Prerequisite:  Chreia (Progym #3)  OR Intro. to Progym

Instructor:  Mrs. Selby elainecselby@gmail.com

 

The course will begin by reviewing the Fable, Narrative, and Chreia stages and then will move to Refutation/Confirmation. These two sets of exercises, Refutation and Confirmation, correspond to an argumentative essay in modern composition theory. The students are learning how to structure their thought and, thus, their communication process when given the task of arguing for or against an idea, thought, chain of events, method or story. The categories of development or paragraphs that make up these essays are essential elements in the rhetorical process (identified as heads of purpose which are categories for argumentation) that must become second nature in the mental processes of our students. Students’ writing skills explode after completing these exercises!

 

As an added bonus to enhancing their writing skills, students will enjoy and memorize approximately 6-7 poems during the school year.  These poems will be recited daily in class, so minimal time will be needed to memorize them. We also will work through the list “100 Words Every High School Student Should Know” compiled by the Thorndike Barnhart Dictionary.

 

Key Benefits of the Refutation/Confirmation and Common Topic Stages

 

•Explicit instruction of skills

 

•Multiple contexts for skill development

 

•Allows for deep cognitive processing around skills

 

Capabilities Encouraged

 

•Invention of argumentation

 

•Craft an introductory paragraph

 

•Flexibility in creating topic sentences

During the first 4 weeks of school, students will review the Fable, Narrative, and Chreia/Maxim stages.  In early fall they begin the Refutation/Confirmation exercises. In the early spring they will begin Common Topic another stage which emphasizes invention of arguments and ways to support arguments.

One workbook will be needed for Refutation/Confirmation and one workbook for Common Topic.  The teacher will bring the workbooks to class when needed for purchase by the students. Each workbook is $16 payable to Classical Composition.  I will let you know when I am ready for you to purchase your workbook.

In addition, there will be a $5 supply fee to cover copying costs for hand outs.

This may be brought the first day of class.  (Check payable to Elaine Selby for the supply fee .)

 

Supplies:  3 ring binder, notebook paper, pencils, yellow highlighter, red pen or pencil. Students should also have 4 section dividers for Progym hand outs and assignments, poetry, and vocabulary work.

 

Grading:

 

Final drafts:  60%

 

Participation (homework, attendance)  20%

 

Poetry memorization 10%

 

Vocabulary quizzes   10%

 

I use the program Grade Keeper.  I will send out grades mid-term and also your first semester and final semester grades.  If you have questions about grades, I would be happy in between those times to send you