathematics by means of primary sources and secondary historical literature.
Prerequisites: Algebra I (or equivalent)
Corequisite: None
Term: Michaelmas 2012
| Precalculus | Teacher: Vicar David Buchs | 1 Credit |
This course is designed to bridge the gap between Algebra and Calculus. Topics will include the advanced behavior of polynomials, exponents and logarithms, trigonometric functions and identities, complex numbers, advanced graphing, systems of equations, sequences and series, basic limits, differentiation and integration. This course will emphasize memorization, drilling, and review – as with Algebra, the concepts taught here should become second nature so that they can be readily applied or developed in the study of Calculus. The different topics covered in this course will be placed within the context of the history of mathematics by means of primary sources and secondary historical literature. For students interested in taking the AP Calculus Exam, this course may be followed in sequence by Calculus I.
Prerequisites: Students entering this course should be well-practiced with the concepts and tools of Algebra.
Corequisite: None
Term: Michaelmas 2012
| Calculus I | Teacher: Vicar David Buchs | 1 Credit |
The discovery of calculus is one of the high points in the history of mathematics. In this course, limits, differentiation, and integration will be developed, and the basic applications of single-variable Calculus will be explored. This course will emphasize memorization, drilling, and review – the elements of Calculus should become second nature so that skills in applying these elements to the various problems within the scope of Calculus can be developed. This course and Calculus II are designed to prepare a high-school student for the AP Calculus Exam. The different elements of Calculus will also be placed within the context of the history of mathematics by means of primary sources and secondary historical literature.
Prerequisite: Precalculus.
Corequisite: None
Term: Christmas 2012
| Calculus II | Teacher: Vicar David Buchs | 1 Credit |
This course is the completion of the single-variable Calculus sequence. The techniques of integration will be developed, and applications of single-variable Calculus concepts will be explored. With the elements of Calculus at hand, this course will emphasize problem solving exercises and review. The various problems encountered in this course will also be placed within the context of the history of mathematics by means of primary sources and secondary historical literature. Specific preparations will be made for the AP Calculus Exam.
Prerequisite: Calculus I.
Corequisite: None
Term: Easter 2012
| Chemistry | Teacher: Mr. Justin Benson | 1 Credit |
Chemistry, according to chemist M.M. Pattison, is “the accurate and systematic study of the changes which material things undergo.” Further, the changes with which Chemistry deals are those changes in matter which involve a change in composition of the matter. Students will conduct lab experiments, read the writings of various influential chemists, examine the history of chemistry, and complete written exercises during their study of Chemistry.
Prerequisite: Algebra I
Corequisite: None
Term: Christmas 2012
| Introduction to Grammar | Teacher: Mrs. Emily Olson | 1 Credit |
Grammar, the foundation for language, includes the building blocks to effective communication, both spoken and written. In this course, students will review and master basic language skills necessary for clear writing and argumentation at the secondary level and beyond. Students will diagram sentences to understand sentence construction, as well as complete some spelling and word study. This course will provide a foundation for students intending to progress to Intermediate Grammar, Introduction to Logic I and Intermediate Logic, and Introduction to Rhetoric, Intermediate Rhetoric, and Speech/Debate.
Prerequisite: None
Corequisite: None
Term: Michaelmas 2012
| Intermediate Grammar | Teacher: Mrs. Emily Olson | 1 Credit |
Grammar, the foundation for language, includes the building blocks to effective communication, both spoken and written. In this course, students will build upon the language skills learned previously to study paragraph development, outlining, and writing short essays from outlines. This course will provide a supplement for students who have completed Introduction to Grammar and will provide a foundation for students intending to progress to Introduction to Logic I and Intermediate Logic, and Introduction to Rhetoric, Intermediate Rhetoric, and Speech/Debate.
