Lukeion Classical History (Greeks & Romans)
History is a relentless master. It has no present, only the past rushing into the future. To try to hold fast is to be swept aside.
-- John F Kennedy
In an age when many public programs are reducing education in history to a bare bones "world history" requirement, some wonder how practical it can be to focus on Greece and Rome for two semesters during an already hectic high school schedule. The answers are important.
First, Classical history equips the modern western thinker to evaluate his or her own society, culture and politics more objectively from the vantage point of its foundations and development. Second, this generation is the first to be deprived of the important lessons that Classical Greece and Rome have to offer. Not only did these cultures contribute a wealth of thought and achievement, they also preceded us with a great many fatal mistakes that need not be repeated if only we pause to understand them analytically. Finally, the greatest literary and artistic works of previous generations assume an understanding of these two cultures. A deep enjoyment of literature and art beyond sheer aesthetics is on the endangered list as fewer students are exposed to our ancient past. At exactly a time when the study of history is being broadly cancelled by institutions of "higher education," we celebrate the lessons the past offers so willingly.
Our Classical history series is taught by archaeologists Regan (Greek history) and Amy (Roman HIstory) Barr. Expect vivid visuals and discussion of material remains (archaeology) alongside major historical, social, political elements of these eras. In our history courses we seek to understand the reasoning and events that motivated events of the past rather than sift them through the impossible mesh of a perceived modern position of enlightenment. This means if your normal M.O. for historical studies is to bash the past, this may not be the right class for you.
"I thought I would reach out to let you know what a huge impact the Lukeion project has had on my life. I am completing my third major at Sewanee (I majored in Classics-with an emphasis on Latin-, English, and now Greek). I am in the process of applying to three universities (my top choice is Notre Dame) to study the Classics. My goal is to study the poetry and rhetoric of the Late Roman Republic at a Masters Level, before shifting to the study of the 1st-Century Christian church and Second-Temple Judaism in a PhD programme. Without your instruction, which inspired a love of Latin in me at a young age, I would not now be on such a track.I see that the programme has expanded quite a bit! How I would have loved to take philosophy or rhetoric in middle school. I suppose I will have to be content with taking these courses vicariously through my future children (the plan as it stands is that I myself will teach them Latin and Greek, while my wife will teach them Coptic and Arabic). I hope you will find them lively and bright-witted.I recently received a Watson fellowship, which I might still take (if not accepted to any of the MA or PhD programmes). If so, I will spend the majority of my time teaching Classics to Syrian refugees in Greece. (While my project summary online focuses on music, my emphasis has changed a bit, as is appropriate for a Watson Fellowship). My ultimate goal is to found a school teaching Latin and Greek to Syrian refugees in Greece. I am in contact with poets and teachers who suggest that I begin by teaching the Classics in translation, as a way of teaching English and German, before eliding into the study of the Classical languages. I believe the masters of Greek and Latin literature did not write only for people in comfortable, entitled environments; nevertheless, that is where they are usually taught. Rather, they wrote as they did for those who suffer, and who desire a peace and joy to which the Classics can guide us. (Though the Classics, on their own, can't offer these things, as Dante found). So I am grateful to the Lukeion project for kindling such a flame in my own soul." -- highly successful Lukeion grad!
First, Classical history equips the modern western thinker to evaluate his or her own society, culture and politics more objectively from the vantage point of its foundations and development. Second, this generation is the first to be deprived of the important lessons that Classical Greece and Rome have to offer. Not only did these cultures contribute a wealth of thought and achievement, they also preceded us with a great many fatal mistakes that need not be repeated if only we pause to understand them analytically. Finally, the greatest literary and artistic works of previous generations assume an understanding of these two cultures. A deep enjoyment of literature and art beyond sheer aesthetics is on the endangered list as fewer students are exposed to our ancient past. At exactly a time when the study of history is being broadly cancelled by institutions of "higher education," we celebrate the lessons the past offers so willingly.
