So much better than just another high school language arts class...
Did you know that most people over the age of 15 spend only around 16 minutes reading every day? A full quarter of American adults NEVER read a whole book. Most of what's available in high school courses today are snips and samples of popular modern works as the vast majority also graduate from high school AND college without having read a single WHOLE book! Students never learn how to soak up a piece of literature from cover to cover... much less learn to delight in that literature. Few students have any appreciable experience with great literature at all. Look around. The total failure for most young people under 40 to have had any exposure to great literary experiences (beyond a short snip during high school English) shows up again and again. No wonder people struggle to deal with life!
At The Lukeion Project, we put a high priority on writing, especially analytical and research writing. To that end, we offer a variety of literature courses to build your student's careful reading and writing skills. These precious years are the perfect time to benefit from the best Classical literature. Follow the links to read more about these courses. Wondering which classes are best suited to your student? Visit our recommended course of study page with more details about recommended ages and skill levels.
Master Mythologist - 2 semesters: (1) Glorious Greeks & (2) Remarkable Romans, Wed 2:15 PM ET
The basics of Classical mythology: Provides a fun foundation for mythological references likely to be encountered in literature and art. Bookwork and creative assignments make this an excellent introduction to coursework for middle school and a solid elective for high schoolers. Semesters not prerequisite. Ages 13 and older.
Muse Literature in Translation Series - Thu 11:30 am ET
Our two semester Muse Series (click for more info) leads your reader though the very best of Greek and Latin literature in translation. Dr. Fisher requires a variety of creative, yet analytical, writing assignments to build specific skills while mastering the elements of great Greek and Latin literature in translation. In the autumn semester (Muse on the Loose) we introduce the 5 major genres of Greek literature with selections in translation from poetry, history, philosophy, drama and science /mathematics. Readings span Homer to Hellenistic writers such as Polybius, Callimachus and Galen. We give special attention to the plays of Aristophanes & Euripides, the philosophy of Plato & Aristotle and the historical accounts of Herodotus, Thucydides & Xenophon. In the spring semester (Muse Reloosed) we look at the literature of the Romans from the earliest interpretations of Greek dramas through the writings of the Imperial Age. Through drama, poetry, history, philosophy, and satire, students will follow the history and thought life of the Roman people. Authors include Plautus, Lucretius, Cicero, Catullus, Horace, Vergil, Ovid, Petronius, Livy, Josephus, and Tacitus in translation. Excellent transition course between essay writing & research papers.
Advanced Classical Lit. 1& 2 - 2 semesters - Myth (autumn) and Epic (spring) Thu 3:30 PM.
Beyond basic mythology: This course explores the themes and symbols of mythology as encountered in ancient literature. Advanced thinking, reading, and writing skills are a must. Expect discussion, exams, and research, analysis. Semester 1 is not prerequisite for semester 2.
Advanced Lit.: Shakespeare's Greeks & Romans (autumn) Wed 4:45 PM
Here's your chance to read some of the best pieces by Shakespeare while developing a number of important composition and analysis skills. The Bard of Avon loved Classical themes almost as much as we do. Get ready to visit some of his very best pieces in this one semester course. We will cover Shakespeare’s Roman plays (Julius Caesar, Antony and Cleopatra, & Coriolanus) plus A Midsummer Night’s Dream set in ancient Athens. Along the way we will examine how ancient writers influenced Shakespeare’s ideas. Expect exams and various writing projects. There will be group reading (of course) so a microphone is required.
