Better than just another high school English class
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. 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.
Muse Series (2 semesters)
Recommended ages: 15 -18+. Our two semester Muse Series 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 Greek and Latin literature. In the autumn semester 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 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 transitional course between essay writing and research papers.
Mythology Series (2 semesters)
Recommended ages: 16 -18+. Our two semester Mythology series presents essential Greek and Latin mythological literature, and then sets them in their cultural and historical context. Students complete a number of creative, yet analytical, writing assignments plus a 7-page research paper which they develop throughout the semester. Amy Barr walks them through the steps of the research paper as various stages are due in succession. We cover the Olympians & the Trojan cycle while reading Homer's Iliad & Odyssey, tragedy Hecuba. In the second semester, we focus on literature and tales about heroes Hercules, Perseus, Theseus, and Jason plus Roman mythological literature with a reading of Vergil’s Aeneid and Ovid’s Metamorphoses. Greek tragedies Oedipus Rex and Medea round out the second semester.
The Classical Bard: Shakespeare's Greeks & Romans (1 semester--spring)
Recommended ages: 17 - 18+. Here's your chance to read some of the best pieces by Shakespeare while develop 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.
An excellent complement to The Classical Bard course is our autumn Composition and Research course.
Muse Series (2 semesters)
Recommended ages: 15 -18+. Our two semester Muse Series 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 Greek and Latin literature. In the autumn semester 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 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 transitional course between essay writing and research papers.
Mythology Series (2 semesters)
Recommended ages: 16 -18+. Our two semester Mythology series presents essential Greek and Latin mythological literature, and then sets them in their cultural and historical context. Students complete a number of creative, yet analytical, writing assignments plus a 7-page research paper which they develop throughout the semester. Amy Barr walks them through the steps of the research paper as various stages are due in succession. We cover the Olympians & the Trojan cycle while reading Homer's Iliad & Odyssey, tragedy Hecuba. In the second semester, we focus on literature and tales about heroes Hercules, Perseus, Theseus, and Jason plus Roman mythological literature with a reading of Vergil’s Aeneid and Ovid’s Metamorphoses. Greek tragedies Oedipus Rex and Medea round out the second semester.
The Classical Bard: Shakespeare's Greeks & Romans (1 semester--spring)
Recommended ages: 17 - 18+. Here's your chance to read some of the best pieces by Shakespeare while develop 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.
An excellent complement to The Classical Bard course is our autumn Composition and Research course.