Our Classical history series is taught by archaeologists Regan (Greek history) and Amy (Roman HIstory) Barr. Expect vivid visuals and discussion of material remains (archaeology) alongside major historical, social, political elements of these eras. In our history courses we seek to understand the reasoning and events that motivated events of the past rather than sift them through the impossible mesh of a perceived modern position of enlightenment. This means if your normal M.O. for historical studies is to bash the past, this may not be the right class for you.
"I thought I would reach out to let you know what a huge impact the Lukeion project has had on my life. I am completing my third major at Sewanee (I majored in Classics-with an emphasis on Latin-, English, and now Greek). I am in the process of applying to three universities (my top choice is Notre Dame) to study the Classics. My goal is to study the poetry and rhetoric of the Late Roman Republic at a Masters Level, before shifting to the study of the 1st-Century Christian church and Second-Temple Judaism in a PhD programme. Without your instruction, which inspired a love of Latin in me at a young age, I would not now be on such a track.I see that the programme has expanded quite a bit! How I would have loved to take philosophy or rhetoric in middle school. I suppose I will have to be content with taking these courses vicariously through my future children (the plan as it stands is that I myself will teach them Latin and Greek, while my wife will teach them Coptic and Arabic). I hope you will find them lively and bright-witted.I recently received a Watson fellowship, which I might still take (if not accepted to any of the MA or PhD programmes). If so, I will spend the majority of my time teaching Classics to Syrian refugees in Greece. (While my project summary online focuses on music, my emphasis has changed a bit, as is appropriate for a Watson Fellowship). My ultimate goal is to found a school teaching Latin and Greek to Syrian refugees in Greece. I am in contact with poets and teachers who suggest that I begin by teaching the Classics in translation, as a way of teaching English and German, before eliding into the study of the Classical languages. I believe the masters of Greek and Latin literature did not write only for people in comfortable, entitled environments; nevertheless, that is where they are usually taught. Rather, they wrote as they did for those who suffer, and who desire a peace and joy to which the Classics can guide us. (Though the Classics, on their own, can't offer these things, as Dante found). So I am grateful to the Lukeion project for kindling such a flame in my own soul." -- highly successful Lukeion grad!
An Interdisciplinary Approach
We've had plenty of learners admit (with an implied challenge) that they hate history. Our history instructors, Regan and Amy Barr, agree that it was not their favorite topic in high school either. It was taught by people who were also bored with the sawdust-dry state-mandated textbook.
The truth about the subject is this: Properly understood, history encompasses all human action prior to this moment. Every song, game, battle, sculpture, romance, journey, and hobby falls into the category of "human history." Since even the most resistant learner has hobbies and interests, one ought to wonder how any of us can resist loving history. Alas, it is usually reduced to a 'name, rank and serial number' flash card approach that is entirely focused on which year something took place rather than why any of us should care at all.
While our students will occasionally have to master an important few dates, we also want to share with them the full breadth of human experience by introducing ancient literature, art, craftsmanship, warfare, culture, tradition, religion and much more by bringing into our classroom art, architecture, archaeology, primary literature, keen modern scholarship, synthesis and analysis. This is the signature Lukeion Project interdisciplinary approach.
The truth about the subject is this: Properly understood, history encompasses all human action prior to this moment. Every song, game, battle, sculpture, romance, journey, and hobby falls into the category of "human history." Since even the most resistant learner has hobbies and interests, one ought to wonder how any of us can resist loving history. Alas, it is usually reduced to a 'name, rank and serial number' flash card approach that is entirely focused on which year something took place rather than why any of us should care at all.
While our students will occasionally have to master an important few dates, we also want to share with them the full breadth of human experience by introducing ancient literature, art, craftsmanship, warfare, culture, tradition, religion and much more by bringing into our classroom art, architecture, archaeology, primary literature, keen modern scholarship, synthesis and analysis. This is the signature Lukeion Project interdisciplinary approach.
Classical History: The Greeks
This course examines the history of the ancient Greeks, one of the most influential cultures to leave its mark on the western world. Chronologically we begin with the Minoans of the Bronze Age and end with the Hellenistic rulers just prior to the Roman domination of the eastern Mediterranean. We’ll consider the development of political and governmental systems, critical military events, dominant historical personalities, and significant artistic and literary advances (sculpture, architecture, painting, drama, prose, etc.). After completing this course, students will have a greater knowledge of the flow of Greek history and will be able to recognize many of the individuals, places, events and cultural contributions that are foundational to Western civilization. This course provides a superior preparation for college level studies since its format is like that of a freshman level college course. This is a highly visual course which will also serve to introduce students to the art, architecture and archaeology of the ancient Greeks.
