The Potter's School offers a complete curriculum of high quality on-line junior and senior high courses taught from a biblical worldview. Since our intent is to partner with parents in the home education process, the courses are primarily independent study programs that are guided and evaluated by the teacher, and supervised at home by the parents. Live classroom sessions are used to highlight significant material and to afford students an opportunity to interact with one another and with the instructor. All of our courses emphasize personalized timely feedback and evaluation. For more information about a course, please click the course name link or the teacher name link. Some of the links go to web pages and others connect to PDF files that will require the free Acrobat Reader to view. For other specific questions concerning a course, please email the instructor from the links on our Teachers page. For general questions about the school, its policies or procedures, please thoroughly review our web site then contact the administrator with any additional questions.

The class schedule is listed below each course. Each class meets for 90 minutes each week. Once you receive a seat in a class section, that is the section you must attend every week. All times are U.S. Eastern Time (ET), and The Potter's School does observe Daylight Savings Time. We do have nighttime classes, to support overseas time zones, so please pay close attention to the class time when registering.

You may register into an open seat, or onto the wait list of a "Full" section. A "Closed" section is full, and its wait list is full, so will not be able to register into a "Closed" section. If a section you prefer is wait-listed for a particular course, you may sign up for one or more wait-listed sections to try to get a seat if it becomes available. We record the date and time of your request, and generally offer wait-listed seats in the order the requests are received. However, we recommend that you also sign up for an open section that you will make work if the wait-listed section never becomes available to you. If we can offer you a wait-listed seat, we will drop the other seat after you accept the wait-listed one.

Many courses require a placement test to be submitted with registration. When you register for a course please download the current placement test for that course, if applicable, and send it to that class's teacher as soon as possible. We cannot approve you for a class until the teacher has evaluated any applicable placement test.

Junior High - Grammar, Composition and Literature
Junior High - History and Social Science
Junior High - Math and Science
Junior High - Computer Science and Academic Electives
Junior High - Foreign Language
High School - Classical Track
High School - Western Civilization and Worldviews Curriculum
High School - Grammar, Composition and Literature
High School - History and Social Science
High School - Math and Science
High School - Computer Applications and Programming
High School - Foreign Language
High School - Bible, Music, and Academic Electives
Recreational Electives

Writer's Workshop - Get ready to write! Designed for Grade 6 level students, Writer's Workshop explores different writing styles and techniques, including a wide variety of essay styles, non-fiction narratives, and fiction with plenty of student-choice writing. Students will learn how to give meaningful feedback and how to conference among themselves inside and outside of class. The class will discuss grammar and mechanics as they apply to the essays and stories. Writer's Workshop includes a parent component, requiring parents to attend class with the student for at least the first semester and to give oversight outside of the online class time throughout the year. The first two classes are a workshop seminar for just the parents! Required: Microsoft Word, good dictionary, and thesaurus. Mrs. Diana Thomas designed this course and chose Mrs. Heather Ives as the primary teacher. Prerequisite: A placement test is required. Teacher: Heather Ives (Sections 1-5), Christina Corrin (Section 6)

English I - Formerly called Grade 7 English, this course has been renamed to encourage registration by skill level rather than grade level. Fluency in any language includes reading, speaking, and writing with skill and ease. Mastery of the English language begins with a strong foundation in the parts of speech and continues developing through grammar exercises and writing assignments. Students taking this course will receive a foundational knowledge of the parts of speech and a relational understanding of the function of each part. Students will learn to build strong sentences and develop strategies to organize their thoughts into paragraphs and essays. Study of literature (Redwall, The Hiding Place, In Freedom's Cause) and poetry will help ignite creative expression in the students' writing. Working with vocabulary, grammar, exciting stories, and beautiful poetry will give students fluency with finesse. Prerequisite: Successful completion of Writer's Workshop or placement test. Teacher: Lisa Cooper (Section 1-5), Kristy Massie (Section 6-9), Naomi Neuman (Section 10)

English II - Formerly called Grade 8 English, this course has been renamed to encourage registration by skill level rather than grade level. This course builds on the skills acquired in TPS English I (formerly Grade 7 English). Students explore a wide variety of composition writing, including several essay styles, research, fiction, and poetry. Students practice with more advanced compositional techniques, including supporting a thesis, organizing information, and writing with style and vivid description. The course introduces critical thinking skills through student assessment of personal writing and analyzing classic literature. Students also learn how to give encouraging, thoughtful feedback to each other in a community of writers. Literature selections include a novel, two plays, ten different short stories, and poetry. The course's engaging approach to writing, vocabulary building, and literature encourages self-expression and creativity while maintaining a high level of compositional excellence. A more detailed course overview is available by clicking on the course title above. Please read the overview and syllabus carefully before registering. Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation from TPS English I (formerly Grade 7 English) teacher or placement test Teacher: Diana Thomas (Section 1), Nancy Shearon (Section 2-5, 9), Brianna Tittel (Section 6-8)

A Journey Through Narnia - This course, intended for students in grades 8 and 9, is an introductory literature and writing course. In it students will read through the seven books that comprise C.S. Lewis's The Chronicles of Narnia. Class discussions will focus on the stories from literal, moral, and allegorical points of view. Writing assignments will employ both creative and expository composition. Weekly homework assignments will prepare students for the class discussions. Prerequisite: Completion of TPS English II (formerly Grade 8 English) with an A or B, or successful completion of a Diagnostic exam. Teacher: Kathryn Richards