Advanced Lit.: Tolkien (spring) Wed 4:45 PM
While most of us read J.R.R. Tolkien for the pleasure of it, there is much to be learned when we study it as literature. We will cover college-level literary topics in The Hobbit, Lord of the Rings, and other Tolkien writings, plus Tolkien’s creation of languages and his use of folklore in storytelling. Read The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings before beginning the class (or get them completed quickly). Expect parts of The Silmarillion as well. Taught by R. Baty. Learn more about Tolkien here
Writing Courses at The Lukeion Project
Skillful Scribbler - Recommended ages: 12/13+ Autumn, Tues. 2:15 PM ET or Wed. 3:30 PM ET
Master the essential basics of clear, precise academic writing. Learn proper punctuation, well-organized paragraphs, good essay structure, and other important fundamentals of academic writing starting with strong paragraphs and short papers. Average time obligation 4-6 hours/week. R. Baty
College Composition (1 semester) - Recommended ages: 16-18+, (Autumn) Tues. 3:30 PM ET
Students start to need these skills in our 11th and 12th grade courses at The Lukeion Project. Most need these writing skills the minute they begin college. We cover the basics of upper level academic writing including thesis statements, topic sentences, academic tone, active vs. passive voice, and other elements necessary to succeed in college classes. Assignments are short and skill-based. We will write several short papers that give an opportunity to thoroughly practice skills being taught. Instructor. R. Baty
College Research Writing -(Spring) Tues. 3:30 PM ET
Recommended ages: 16-18+ (best after students have had Lukeion Advanced Classical Lit. and/or History or other research experience)
The dreaded research paper assignment strikes fear in the heart of most. Many will flounder at a college writing lab for hours before they discover what makes a good research paper. Don't wait to learn how to complete a research paper when you are under the stress of college courses. A student’s final high school years are the best time to develop tools & techniques of scholarly research on a deadline. Participants should have access to a college/ university library if possible. R. Baty, instructor.
AP English Literature - (2 semesters) Tues. at 1 PM
Recommended ages: 16-18+ College Board-approved AP course prepares students for AP English Lit. exam offered May (local arrangements). We engage in careful reading & critical analysis of imaginative literature. Explore how writers use language to provide meaning & pleasure for their readers. Students learn to consider a work’s structure, style and themes, as well as the use of figurative language, imagery, symbolism and tone. Writing intensive course. Expect summer readings. R. Baty instructor
Workshops on Classical Literature at The Lukeion Project
Check out all summer workshop options here
College Application Essay-Writing Symposium, on hiatus summer 2025
This workshop will walk you through the process of writing that scary college application essay. Find out what admissions officers really want and get your essay finished during our 4-sessions! We’ll start with a rough draft and help you finish a well-crafted essay with 2 rounds of feedback while we cover essential college success skills.
**As an Amazon Associate we earn a small amount from qualifying purchases.
At The Lukeion Project, we put a high priority on writing, especially analytical and research writing. To that end, we offer a variety of literature courses to build your student's careful reading and writing skills. These precious years are the perfect time to benefit from the best Classical literature. Follow the links to read more about these courses. Wondering which classes are best suited to your student? Visit our recommended course of study page with more details about recommended ages and skill levels.
Master Mythologist - 2 semesters: (1) Glorious Greeks & (2) Remarkable Romans, Wed 2:15 PM ET
The basics of Classical mythology: Provides a fun foundation for mythological references likely to be encountered in literature and art. Bookwork and creative assignments make this an excellent introduction to coursework for middle school and a solid elective for high schoolers. Semesters not prerequisite. Ages 13 and older.
Muse Literature in Translation Series - Thu 11:30 am ET
Our two semester Muse Series (click for more info) leads your reader though the very best of Greek and Latin literature in translation. Dr. Fisher requires a variety of creative, yet analytical, writing assignments to build specific skills while mastering the elements of great Greek and Latin literature in translation. In the autumn semester (Muse on the Loose) we introduce the 5 major genres of Greek literature with selections in translation from poetry, history, philosophy, drama and science /mathematics. Readings span Homer to Hellenistic writers such as Polybius, Callimachus and Galen. We give special attention to the plays of Aristophanes & Euripides, the philosophy of Plato & Aristotle and the historical accounts of Herodotus, Thucydides & Xenophon. In the spring semester (Muse Reloosed) we look at the literature of the Romans from the earliest interpretations of Greek dramas through the writings of the Imperial Age. Through drama, poetry, history, philosophy, and satire, students will follow the history and thought life of the Roman people. Authors include Plautus, Lucretius, Cicero, Catullus, Horace, Vergil, Ovid, Petronius, Livy, Josephus, and Tacitus in translation. Excellent transition course between essay writing & research papers.
