Vine Classical Hall

2024-2025

Annie Crawford courses

    • Manna II – Medieval World – $850/year (1.5-hours, twice a week)
    • Classical Apologetics – $200/Fall semester (1 hour)
    • Intro to Intelligent Design – $200/Spring semester (1 hour)
    • Media Ecology – $200/Fall semester (1.25 hours)
    • Apologetics of C.S. Lewis – $200/Spring semester (1.25 hours)

Jill Anderson courses

    • Writing I – $550/year (1.5 hour)
    • Writing II (11th/12th) – $TBD/year (1.5 hours) – Dual Credit option

Other courses

    • Honors Physics I (Novare) – Melissa Laiming – $650 ($600 + $50 lab supply fee)
    • Of Myths and Monsters – Joanna Knighten – $500/year (1.5-hours)
    • Logic I – TBD – $300/year (1 hour)
    • General Science – TBD – $450/year (1.5-hours)
    • Fitness Foundations – Jeremy Shore – $TBD
    • Art – Natasha Triplett – $500/year + $120 supply fee

For more information or to register, email [email protected].

COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

MANNA 2 – MEDIEVAL HISTORY AND LITERATURE Manna courses provide an integrated program of reading through the most important works of Western Theology, History and Literature. Manna II will cover the development of Western culture from the early church fathers and the fall of Rome, through the rise of Christian Europe and to the Renaissance and Reformation, through the reign of Elizabeth I. Book list will include selections from the early church fathers, Confessions, The Consolation of Philosophy, Beowulf, The Divine Comedy, Sir. Gawain and the Green Knight, Macbeth, and selections from The Summa Theologica and The Canterbury Tales.

CLASSICAL APOLOGETICS: Apologetics is the discipline of study that investigates the truthfulness of the Christian faith. This involves philosophical reasoning, biblical theology, and cultural study in order to understand how the truth of Christ pervades every aspect of the world and our lives. In Classical Apologetics we will examine the philosophical/theological basis for apologetics, arguments for the existence of God, the reliability of the Gospel texts, and evidence for the historical resurrection of Jesus as well as compare Christianity to other religious worldviews. Texts include On Guard, The Universe Next Door, and Eternity in Their Hearts.

INTRO TO INTELLIGENT DESIGN: In this course we will look at the relationship between faith and science, examine the debate over Darwinian evolution, and explain the intelligent design approach to scientific reasoning. I will argue for the ID approach to this issue, but all students are welcome and friendly disagreement and open debate is welcome, especially encouraged on issues such as the age of the earth or common descent. Please contact me if you have concerns or would like to know more about my approach to this controversial topic. Recommended pre-requisite: Biology or concurrent with biology. Class texts include Discovering Intelligent Design and other selections.

MEDIA ECOLOGY: During fall semester, students will examine technology from a Biblical, philosophical, and practical perspective. As a capstone project, students will construct a personal “rule of life” that can serve as a guide for the wise use of technologies such as a smartphone or social media. Our goal is to give each student both the theological and practical wisdom they need to cultivate virtuous habits in their use of technology. This class serves an apologetic purpose because students learn how God’s truth permeates every area of life, even media and technology. Texts includeFrom the Garden to the City by John Dyer and Flickering Pixels by Shane Hipps.

APOLOGETICS OF C.S. LEWIS: During spring semester our study will focus on the work of C.S. Lewis, particularly the way in which Lewis helps theological truths become deeply meaningful by engaging the imagination. We may accept the truth rationally, but it is our imagination – the stories we tell and the metaphors we think through – that makes the truth meaningful and desirable to us. Students will review basic theology through their reading of Lewis’s Mere Christianity while paying careful attention to Lewis’s imagery and use of narrative. Texts include Mere Christianity, The Great Divorce, The Screwtape Letters and selected essays by C.S. Lewis.