No textbook is required for this course. The instructor will provide all materials and links to abundant internet resources.
Students should anticipate 4-5 exams and a single 6-8 page research paper.
Prerequisite: students should be reading and writing at the high school level.
Audit available (no graded elements).
We offer one session time (Eastern, adjust for your time zone): autumn semester only, 1 PM Wednesdays
Contact the instructor - Regan Barr
Regarding the history courses at The Lukeion Project:
"[My daughter] has advanced so much due to your class and class structure/requirements she is leagues ahead of her peers. She has now experienced a serious class minus the usual padding and soft touch of most homeschool classes. She knows the work involved to keep up in a class like yours which, although I have previously described to her such a class, she had no personal relation to. Interestingly, yours was her favorite class and she was sad it came to an end! I think most kids we know with only one or two exceptions (the 190 IQ ones) having had those challenges would be glad the weekly rigor had come to an end. I look upon this as a valuable learning experience for her. She learns quickly and is already talking about starting early for the next semester paper. Writing is not her forté but your class has “raised the bar,” no pun intended. She’s gone from not much more than formulaic IEW writing to knowing what is required of more advanced student. She didn’t get the MLA formatting correct either but now she has an understanding of what is required for the future. The other writing and test assignments she had this semester were greatly boosted by the new level of requirements she experienced in your class. When I learned that your classes were considered rigorous I hadn’t grasped what that meant exactly considering the alternatives. She is asking me for more classes with tougher teachers and serious students like yours and asking to drop the “silly” classes where time is wasted and the kids are annoying. While it would sound like she’s inappropriately seeking a higher level beyond her age, I’m appreciative of it. We do have a couple of other homeschooled friends, who though a year or two older, are looking for the same thing. Thanks again so much!" ~ Lukeion Parent, 2019
No textbook is required for this course. The instructor will provide all materials and links to abundant internet resources.
Students should anticipate 4-5 exams and a single 6-8 page research paper.
Prerequisite: students should be reading and writing at the high school level.
Audit available (no graded elements).
We offer one session time (Eastern, adjust for your time zone): autumn semester only, 1 PM Wednesdays
Contact the instructor - Regan Barr
Regarding the history courses at The Lukeion Project:
"[My daughter] has advanced so much due to your class and class structure/requirements she is leagues ahead of her peers. She has now experienced a serious class minus the usual padding and soft touch of most homeschool classes. She knows the work involved to keep up in a class like yours which, although I have previously described to her such a class, she had no personal relation to. Interestingly, yours was her favorite class and she was sad it came to an end! I think most kids we know with only one or two exceptions (the 190 IQ ones) having had those challenges would be glad the weekly rigor had come to an end. I look upon this as a valuable learning experience for her. She learns quickly and is already talking about starting early for the next semester paper. Writing is not her forté but your class has “raised the bar,” no pun intended. She’s gone from not much more than formulaic IEW writing to knowing what is required of more advanced student. She didn’t get the MLA formatting correct either but now she has an understanding of what is required for the future. The other writing and test assignments she had this semester were greatly boosted by the new level of requirements she experienced in your class. When I learned that your classes were considered rigorous I hadn’t grasped what that meant exactly considering the alternatives. She is asking me for more classes with tougher teachers and serious students like yours and asking to drop the “silly” classes where time is wasted and the kids are annoying. While it would sound like she’s inappropriately seeking a higher level beyond her age, I’m appreciative of it. We do have a couple of other homeschooled friends, who though a year or two older, are looking for the same thing. Thanks again so much!" ~ Lukeion Parent, 2019
Classical History: The Romans
The importance of knowing something about the Romans can’t be understated. Simply put, Roman civilization is the basis of our modern world. Our law, language, political science, reason & logic, engineering, government, society and ideas about of civic duty come from the very clever Romans. No other ancient culture, other than the ancient Greeks, will help you understand the modern world better. All that “important stuff” aside, the Romans were real people, with real faults and value. The approach we use to study them will help you understand the big picture and the earthy basics of living in the Roman world.