Advanced Classical Lit. 1& 2 - 2 semesters - Myth (autumn) and Epic (spring) Thu 3:30 PM.
Beyond basic mythology: This course explores the themes and symbols of mythology as encountered in ancient literature. Advanced thinking, reading, and writing skills are a must. Expect discussion, exams, and research, analysis. Semester 1 is not prerequisite for semester 2.
Advanced Lit.: Shakespeare's Greeks & Romans (autumn) Wed 4:45 PM
Here's your chance to read some of the best pieces by Shakespeare while developing a number of important composition and analysis skills. The Bard of Avon loved Classical themes almost as much as we do. Get ready to visit some of his very best pieces in this one semester course. We will cover Shakespeare’s Roman plays (Julius Caesar, Antony and Cleopatra, & Coriolanus) plus A Midsummer Night’s Dream set in ancient Athens. Along the way we will examine how ancient writers influenced Shakespeare’s ideas. Expect exams and various writing projects. There will be group reading (of course) so a microphone is required.
Advanced Lit.: Tolkien (spring) Wed 4:45 PM
While most of us read J.R.R. Tolkien for the pleasure of it, there is much to be learned when we study it as literature. We will cover college-level literary topics in The Hobbit, Lord of the Rings, and other Tolkien writings, plus Tolkien’s creation of languages and his use of folklore in storytelling. Read The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings before beginning the class (or get them completed quickly). Expect parts of The Silmarillion as well. Taught by R. Baty. Learn more about Tolkien here
Writing Courses at The Lukeion Project
Skillful Scribbler - Recommended ages: 12/13+ Autumn, Tues. 2:15 PM ET or Wed. 3:30 PM ET
Master the essential basics of clear, precise academic writing. Learn proper punctuation, well-organized paragraphs, good essay structure, and other important fundamentals of academic writing starting with strong paragraphs and short papers. Average time obligation 4-6 hours/week. R. Baty
College Composition (1 semester) - Recommended ages: 16-18+, (Autumn) Tues. 3:30 PM ET
Students start to need these skills in our 11th and 12th grade courses at The Lukeion Project. Most need these writing skills the minute they begin college. We cover the basics of upper level academic writing including thesis statements, topic sentences, academic tone, active vs. passive voice, and other elements necessary to succeed in college classes. Assignments are short and skill-based. We will write several short papers that give an opportunity to thoroughly practice skills being taught. Instructor. R. Baty
College Research Writing -(Spring) Tues. 3:30 PM ET
Recommended ages: 16-18+ (best after students have had Lukeion Advanced Classical Lit. and/or History or other research experience)
The dreaded research paper assignment strikes fear in the heart of most. Many will flounder at a college writing lab for hours before they discover what makes a good research paper. Don't wait to learn how to complete a research paper when you are under the stress of college courses. A student’s final high school years are the best time to develop tools & techniques of scholarly research on a deadline. Participants should have access to a college/ university library if possible. R. Baty, instructor.
AP English Literature - (2 semesters) Tues. at 1 PM
Recommended ages: 16-18+ College Board-approved AP course prepares students for AP English Lit. exam offered May (local arrangements). We engage in careful reading & critical analysis of imaginative literature. Explore how writers use language to provide meaning & pleasure for their readers. Students learn to consider a work’s structure, style and themes, as well as the use of figurative language, imagery, symbolism and tone. Writing intensive course. Expect summer readings. R. Baty instructor
Workshops on Classical Literature at The Lukeion Project
Check out all summer workshop options here
College Application Essay-Writing Symposium, on hiatus summer 2025
This workshop will walk you through the process of writing that scary college application essay. Find out what admissions officers really want and get your essay finished during our 4-sessions! We’ll start with a rough draft and help you finish a well-crafted essay with 2 rounds of feedback while we cover essential college success skills.
**As an Amazon Associate we earn a small amount from qualifying purchases.