History of the World - This course is based on the ABEKA text History of the World. It leads students on a journey through time from Creation to the late twentieth century. The course's biblical perspective connects the past with the present, teaching junior high students to recognize the hand of God in human events. History of the World studies "His Story", considering the rise and fall of nations and individuals as they respond to God's truth. A study of geography will interlace all historical material, providing students with a geographical setting for historical events. Time lines will help students properly place events in the full scope of God's plan. Teacher: Bob Lemon

Ancient World History - This ancient civilizations course is a solid introduction to the history of the antiquities, including studies in ancient Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, Persia, Byzantium and Rome. The course will use the highly regarded Mystery of History: Volume 1 text. Students will consider trends in religion, culture, warfare, government or morals of numerous ancient societies in the times before Christ, with emphasis on interactions with the nation of Israel. This course is an excellent background for understanding the Old Testament world. Teacher: Bill Crosby.

U.S. History - First semester: Colonial America through America's westward expansion (1750-1850). Introduction to early U.S. history beginning with the groundwork and birth of the nation and its first century of growth and westward expansion. Focus on the events and people that shaped the young nation, with emphasis on Christian's roles in the development of the colonies, states and movement west. Second semester: U.S. history from just prior to the civil war and reconstruction, through the turn of the century, WWI, the depression, WWII, the cold war, the civil rights movement and the country through the Reagan years (1850-1988); focus on the events and people that shaped the growing nation from the ultimate internal strife of the civil war to becoming a world super-power. Teacher: Bill Crosby.

The World of Geography - Imagine yourself driving down the road in any country. What kind of climate is here? How does one region change into another? How has the land changed to meet the needs of the people? Are these trees indigenous to this region? Are farmers trying to grow a crop here that really doesn't belong? Is the land being eroded because of agricultural or industrial use? How has this road changed the lay of the land? How has it changed the character of the community around it? Why is this town at this particular location? Why did this city thrive and the one down the road become a ghost town? Are these people like my community or different? Are there any regional specialities in the grocery stores? Is there a regional architecture? Geography is intricately woven into the tapestry that is the story of our world, so if we are to understand ourselves we must understand the complex but fascinating topic of Geography. Teacher: Brenda Runkle

Transition Math - This course weaves together three main content strands—applied arithmetic, pre-algebra, and pre-geometry—while emphasizing real-world application of the concepts and skills. Throughout the course students are challenged to move beyond the rote principles learned in elementary arithmetic to applying mathematics effectively in varied problem-solving experiences. Students will be taught methods to prepare them for success at more advanced mathematics. Topics include decimals, exponents, measurement, variables, basic linear equations, problem-solving strategies, area and volume, and coordinate graphs. The text is Transition Mathematics from the UCSMP ("Chicago Math") series. Teacher: Lori Martin (Section 1-3), Rachel Arney (Section 4)

Algebra - This course has a wider scope than other beginning algebra courses in that it covers basic algebra as far as quadratic equations while integrating statistics, probability, and geometry. The course's strength is its synergistic emphasis on three major areas: visual representation of algebraic concepts, manipulation of algebraic equations, and application of algebraic principles to real-world problems. Topics include square roots, systems, polynomials, exponents, algebra of linear equations and inequalities, and use of algebraic fractions in probability concepts. This is a complete Algebra course, and it prepares students for all math and science courses that require Algebra as a prerequisite. The text is Algebra from the UCSMP ("Chicago Math") series. Teacher: Lisa Crosby (Section 1-3), Samuel Gray (Section 4-6)

Exploring Creation With General Science - This course is designed for seventh grade home educated students, although it can be used for eighth graders as well. Following the Apologia Ministries text of the same name, the course is designed to be a student's first systematic introduction to science. Its scope is wide, covering such topics as the scientific method, designing experiments, simple machines, archaeology, geology, paleontology, biology, and human anatomy and physiology. Students who have limited experience with comprehensive written exams that require mastery of course material might find this course particularly challenging. However, the study skills required for this course are essential for success in high school and beyond. This course is offered through Apologia Ministries, and will be supervised by Dr. Jay Wile. Students must complete 20-25 pages of reading per module, one set of Module Study Guide questions per module, one typewritten Experiment Report per module, all remaining Module experiment activities in a paper-and-ink laboratory report notebook, and an online Module Test at the end of each module. There will also be an online semester exam at the end of first and second semesters. Please note that Exploring Creation with General Science, 2nd Edition, by Dr. Jay Wile is required for this course. Teacher: Steve Rosenoff (Section 1-6), Bob Lemon (Section 7), David Hill (Section 8)

Exploring Creation With Physical Science - This Christ-centered science course is designed to be the last course the student takes before high school biology. Following the Apologia Ministries text of the same name, the course studies such topics as the atmosphere, the hydrosphere, weather, the structure of the earth, environmentalism, the physics of motion, gravity, Newton's laws, light, sound, and astrophysics. This course is excellent preparation for the rigors which await the student in biology, chemistry, and physics. This course requires the recently released second edition of Apologia's Exploring Creation with Physical Science text — the first edition will not be compatible with the class. This course is offered through Apologia Ministries, and will be supervised by Dr. Jay Wile. Teacher: Dr. Justin Myrick (Section 1-3), Rusty Hughes (Section 4-6), Lori McKeeman (Sections 7-9), Bob Lemon (Section 10), David Hill (Section 11)

