Classical Humanities Cohort
Rooted in the classical model, this two-year cohort prioritizes the Socratic method, close reading, thoughtful contemplation, and engagement with the Great Books tradition.
Wheaton Academy’s Classical Humanities Cohort is a two-year, integrated study of History, English, and Bible built on the rich inheritance of the Great Books tradition. Freshmen and Sophomores in this cohort engage directly with the seminal works, ideas, and narratives that have shaped Western civilization from ancient civilizations up to the Renaissance and Reformation. Through close reading, guided dialogue, and reflective writing, students learn not only what these authors thought, but how to think with clarity, charity, and intellectual courage.
Students begin by exploring the ancient and medieval foundations of the Western tradition, reading classical epics, Greek and Roman philosophy, biblical texts, early Christian writings, and medieval literature while tracing the development of early civilizations and the rise of the Christian worldview. As they progress into the Renaissance and Reformation, students engage major works of literature, theology, and political philosophy alongside primary historical documents, examining theological development, worldview formation, and the intersection of faith with contemporary cultural questions.
Socratic Method
The Socratic Method serves as the primary mode of instruction. Students gather around texts, ask meaningful questions, evaluate arguments, and learn to articulate their own ideas with precision.
Close Reading
The course prioritizes complete readings and thoughtful engagement with major works of literature and theology as well as primary source documents.
Advanced Writing and Logic
Writing instruction emphasizes analytical essays, rhetorical skill, persuasive argumentation, and the ability to synthesize ideas across disciplines at an increasingly advanced level.
Structure and Schedule
- Two-year commitment spanning a student’s freshman and sophomore years
- Students will spend three consecutive class periods per day with the Classical Humanities Cohort
- Fulfills requirements for:
- Introduction to Historical Inquiry
- World History
- Foundations of Faith
- Christ and His Church
- English I
- English II
Frequently Asked Questions
Students in the Classical Humanities Cohort will meet together for three class periods per day as part of an integrated Humanities block. This structure supports cohesive instruction across History, English, and Bible.
The Classical Humanities Cohort is designed to offer a classical foundation during a student’s freshman and sophomore years. This structure gives upperclassmen flexibility to pursue electives including AP English and AP History courses, earning college credit should they choose to do so.
Latin will not be required. However, students may be introduced to basic elements of Latin and Greek where appropriate, as these languages can provide helpful insight into texts and concepts encountered in the course.
Texts will include complete works and substantial selections, such as:
- The Bible
- Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey
- Virgil’s Aeneid
- Selected Platonic dialogues
- Selections from Augustine and Aquinas
Student learning will be assessed through a variety of methods, including:
- Analytical and interpretive writing assignments
- Graded class discussions and seminars
- Presentations
- Comprehension-based assessments
Students interested in the Classical Humanities Cohort will participate in Wheaton Academy’s standard placement testing process. To help us make informed recommendations, students may opt to take a slightly modified version of our English placement test that assesses readiness for the reading and writing expected in the cohort.
Angie Roberts, Wheaton Academy’s Registrar, will email confirmation of the placement test date/times and will include an option to select the supplemental placement test for the Classical Humanities Cohort.