We start with Rome’s mythic past in Troy and Latium that proved formative to her historic behavior. We will cover the major historical figures, state innovations and law through primary and secondary sources. We will also include topics in the archaeology, geography and politics of the early Romans through the time of Constantine. Students will gain an appreciation of the contributions of the ancient Romans to the modern world, especially in the social and political arenas.
This is a highly visual course which will also serve to introduce students to Roman art, architecture and archaeology. No textbook required for this course, the instructor will provide all materials and links to abundant internet resources.
Students should be able to comfortably read around 30 pages per week and should anticipate 4-5 exams and a single 6-8 page research paper.
Prerequisite: students should be reading and writing at the high school level. Audit available (no graded elements)
We offer one session time (Eastern, adjust for your time zone): spring semester only, 1 PM Wednesdays
Contact the instructor - Amy Barr
What your student should expect in a Lukeion history class
Everything that is assigned to your learner can be found on a full schedule located on the last page of the course syllabus. Learners prepare for quizzes when they become familiar with the assigned readings and conversant with what is presented in class.
The live weekly sessions are foundational to understanding the reading rather than the reverse. The readings are designed to expand what you learned in class, and introduce material to be presented in the next session. Learners must take notes during the live session and while reading assigned passages. Depending on experience in note taking, a parent may need to help beginners develop this skill to avoid unnecessary frustration.
Learners should keep an organized notebook and recopy class notes after each session. Online review games are available on the class web page to help prepare for quizzes and exams. In addition to multiple choice and matching type questions, learners will write short response essays (2-5 paragraphs) to questions posed on quizzes. Essays ask for analysis and answers to “big picture” issues discussed in class. Details (terms, names, places, and a few well highlighted dates) will help learners write an effective essay response.
Lukeion History Students will:
We start with Rome’s mythic past in Troy and Latium that proved formative to her historic behavior. We will cover the major historical figures, state innovations and law through primary and secondary sources. We will also include topics in the archaeology, geography and politics of the early Romans through the time of Constantine. Students will gain an appreciation of the contributions of the ancient Romans to the modern world, especially in the social and political arenas.
This is a highly visual course which will also serve to introduce students to Roman art, architecture and archaeology. No textbook required for this course, the instructor will provide all materials and links to abundant internet resources.
Students should be able to comfortably read around 30 pages per week and should anticipate 4-5 exams and a single 6-8 page research paper.
Prerequisite: students should be reading and writing at the high school level. Audit available (no graded elements)
We offer one session time (Eastern, adjust for your time zone): spring semester only, 1 PM Wednesdays
Contact the instructor - Amy Barr
What your student should expect in a Lukeion history class
Everything that is assigned to your learner can be found on a full schedule located on the last page of the course syllabus. Learners prepare for quizzes when they become familiar with the assigned readings and conversant with what is presented in class.
The live weekly sessions are foundational to understanding the reading rather than the reverse. The readings are designed to expand what you learned in class, and introduce material to be presented in the next session. Learners must take notes during the live session and while reading assigned passages. Depending on experience in note taking, a parent may need to help beginners develop this skill to avoid unnecessary frustration.
Learners should keep an organized notebook and recopy class notes after each session. Online review games are available on the class web page to help prepare for quizzes and exams. In addition to multiple choice and matching type questions, learners will write short response essays (2-5 paragraphs) to questions posed on quizzes. Essays ask for analysis and answers to “big picture” issues discussed in class. Details (terms, names, places, and a few well highlighted dates) will help learners write an effective essay response.
Lukeion History Students will:
- Complete weekly reading assignments
- Participate in 2-part discussion boards each week.
- Take online quizzes and exams including a midterm and final exam
- Plan and complete one 6-8 page research paper (various parts due throughout the semester)
- Attend the live session once a week, and participate by asking great questions and offering opinions and answers when asked.