Junior High French I - This class is year one of a two year cycle that takes the junior high student through the equivalent of high school French I. Using the BJU curriculum, the students will learn to greet others in French, talk about their families, count to 1,000, describe their homes and furniture, ask questions, give directions, go shopping, order in a restaurant, talk about the weather and discuss their daily activities. The textbook, workbook and cassette tapes provide a complete program for learning French. Games, competitions, activities and cultural events will make this class even more enjoyable. Teacher: Barbara Starosciak

Junior High French II - For the second year of Junior High French, the class will continue and finish the French 1 for Christian Schools curriculum by Bob Jones Press. We will review the first half of the book and then continue with the vocabulary for writing a letter, visiting the doctor, going to school, talking about spiritual things, renting an apartment, playing sports, naming animals and using the train. Students will also learn to give a testimony in French. For grammar the class will cover interrogatives, direct objects, indirect objects, and relative pronouns. Student knowledge of verbs will grow with the regular RE verbs, pouvoir and vouloir, venir, connaître, savoir, voir, croire, and -yer verbs. The class will also learn the passé composé using avoir and être. There will be monthly cultural events, with lots of review and even some games in class. Successful completion of TPS JH French I or placement test (placement test also requires these keyboard change instructions). Teacher: Barbara Starosciak

Junior High Spanish I - This course uses BJU's text Spanish 1 for the Christian School, Activities Manual and CDs. We will cover half of the text the first year. There is a strong emphasis on grammar and writing. Students will develop an intermediate level of proficiency in speaking Spanish, including basic survival needs and courtesy requirements. Students will learn to perform functions with language, discuss events in the present tense, near future tense and the present progressive. Class time will include introduction to new vocabulary, grammar and Bible verses, with opportunities for each student to speak. Beyond language proficiency, the course will also study Hispanic culture from a Christian perspective. Students will be expected to do several hours of work outside class each week, including memorizing vocabulary and scripture in Spanish, learning new grammar concepts, and reviewing concepts from previous lessons. There will be a practice quiz every other week, one chapter test every three weeks plus one midterm per semester. Prerequisite: Success in this class will require a basic understanding of English grammar, and applicants will be required to take a TPS English placement test. Teacher: Martha Falk

Junior High Spanish II - This course will continue to use BJU's text Spanish 1 for the Christian School, Activities Manual and CDs. We will continue with the second half of the text during Year Two, with a strong emphasis on grammar and writing. Students will continue to develop an intermediate level of proficiency in speaking Spanish, including basic survival needs and courtesy requirements. Students will also continue to perform functions with language, discuss events in the present tense, near future tense and the present progressive and learn the preterit tenses and give commands. Class time will include introduction to new vocabulary, grammar and Bible verses, with opportunities for each student to speak. Beyond language proficiency, the course will also study Hispanic culture from a Christian perspective. Students will be expected to do several hours of work outside class each week, including memorizing vocabulary and scripture in Spanish, learning new grammar concepts, and reviewing concepts from previous lessons. There will be a practice quiz every other week, one chapter test every three weeks plus one midterm per semester. Prerequisite: JH Spanish 1 with a B- or better. New students will be required to take a placement test (available from instructor). Teacher: Martha Falk

Junior High Latin I - Students begin their journey to the goal of being able to read works composed from the first century B.C. to the fourth century A.D. In this course students meet basic nouns, adjectives and pronouns in their most common uses in Latin as they also meet an ancient Roman family in their home. By the end of High School Latin II, students will have covered all the grammar and a good deal of the vocabulary needed to read many Classical Latin authors. This course features extensive use of on-line extension exercises and introductory materials to all concepts covered. Please click on the course title to view Mr. Spotts’ home page and obtain more specific course details. Teacher: Dave Spotts

Junior High Latin II - This course prepares students for entry into High School Latin 2. Students are continuing in their journey through Latin usage, meeting many new groups of nouns and adjectives, as they follow the Roman family they met in Junior High Latin 1. By the end of High School Latin II, students will have covered all the grammar and a good deal of the vocabulary needed to read many Classical Latin authors. Through readings and exercises, students will continue to learn to analyze Latin words and sentences in context, read, write, and correct sentences, and understand the Roman world in the early 2nd century A.D. Please click on the course title to view Mr. Spotts’ home page and obtain more specific course details. Teacher: Dave Spotts

Logo to Legos - This course will give students an introduction to computer programming and robotics. As they learn the Terrapin logo computer language, they will expand the horizons of their thinking about what a computer program can do. At the same time they will learn the basic techniques of good computer programming. They will experience robotics hands-on as they build and program their own robots with the Lego NXT robotics kit. The course brings together programming and robotics. Studying these two areas simultaneously will stimulate the students' imaginations toward new and wonderful ways of applying this technology. Teacher: Samuel Gray

Year 1 - The following core courses are required for TPS Classical Year 1. Families must register separately for each of these core courses from their family page. In addition, the student must be registered into a section of TPS Starting Points. We also strongly recommend registering for a TPS math (usually Geometry or higher), TPS science (usually Biology), and TPS Latin I or Greek I. Note that TPS Logic or approved equivalent must be taken as a prerequisite to Classical Year 1 or during Year 1 or Year 2.