Prerequisite: Grammar I*
*Or Middle Grade Grammar Study
Corequisite: None
Term: Christmas 2012
| Introduction to Rhetoric | Teacher: Mrs. Emily Olson | 1 Credit |
Rhetoric is the art of discourse as it attempts to inform or persuade particular audiences. In this course, students will progress from analyzing the organization and packaging of texts and messages as covered in Introduction to Logic and Intermediate Logic to begin writing original arguments. Students can expect to learn to how to appeal to various audiences (including their classmates), develop topic-specific outlines and short argumentative essays from those outlines, and begin to incorporate research into more extensive arguments. This course will provide a foundation for students intending to progress to Intermediate Rhetoric and Speech/Debate.
Prerequisite: Intermediate Logic
Corequisite: None
Term: Michaelmas 2012
| Intermediate Rhetoric | Teacher: Mrs. Emily Olson | 1 Credit |
Rhetoric is the art of discourse as it attempts to inform or persuade particular audiences. In this course, students will build upon the argumentation learned in Introduction to Rhetoric to write persuasive essays on controversial issues, some positions they choose themselves and others assigned to them, as well as learn to defend those positions (and critique their classmates' positions with persuasive rebuttals). Students will also continue to incorporate research and proper documentation in their positions. This course will provide a foundation for students intending to progress to Speech/Debate.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Rhetoric
Corequisite: None
Term: Christmas 2012
| Speech/Debate | Teacher: Mrs. Emily Olson | 1 Credit |
“Then follow me, and give me audience, friends” (The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, II, iii).
In this capstone course, students will culminate their study of Grammar, Logic, and Rhetoric into spoken arguments—speeches on specific topics as well as debates over controversial issues with their classmates—that attempt to persuade audiences. Students can expect to incorporate written preparation, including extensive research, and visual aids into their preparations for speeches and debates presented to their classmates and to the Wittenberg Academy community.
Prerequisite: Intermediate Rhetoric
Corequisite: None
Term: Easter 2013
| Personal Finance | Teacher: Mr. Justin Benson | 1 Credit |
Personal finance isn't something you do once you leave home. Indeed, the foundation of good personal finance is built when we are young. In this class, we will study what the Word of God and the Fathers, specifically St. John Chrysostom, have to say about personal finance.
Term: Easter 2013
| Psychology | Teacher: Mrs. Jocelyn Benson | 1 Credit |
The explanation to the First Article says, "I believe that God has made me and all creatures; that He has given me my body and soul, eyes, ear, and all my members, my reason and all my senses, and still takes care of them." It is from this foundation that we will study Psychology- the study of the mind and its functions. This class will cover various topics in the realm of psychology. In addition to gaining a basic understanding of the brain, learning, and behavior, students will read the writings of scholars in the field of psychology and discuss these writings through the lens of our Christian worldview.
Term: Easter 2013
| Liturgical Theology & Sacramental Piety | Teacher: Pastor David Kind | 1 Credit |
In this course students will explore the theology behind the Western liturgy, will gain an understanding and appreciation of traditional liturgical orders and texts used in the Western church and of the centrality of the sacraments to Christian worship, piety and life. Special emphasis will be paid to the Lutheran understanding of the sacraments and worship.
Term: Easter 2013
| Classical Drawing I | Teacher: Mr. Ken Spirduso | 1 Credit |
In this thorough course on classical drawing, students will cover the following topics:
Term: Michaelmas 2012
| Elementary Latin I, II, & III | Teacher: Pastor Heath Curtis | 1 Credit |
This series of courses (Michaelmas-Easter terms) is designed to offer elementary aged students an enjoyable and age appropriate introduction to the Latin Language. Elementary Latin is especially designed for families who are homeschooling in the primary grades or for Lutheran schools who wish to offer a Latin course in the primary grades. The textbook is Minimus: Starting Out In Latin. Special reduced cost for this primary level course is $150/term.
Term: Elementary Latin I (Michaelmas 2012); Elementary Latin II (Christmas 2012); Elementary Latin III (Easter 2013)