CLASSICAL COMPOSITION is a foundational rhetoric course designed for advanced elementary and middle school students. It is also an appropriate study for older students who need further practice in the fundamentals of writing, whether or not they plan to take The Lost Tools of Writing courses. Classical Composition meets in-person once weekly, supplemented by daily at-home writing activities 3-4 days each week.

 

Classical Composition is rooted in the progymnasmata, a sequence of writing exercises created by ancient rhetoric teachers for training students in the art of writing while developing style in communication. Throughout the classical and medieval periods, students were expected to master these 14 preliminary exercises (see below) in preparation for formal rhetoric where public speaking was the goal. With adaptation, these writing exercises are still indispensable for modern students who wish to prepare for honest, clear, and convincing communication in writing or speaking.

 

Of the 14 progymnasmata exercises, this course covers in detail the first 12, which include instruction in narrative and expository writing. The final exercises of the persuasive writing stage are covered later in detail in higher writing and rhetoric courses. The content of the writing exercises for this course is taken from the myths, tales, fables, maxims, anecdotes, commonplaces, proverbs, speeches, and moral lessons from the literature of our Western and Christian heritage.

​

Classical Composition is for the student desiring practical help in areas like these: ​​

• Developing competency in written expression

• Selecting details for making a narration, description, or story come to life

• Establishing confidence in writing

• Transitioning from simple to complex composition

• Organizing ideas for impact and persuasion

• Creating satisfying written presentations

• Preparing for public speaking​

​

BOOKLIST FOR CLASSICAL COMPOSITION

• A Student's Guide to Classical Composition, which includes the readings, models, and writing activities prepared by the teacher and provided at cost price.

• The Elements of Style, 4th Edition (Strunk & White)