Classical American Literature and Composition: Pre-colonial to Reconstruction - This course focuses on the study of classic literature as it relates to the development of a new nation and the worldviews held by authors from those periods. Students will examine, discuss, and reflect upon a variety of novels, short stories, poetry, and essays. Along with the study of literature, students will write essays and several creative pieces. A research paper in the fourth quarter will incorporate what students have learned in their writing up to that point. This course integrates with Classical American History and Starting Points, to "connect the dots" for students. A placement test is required, or a recommendation from the student's previous TPS English II (formerly Grade 8 English) or English III (formerly Grade 9 English) teacher. Teacher: Traci DeBra

Classical United States History: Colonization through the Reconstruction Era - This course approaches a study of United States History from a providential point of view. Focus is on the key ideas and worldview presuppositions, and their influence on the development of life and thought in America. How did these ideas motivate the key actors (individuals and groups) in the American drama? As the U.S. did not develop in a vacuum, students will also consider international events, which affected and provided context for the history of the United States. While the study of history is more than names, dates, and events, students will acquire knowledge of the "grammar" of history, including the basic information required to efficiently and intelligently enter into an ongoing conversation exploring the reasons history proceeded as it did. Teacher: Leonard Mailand

Classical Year 1 Symposium - Conducted by a rotation of Classical Track teachers each week, students will discuss, round-table fashion, a subject that has been raised in class during the week. Teacher will determine the content for each class period and may present a lecture or Socratic discussion intended to enhance the subjects currently being studied.

High Scholars Western Civilization and Worldviews - High Scholars is a two year curriculum created by Belhaven College. These courses provide a seamless integration of history, literature and Bible with a Christian worldview emphasis. This program, which is the equivalent of approximately three courses, is a thorough study of Western Civilization and Worldviews, fulfilling academic requirements in history, geography, literature, composition, Bible, and worldview. High Scholars is designed to provide a learning experience that goes beyond mere facts and brings students to a profound understanding of the biblical perspective. Classes take students on a two-year journey through the great cultures of western civilization. Students sharpen their biblical worldview as they study and critique the belief system of each culture while addressing inherent philosophical, political, and ethical issues. This unique approach teaches students the value of a Christian worldview for shaping a prosperous and healthy society. As a result of their studies, students will develop their own personal worldview based on the Bible. For more information about Belhaven College, go to www.belhaven.edu. For more information about the Belhaven High Scholars Western Civilization and Worldviews curriculum and teachers, please go to the Belhaven High Scholars web page. Prerequisite: This thorough program stands alone and does not fulfill prerequisites for any other TPS course. Potential students must submit a writing sample for evaluation. There are also special computer requirements for this course—click on the course title link for details. Teachers: Nancy Lee, Rose Mary Foncree, and Nate Theisen, with other teachers and guest lecturers from Belhaven College.

Year 1

Year 2

The courses listed in this section are sequenced in approximate order of rigor and workload. Each course description indicates a suggested grade level, as a guideline to assist in making course selections and building a complete curriculum.

English III - Formerly called Grade 9 English, this course has been renamed to encourage registration by skill level rather than grade level. This course lays a solid foundation in grammar, writing skills, and literature comprehension to ensure academic excellence and success in life. The students will develop an understanding of the spiritual importance of words and effective communication from a biblical perspective. Students will learn to implement the steps of the writing process and develop strategies for mastering effective written communication by practicing a variety of writing styles, including narrative, expository, compare/contrast, and literary analysis. This course utilizes the 6+1 Writing Traits: content, organization, voice, word choice, sentence fluency, conventions, and presentation. The Gregg Reference Manual, Tenth Edition, serves as the main text for this course. The literature studies include King Arthur and His Knights of the Round Table by Howard Pyle, The Prince and the Pauper by Mark Twain, Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing, the life of Harriet Tubman, poetry, and other short story selections. Targeted for students in Grade 9. Prerequisite: Successful completion (B or higher) of TPS English II (formerly Grade 8 English), successful completion (B or higher) of TPS Journey Through Narnia, or successful completion of a placement exam given by the instructor. Teacher: Janis Gaines (Section 1-9), Melinda Lavorante (Section 10-11), Nancy Shearon (Section 12)

Grammar Review (First or Second Semester) - This supplementary, one-semester course provides students with comprehensive instruction in grammar, mechanics, punctuation, usage, and diagramming to enable students to achieve a firm understanding in these areas and prepare them for the SAT and other high school and college English classes. Students will apply their acquired knowledge weekly through grammar and diagramming homework and short writing assignments. In addition, students will learn to use The Gregg Reference Manual, Tenth Edition and accompanying worksheets, the primary texts in this course, as valuable tools in their writing and understanding of grammar and will also look for punctuation and grammar errors in the world around them. They must complete a midterm and final exam to test comprehension on all topics covered in the class. Targeted for Grade 10 students who desire additional reinforcement of grammar concepts and skills, this course is intended to be taken concurrently with TPS Advanced Composition or TPS Literature Survey. Prerequisite: Successful completion of a placement exam given by the instructor, or direct approval Ms. Lavorante due to her personal knowledge of a registrant's grammar ability. Teacher: Melinda Lavorante

