Logic

In an effort to love God “with all our minds” the study of Logic will train students to reason well. Students will discover and identify patterns or rules by which we are able to reason. This year’s study of logic focuses on Formal Logic or the basic structure of an argument. Using accepted truths, Formal Logic starts categorical and then moves to the propositional logic found in deductive reasoning. With this concrete system of discovering and identifying the patterns taught in logic, students will continue a smooth transition into the area of abstract critical thinking which is the goal of the dialectic stage of the trivium.

Composition and
Grammar

Building on the foundation of prior years, students at the Dialectic level shift their focus to the content & development of their writing. Different types of writing assignments allow them to continue to mature in their ability to express their ideas in a logical fashion while challenging them to increase the complexity of their compositions. Integrating the grammar concepts of the Dialectic level while cementing the foundation of basic knowledge will be accomplished through assignments in Write Source Book 7. Literature reading provides additional sources for composition assignments while enriching the student’s understanding of their history studies.

History

Beginning with creation and ending with the fall of Rome, students examine world history chronologically adding to the framework begun in the Grammar years. Students explore civilizations by labeling maps and learning key vocabulary enabling them to compare and contrast various cultures. Students read literature recounting historical events and legends to bring these ancient civilizations to life.

Latin

Students come to their final year of Latin and work through the next 9 chapters of Wheelock’s Latin.  Using note sheets written at a Dialectic 2 level, students are guided through basic and complex Latin concepts by translating sentences from Latin into English as well as from English to Latin. Review of vocabulary as well as lesson concepts are integrated in these translations. For use at home, parents are loaned an answer key enabling them to guide their student through translation exercises assigned as homework. Participation in the National Latin Exam during the spring is a goal of this year.