WRITING I: Writing 1 is recommended for freshmen and sophomores. This course introduces young writers to the core components of good essay writing: grammar, mechanics, critical reasoning, organization, and an understanding of the different types of writing and how they are used in different subject areas. The course focuses on the different types of expository writing, and culminates in an in-depth research project. Students will also practice the skills necessary for success on the language and writing portions of the SAT. This course is a 1.5 hour, pre-AP level course. Optional Honors & CLEP Track w/ mentorship available for advanced, motivated students w/ prior approval – $75 per test

WRITING II: Designed for juniors and seniors who have completed Writing I. Writing II emphasizes the reasoning and writing skills necessary for writing advanced essays and research papers. The focus for this advanced class is on scholarly, argumentative writing, and therefore includes instruction and exercises in critical analysis, rhetoric, logic, and synthesis. This course may be eligible as a dual credit course; more information on how to register for dual credit will be available soon. Class length: 1.5 hours.

HONORS PHYSICS I: Accelerated Studies in Physics and Chemistry (ASPC) provides a unified, in-depth introduction to physics and chemistry while teaching students to use correct terminology, to communicate in succinct technical writing, and to consider important worldview matters. After this course, students will be able to understand what a theory is (and what it is not), the nature of scientific knowledge, the dynamics of scientific research, and the history of science. ASPC covers topics on motion, energy, heat, temperature, waves, electricity, magnetism, substances, atomic models, and chemical reactions. A student needs to have had or be currently enrolled in Algebra 1. Two days, 1.5 hours each, including teaching, labs, quizzes, and test. $650 ($600 + $50 lab supply fee)

OF MYTHS AND MONSTERS: AN INTRODUCTION TO LITERATURE: The focus of this class is the mystery of the fundamentals of reading poetry, fiction, and drama. Students will learn to read well and will respond to their readings in a variety of ways, including creative, expository, and analytical writing. Students will be encouraged to purchase copies of plays and novels, although many texts will be available for free online. The second semester is titled “Of Humanity and Humor.” Recommended age: 8th grade or higher. Class length: 1.5 hours.

 

INTRO TO FORMAL LOGIC: Logic is the art of reasoning well, helping students to be masters of words that they may discern and proclaim truth. This Introductory Logic course builds a firm foundation of reasoning from the knowledge of God, then teaches the skills of defining terms, determining the truth of statements, discerning and constructing valid arguments – including arguments in normal English. By teaching the fundamentals of thinking well, logic helps students excel in every subject they study, from math and science to rhetoric and humanities.Prerequisite: The Art of Argument: An Introduction to Informal Fallacies is recommended, but not required. We will continue to review informal fallacies from The Art of Argument. Recommended age: 8th/9th grade Class length: 1 hour

INTRODUCTION TO ART: This is a projects-based class where students will learn the elements and principles of art by creating their own 2-dimensional pieces of art with various drawing media. Artworks the students create will mostly be drawn from life or photos to help further their drawing skills. Students will also do small drawing exercises at the beginning of some classes. We will also view and discuss well-known drawings and paintings from various time periods to gather inspiration and see how artists have effectively rendered their subjects. Participating in class discussions about pieces of art will help students learn how to view art as well as broaden their ability in creating art.

FITNESS FOUNDATIONS: Each week the fitness foundations class will focus on learning about new movement patterns and new pieces of fitness equipment. We will discover the amazing physical capacity God has given us to grow stronger physically, not only for our personal well being, but also for the sake of others. We will learn how to build efficient and effective workouts shaped by a deeper understanding of the 10 physical skills of Balance, Accuracy, Agility, Coordination, Flexibility, Strength, Cardiovascular Endurance, Power, and Speed. And we will take part in a weekly workout featuring the new equipment and exercises we’ve studied.

 
Student Objectives: 
  • Learn the proper use of equipment, e.g., Foam Rollers, Resistance Bands, Barbells, Kettlebells, and Medicine Balls to name a few
  • Understanding the rhythm and order of an effective and efficient workout
  • Become proficient at designing their own workouts whether 15 min or 1.5 hr
  • Take part in a Strength To Serve experience – giving back to the local community in a physically challenging way
*Some smaller pieces of equipment like bands, foam rollers, and mats may be required for this class which I will outline and provide links for parents to purchase.