First Semester

Second Semester

English Vocabulary from Latin and Greek Roots - Using Charles Dunmore’s Studies in Etymology and an accompanying online workbook, students in this course will learn approximately 1000 Latin and Greek bases, as well as prefixes and suffixes which are the building blocks for thousands of English words. Dunmore’s treatment of vocabulary through the Latin and Greek roots is exhaustive, yet clearly presented in an entertaining manner. His approach to the intriguing origins and connotations of English words brings freshness to a topic which could otherwise devolve into dry memorization of long lists of words. This supplementary course is highly recommended for students who have a desire to boost standardized test vocabulary scores, and for those who wish to improve their reading comprehension. The course includes many exercises which are specifically designed to assist students in preparation for the vocabulary segment of the SAT. Please click on the course title to view Mr. Spotts’ home page and obtain more specific course details. Teacher: Dave Spotts

Advanced Composition - (Note: This course replaces Grammar Review and Composition, with minor modifications.) Do you need solid composition instruction along with constructive feedback before you tackle your SATs for college entrance or before you enter courses with major writing components? In this course, students will study approximately 20 styles of composition and will gain skills necessary to write solid, clear, and effective compositions, providing them a strong foundation for SATs or any upper-level course with a strong writing component. Students will also receive some weekly grammar notes and instruction relevant to their writing assignments. This demanding course requires students to write a composition of approximately 500-1200 words per week. Targeted for students in Grade 10 and up. Prerequisite: Successful completion (B or higher) of TPS English III (formerly Grade 9 English), or a placement exam given by the instructor. Teacher: Nikki Troxell (Section 1-5), Melinda Lavorante (Section 6-8), Naomi Neuman (Section 9-10), Christina Corrin (Section 11-13)

Literature Survey - (Note: This course was formerly "Introduction to Literature". It is the same course, with a more apt name.) This course builds a literary foundation for success in upper level literature courses. Students will read through five novels, three plays, and a variety of poetry. Students will learn to employ the use of literary terms within their weekly writing assignments and discussion guides. Writing assignments will employ both creative and expository composition. Weekly homework assignments will prepare students for the class discussions. Targeted for students in Grade 10 and up. Prerequisite: Successful completion (B or higher) of TPS English III (formerly Grade 9 English), TPS Journey Through Narnia, or placement exam. Teacher: Nikki Troxell (Section 1-3), Vanessa Bush (Section 4-5)

Research Paper Writing (First or Second Semester) - This supplementary one-semester course takes the high school student through the process of writing and presenting term papers or college-level research papers. In this "fundamentals" course, the student will expand the compositional style of argument into a research paper that includes a title page, a formal outline, an abstract, the body of the paper, and a works-cited page. The first quarter of the semester will cover the research process and basic elements of the paper. During the second quarter, students will refine their papers and present them for instructor review. Targeted for students in Grade 10 and up. Prerequisite: Successful completion (B or higher) of a TPS English course (English III or higher) or submission of a five-paragraph diagnostic essay. This course does not fulfill prerequisite requirements for an upper level TPS literature course. Teacher: Heidi Zylstra

First Semester

Second Semester

Greek and Roman Literature in Translation - In this reading-intensive course students will study Greek and Roman literature, from Hesiod and Homer to the first century A.D. We will spend much of the class time discussing the hopes, dreams, disappointments, and life concerns of a variety of literary characters, all from a Christian perspective. Because this course material considers the affairs of a sinful world, subject matter naturally includes sin which is common to mankind, the responses of unregenerate man to sinful desires, and biblical priorities and responses to a variety of difficult life situations. Each quarter students will prepare a paper or other major project articulating a Christian view of a particular situation from the reading assignments and its cultural ramifications. Students will also frequently post essays in the class forum for peer review and critique. Targeted for students in Grade 10 and up. Please click on the course title to view Mr. Spotts’ home page and obtain more specific course details. Prerequisite: This course is recommended for high school students with a fairly solid grounding in Scripture. Teacher: Dave Spotts

Classical Rhetoric I - Rhetoric is a two-year course on persuasive communication, focusing on the Five Canons originated by Aristotle: Invention, Arrangement, Style, Memory, and Delivery. (The Potter's School also offers Rhetoric 2, listed further down the course list.) The first year emphasizes the first two canons, when we look at how discourses are constructed and argued. It uses the curriculum written by the teacher, Classical Rhetoric for the Christian Student, supplemented with the Penguin Book of Historic Speeches edited by Brian MacAuley. Both years entail analysis of primary works and a fair amount of writing, and a research paper will be required each year as well. Rhetoric I is a rigorous literature and composition course that completely fulfills any upper level "English" requirement. Students must have working microphone at all times. Targeted for students in Grade 11 and up. Prerequisite: Successful completion (B or higher) of TPS Logic or equivalent approved by instructor (Logic may be taken concurrently with Rhetoric I) and a placement exam. Teacher: Shaunna Howat

