Senior Thesis

The Capstone of a Student’s Classical Education

The Senior Thesis is the crowning achievement of a student’s academic journey. Designed for students who have completed the Lost Tools of Writing, Classical Rhetoric, and high school Omnibus courses, it brings together years of study in reading, writing, reasoning, and speaking.

Students choose a topic, research it deeply, and produce both a formal academic paper and a 15–20 minute oral presentation, demonstrating knowledge, critical thinking, and persuasive communication. This is the ultimate opportunity for students to step confidently into public discourse and apply the skills of classical education in a meaningful, real-world way.

How the Thesis Works

Step-by-Step Guidance

Students follow a clear rhetorical process: Discovery, Organization, Style, Memory, and Delivery. Over the year, they:

  • Research their topic thoroughly
  • Meet with a mentor or expert in the field
  • Draft the six parts of a classical thesis: Introduction (Exordium), Statement of Facts (Narratio), Thesis Statement (Partitio), Argument (Confirmatio), Counterargument (Refutatio), and Conclusion (Peroratio)

Rhetorical Practice

The Senior Thesis integrates the three classical types of rhetoric:

  • Judicial – accuse or defend
  • Ceremonial – praise or censure
  • Deliberative – persuade or dissuade

Students conclude their speeches with a deliberative appeal, encouraging thoughtful action. They also refine ethos, logos, and pathos, ensuring their writing and speaking are credible, reasoned, and compelling.

Transformative Outcomes

The Senior Thesis develops more than academic skill:

  • Students learn to analyze evidence, think ethically, and communicate persuasively
  • They gain confidence in both written and oral expression
  • They experience the intellectual growth that comes from owning a complex issue and presenting it thoughtfully

This course gives students a chance to step out from the crowd and say something important, preparing them for college, leadership, and life as a thoughtful Christian adult.

Culmination of a Classical Education

As the final step in a rigorous classical curriculum, the Senior Thesis equips students to:

  • Succeed in college-level liberal arts writing
  • Engage the world with wisdom, eloquence, and discernment
  • Communicate ideas clearly, persuasively, and winsomely, reflecting both skill and Christian character

Booklist

  • Rhetoric Alive! Senior Thesis Student Workbook
  • The Elements of Style, 4th Edition (Strunk & White)

► The Senior Thesis is about moving from inexperience to wisdom, and from being influenced to influencing others.

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