The Progymnasmata (literally, the "before exercises") are rhetorical exercises developed in the classical period to assists students with their facility with oral and written language. The progymnasmata consist of 10-15 different exercises, not all of which are employed in every grade. All students in grades 7-12, however, participate in forums for the progymnasmata on a weekly basis using material from other classes. No homework is assigned but students are responsible for presentations and written work.

Rhetoric I introduces students to the nature and practice of the rhetorical art. Both spoken and written rhetoric are studied, and assignments are directed across the disciplines and subjects of the other classes in the school. While the full rhetorical canon is involved, invention, arrangement, and delivery are emphasized. Students also concentrate on expositional and epideictic genres through analysis, composition, and delivery. [One semester, one half credit. Rhetoric. Text—Oxford University Press: The Speaker's Handbook and Classical Rhetoric for the Modern Student, 4th ed.]

Rhetoric II continues the student's training in the rhetorical art. Skills in invention, arrangement, and delivery are advanced and style and memory are studied, continuing work across the disciplines and subjects of the other classes in the school. Emphasis on the capacity to deliver extemporaneous speeches, to prepare expositional and persuasive term papers, and to analyze forensic and deliberative rhetoric. In the 12th grade, students are prepared to develop a Senior Thesis. [One semester, one half credit. Rhetoric. Text—Oxford University Press: The Speaker's Handbook and Classical Rhetoric for the Modern Student, 4th ed.]

Junior Thesis Project -- Students in the eleventh grade will write a fact, value, or policy research paper on a subject from either U.S. History or American Literature class.

Senior Thesis Project -- Graduating seniors are required to propose, prepare and submit an original research project of extended scope exploring an approved area of research. Topic selection begins in the junior year and continues throughout the senior year. Students are self-directed in their research under the supervision of faculty members assigned to them as a resource for guidance. The senior thesis paper is submitted to the faculty advisors, presented as a speech, and defended before the faculty judges. Successful completion of the Senior Thesis Project is a requirement for graduation from New Covenant Schools. [Two semesters, one credit. Rhetoric. Text—The Senior Thesis Manual, Scott Baker]

Dialectic Band is a concert band class which meets for the dual purpose of musical education on wind and percussion instruments and related skills as well as a performing ensemble. The students are instructed in good instrumental technique as it relates to their instrument as well as the whole band. Musical history and principles of good musicianship are taught. The students also have the opportunity for performance and competition as individuals and as a group throughout the year. [Two semesters. Dialectic/Rhetoric. Texts: Yamaha Book Two; Tipps for Band]

Dialectic Chorus is a mixed choir which meets for the dual purpose of education in choral singing and related musical skills as well as a performing ensemble. The students are taught good vocal choral technique, as well as musical history and the basics of good musicianship. The opportunity for performance and competition as individuals and as a group occur at different times throughout the year.

Rhetoric Band is a concert band class which meets for the dual purpose of musical education on wind and percussion instruments and related skills as well as a performing ensemble. The students are instructed in good instrumental technique as it relates to their instrument as well as the whole band. Musical history and principles of good musicianship are taught. The students also have the opportunity for performance and competition as individuals and as a group throughout the year. The Rhetoric Band is a more advanced version of the Dialectic, but the two do practice together once a week and will perform together. [Two semesters. Dialectic/Rhetoric. Text—Foundation to Excellence; Yamaha Band Book 3]

Rhetoric Chorus is a mixed choir which meets for the dual purpose of education in choral singing and related musical skills, as well as a performing ensemble. It is a continuation of the principles of good vocal technique introduced in dialectic choir and the Grammar School. Musical history and principles of good musicianship are continued and carried to a higher level. The opportunity for performance and competition as individuals and as a group occur at different times throughout the year.

Drama will provide the student with the necessary skills using voice, expression, and gestures to confidently and effectively communicate to an audience. The course will combine standard theater exercises aimed at improving projection, enunciation, poise, spatial awareness, and communicating mood through physical action with specific exercises from classical rhetoric focusing on impersonation, memorization, style, and delivery. This course will especially benefit, but is not limited to, the student who chooses further study in the theater arts. It will help any student to become more effective in various situations where they must communicate to others, such as making a public address, private discussion, debate, answering questions in class, the senior thesis, and bearing witness for their faith.

Art History and Appreciation covers the historically important periods, styles, and artists of Western culture. To help students develop an appreciation for art, elements of form, design, and technique are also covered. To demonstrate an understanding of the characteristics of a selection of artists or styles, students render a common object in a variety of styles as a final project. The medium used for the final project is determined by the student subject to approval by the instructor. Fee based field trips include the Maier Museum of Art, the Virginia Museum of the Arts, and the Smithsonian Institution.

Art Media – Pending

Revised: 10/14/04