Shakespeare (First Semester) - For years both the Bible and the works of William Shakespeare could be found in most English-speaking homes. Yes, Shakespeare did write popular plays—better than other playwrights of his time—but he was not divine. Students will study two renowned tragedies containing strong masculine characters: King Lear and Hamlet. Students will read the plays aloud and discuss plot, characterization, poetic imagery, dramatization, and the use of irony. Targeted for students in Grade 11 and up. Prerequisite: Successful completion (B+ or higher) of Grade 10 or higher TPS literature course (e.g., Literature Survey, formerly called Introduction to Literature) or TPS Advanced Composition course, or successful completion of a placement exam. Teacher: Heidi Zylstra

19th Century Literature (Second Semester) - Literature both shapes and is shaped by our culture. A familiarity with the classics helps a student understand the impact certain writings have had on the world. This course introduces students to three nineteenth century authors, their works, and their impact on our culture. The class will study Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, Charles Dickens' Oliver Twist, and selected short stories by Leo Tolstoy. This course will further develop a student's understanding of literary concepts while encouraging a lifelong enjoyment of literature through a Christian Worldview. Targeted for students in Grade 11 and up. Prerequisite: Successful completion (B+ or higher) of Grade 10 or higher TPS literature course (e.g., Literature Survey, formerly called Introduction to Literature) or TPS Advanced Composition course, or successful completion of a diagnostic essay exam given by the teacher. Teacher: Heidi Zylstra

Early American Literature - Do you want a literature course that prepares you in the areas of written expression, analytical thinking, and critical thinking and that will prepare you for college literature courses? If so, this course is for you. This course uses the college text The Norton Anthology of American Literature to 1865, Volumes A and B, to study American writers from the 1600s to 1865. There will be additional reading outside the text using handouts provided by the teacher. Students will examine the cultural, political, literary, and differing worldviews propagated by many famous American authors. Students will write one large essay weekly, covering different literary points of interest relating to the authors and their works, and complete discussion questions. They will also learn to write the AP-Style Analysis essay. Students will weekly share their written essays for peer review and instructor comment. The course will develop analytical reading and expository writing skills to prepare students for college. There will be a midterm exam and final exam for each semester that contain multiple-choice and essay questions. Targeted for students in Grade 11 and up. Prerequisite: Successful completion of a diagnostic essay exam, or direct approval by Ms. Lavorante due to her personal knowledge of a registrant's writing ability. Teacher: Melinda Lavorante

British Literature - Do you know who claimed, "'Tis education forms the common mind; just as the twig is bent, the tree's inclined?" Come explore how much of our modern "common mind" is rooted on a small island that once held sway over half the world. This survey of British Literature will move chronologically from Beowulf to Eliot, and include some post-colonial voices of the British Empire, such as Achebe and Naipaul. Students will gain an appreciation for the historical and societal influences that shaped seven literary periods and the development of various genres. The course will develop college-level analytical reading and expository writing skills. Students will read 100-200 pages and write 600-word analytical essay on the reading each week. There will be a mid-term exam and a final exam. Targeted for students in Grade 11 and up. Prerequisite: Successful completion of a diagnostic essay. Teacher: Deborah Kindel

Classical Rhetoric II - Rhetoric II is the second year of continued study of the art and science of persuasive communication. Using Aristotle's Five Canons, Rhetoric 2 will emphasize Style, Memory and Delivery. We incorporate the study and use of Figures of Speech and different styles of writing, including a research paper. Students will learn about public speaking and practice different methods—memorized speeches, persuasive, impromptu, debate, etc., and will continue applying those methods of analysis of original discourses learned in Classical Rhetoric I. This course uses Classical Rhetoric for the Christian Student Level 2, authored by the instructor. Also required for this course are the following two books: The Penguin Book of Historic Speeches, edited by Brian MacArthur and The World's Greatest Speeches (Fourth Enlarged Edition), edited by Lewis Copeland, et. al. Rhetoric I is a rigorous literature and composition course that completely fulfills any upper level "English" requirement. Students must have working microphone at all times. Targeted for students in Grade 12. Prerequisite: Successful completion (B+ or higher)of TPS Rhetoric I. Teacher: Shaunna Howat

World Literature - We live in a global community where ours is not the only voice and what someone does in a country across the world can have a dramatic effect on our lives. Therefore it behooves us to understand the literature, culture, and perspectives of other nations. Because of the grand scope of world literature, this course will focus primarily on the 19th and 20th centuries. It will cover the Enlightenment, Romanticism, Realism, Surrealism, Modernism, and Postmodernism, as well as a cross-section of genres, including poetry, short novels, short stories, essays and plays. The course will concentrate on non-English works (in translation), except for comparison purposes. For instance, when students study post-colonial African writers and the Negritude movement of the 20th century, they will also look briefly at American writers involved in the Harlem Renaissance, as the two have a special correspondence. The class will concentrate on French, German, Russian, Spanish, Latin American, and African writers, but will also look at some Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Hebrew and Arab works. The course will develop college-level analytical reading and expository writing skills. Students will read 100-200 pages and write 600-word analytical essay on the reading each week. There will be a mid-term exam and a final exam. Targeted for students in Grade 12. Prerequisite: Successful completion of a diagnostic essay. Teacher: Deborah Kindel

C.S. Lewis: Major Works (First Semester) - C. S. Lewis manifested his beliefs in all genres of his writings—from fiction, fantasy, and poetry to apologetics, biography, and letters. These beliefs proved central to his life and influence Christian thought today: (1) He worked to uphold the reality and utter truthfulness of orthodox Christianity. (2) He taught that all men are destined to eternal life either in heaven or in hell and that momentarily they are preparing themselves for one place or the other. (3) He lived as if God should be obeyed explicitly. (4) He held a conviction of the existence of a devilish fallacy at the center of much modern thought. (5) He saw the elevation of self over God as perhaps man's most persistent temptation. (6) He often mentioned that many world myths were but shadows of the light of God brooding over man. In this advanced Grade 12 course, students will study five of Lewis's books: Surprised by Joy, Mere Christianity, Screwtape Letters, The Great Divorce, and Till We Have Faces. The course allows students to review all major areas of literary study in preparation for college placement exams, and allows students to develop critical analysis skills within the literary genres of philosophy, theology, apologetics, mythology, and fiction. Students taking this course will complete written weekly assignments of three types of essay formats, brief findings, book reviews/analyses, and other literary discussion. Under the direction of the instructor, students will actually do much of the teaching during class, based on their weekly readings and study. All students will share their written essays for peer review and instructor comment. This course was designed by Dr. Sharon Bridwell, and she personally selected Mrs. Naomi Neuman to teach it. Though it may be taken as a standalone course, it is intended as a first semester to the second semester Tolkien class, and registration priority will be given to those who are registered for both courses. Targeted for advanced Grade 12 students desiring a college-level course, applicants must write at an advanced Grade 12 level or higher to enter this class. Prerequisite: Successful completion of a diagnostic essay exam given by the instructor. Teacher: Naomi Neuman

J. R. R. Tolkien: Lord of the Rings (Second Semester) - In The Lord of the Rings, J. R. R. Tolkien's imaginative genius forged a new world, Middle-earth, complete with its own legends and history, and its own languages and peoples. Many have read the books and seen the movies, but few have actually studied The Lord of the Rings series in depth. This advanced Grade 12 course will look at Tolkien's background in early English literature and comparative mythology to see how he prepared himself for writing the Annals of the Shire and the translated narrative from the pen of Frodo Baggins. Students will complete written weekly assignments of three types of essay formats, brief findings, book reviews, poetry/song analyses, and other literary discussion on The Lord of the Rings. Students will review Tolkien's works by using his own standard of what makes good fantasy literature. The course allows students to review all major areas of literary study in preparation for college placement exams, and allows students to develop critical analysis skills within the fantasy genre. Students must write at an advanced Grade 12 level or higher to enter this class. Under the direction of the instructor, students will actually do much of the teaching during class based on their weekly readings and study. All students will share their written essays for peer review and instructor comment. This course was designed by Dr. Sharon Bridwell, and she personally selected Mrs. Naomi Neuman to teach it. Though it may be taken as a standalone course, it is intended as a second semester to the first semester Lewis class, and registration priority will be given to those who are registered for both courses. Targeted for advanced Grade 12 students desiring a college-level course, applicants must write at an advanced Grade 12 level or higher to enter this class. Prerequisite: Successful completion of a diagnostic essay exam given by the instructor. Teacher: Naomi Neuman

World History From a Biblical Perspective (Honors option available) - History's tapestry is a complex weave of facts and mysteries. Particularly in light of recent events, people across the world are questioning the Bible's premises, asking about God's role in history. To be effective world Christians it helps us to understand the history and morality of ideas and trends that impact our world. This course is unique in several ways: (1) Students take a research and discovery approach to examine historical interactions between and within cultures. This approach allows the students to pursue their own interests within the course's framework, without being tied to a particular text. (2) Students will analyze historical events and trends in light of God's moral, historical and future plan as revealed in the Bible, so they will research biblical principles related to the history they study. (3) Students will contribute their work to a ministry which offers world history from a biblical perspective. Students agree to have their submissions modified and anonymously published at the discretion of the teacher. (4) All course materials are freely available from an internet-based classroom, including multimedia, readings, quizzes, discussion forums, and creative collaborative project options. See historytour.net/tps for the course syllabus and prerequisite diagnostic test. With the Honor's option, this course is specifically designed to increase student readiness for success on the Advanced Placement exam in World History, which is typically taken by students in May of their 10th grade year. Students in other grades may apply. Teacher: Brent Nichols

World History - This course is a sweeping tour of the world from the beginnings of recorded civilization onward. Because "World History" is the record of God’s hand in directing human action, this course also covers major aspects of the history of God’s people and the Christian church. We will look at many of the great civilizations of the world from their beginnings to their rise in the modern period. These tumultuous foundational years began the globalization that continues today. However, World History, is not simply a collection of the histories of various societies but a subject in its own right. World history is the study of historical events in a global context. It does not attempt to sum up everything that has happened in the past. It focuses on two principal subjects: the evolution of leading societies and the interaction among different peoples around the globe. This course is intended for students in grades 11 and 12. Teacher: Ned Futoran

U.S. History - This course will provide students with the analytic skills and factual knowledge necessary to deal critically with the establishment, growth and present condition of the U.S. Students will consider the problems, blemishes, victories and setbacks of America while emphasizing God’s divine protection and intercession on America’s behalf. Students will learn to assess historical materials—their relevance to a given interpretive problem, reliability, and importance—and to weigh the evidence and interpretations presented in historical scholarship. Students in this course will develop the skills necessary to arrive at conclusions on the basis of an informed judgment, and to present reasons and evidence clearly and persuasively in essay format. This course is intended for students in grades 10 through 12. Teacher: Ned Futoran

History of Ancient Israel (First Semester) - This course will explore the history of ancient Israel and the Hebrew people. The primary source will be the Old Testament, focusing on much of the text from Exodus through Nehemiah. The course will systematically cover the Exodus and conquest, the period of Judges, the beginning of the monarchy period, David and the Davidic monarchy, Solomonic Kingdom and the division of the Kingdom, Israel and Judah and their ultimate decline. Students will also explore deeper meaning of the biblical text through the use of extra-biblical sources including History of the Ancient World by Susan Wise Bauer and Old Testament Parallels by Victor Matthews and Don Benjamin. Through these sources, the class will compare and contrast other cultures and societies of the ancient Near East, including the Philistines, Phoenicians, Assyrians, Babylonians, Hittites, Ugarit, and Egyptians, in order to futher shed light on the history of the Hebrew people and the region from roughly 2000 B.C. to 500 B.C. Teacher: Bill Crosby

Theological History of Israel (Second Semester) - This class, which provides a good follow-on to TPS Ancient Israel, provides an in-depth look at the connection between the history and the land of Israel. It has been said that after a visit to Israel, the black and white text of the Bible is changed into vivid color. Using maps and satellite images, this course examines the chronology of biblical events as they occurred in the regional geography of the Promised Land. Starting with an introduction to various theological positions concerning Israel, the course provides students with an overview of the past two millennium and an emphasis on national Israel since 1948. The teacher recently spent a school year in Israel and made arrangements for expert enhancements to this class. This course is intended for Grades 9 through 12. Detailed course information is available at historytour.net/israel. Teacher: Brent Nichols

Ancient Rome (Second Semester) - This class provides a good follow-on to TPS Ancient Israel. What was civilization like during the time Jesus Christ lived among us as a man? From the beginning of the circa 600 B.C. through the fall circa 400 A.D., the Roman Empire left a lasting imprint on the history of the civilization of mankind and Christianity. This course will chronologically proceed through these years and explore the political, economic, cultural, social, legal, military, literary and religious details and legacies of the Romans. The studies will reveal the framework formulated by the Romans through which the Christian church spread after initially being persecuted by the Romans. Caesars, Emperors, Augustus, gladiators, gods, and the world at the time of Jesus Christ will all be covered in the class. In addition to biblical text, the course will utilize History of the Ancient World by Susan Wise Bauer and a primary source on The History of the Church by the ancient Roman historian Eusebius. Teacher: Bill Crosby

Christ In The Camps – Christianity in the Civil War (First Semester) - Some Christians, led by their faith in Christ, worked among the soldiers in both the Union and Confederate armies during the Civil War Between The States. This course will study various primary and secondary sources that will help students develop an understanding of how God was active during this most pivotal times in our nation’s history. These resources will include books of first person accounts of events at the time, text from Gospel tracts distributed among both armies, music used in worship services among the soldiers, video portrayals of army activity, and sermon messages delivered to the men. Students will engage on a weekly basis in investigation, writing, and discussion based on some of these sources. In depth scriptural analysis of these documents, songs, and videos will assist students in developing a deeper understanding of how God’s Word served an active purpose in the lives of men. These understandings will be demonstrated not only through weekly writings and discussions, but through several more in-depth research projects, determined via student consultation with the teacher. This course is intended for students in grades 10-12. Please contact the teacher for an enrollment evaluation. Teacher: Mark Stevens

Christian Rescuers During the Holocaust (Second Semester) - Some Christians, led by their faith in Christ, stood up to Nazi domination and attempted to protect Jews during the period known as the Holocaust. This course will study various primary and secondary sources that will help students develop an understanding of how God was active during this dark time in world history. These resources will include books of first person accounts of events at the time, transcripts from interviews with rescuers motivated by their love for Christ, and a video presentation of the story of one family of rescuers. Students will participate in investigation, writing, and discussion based on some of these sources, and will engage in scriptural analysis of these documents and videos to assist students in developing a deeper understanding of how God’s Word motivated people to watch out "for the least of these". These understandings will be demonstrated not only through weekly writings and discussions, but through several more in-depth research projects, determined via student consultation with the teacher. This course is intended for students in grades 10-12. Please contact the teacher for an enrollment evaluation. Teacher: Mark Stevens

Government and the Constitution From a Biblical Perspective (First or Second Semester) - It would be no exaggeration to say the average person knows little about the document upon which our government is built. However, in 1831 a 26-year old visitor from France, Alexis de Tocqueville, was clearly impressed with American’s knowledge of their law. He wrote "In New England, every citizen receives...the history of his country, and the leading features of the Constitution." That's right—American students used to study the Constitution! This class will look at the civil authorities from a biblical perspective and examine the biblical principles that were foundational in forming the American Republic. Students will see how these principles were woven throughout our foundational documents, beginning with the Declaration of Independence. Students will gain a solid working knowledge of the U.S. Constitution and how it pertains to us today. The course uses the text Constitutional Recipe for Freedom by Erich Pratt. (Note: This course is scheduled so it can be paired in the same time block with a second semester course in "Constitutional Law" or "Government and Economics". It may also be followed by a second semester full Economics course, or taken as a standalone first semester course. Teacher: Erich Pratt

First Semester