The Classics Forum

Description: In the Classics Forum, students will engage with the foundational texts of Western philosophy. From Plato and Aristotle to Cicero and Boethius, students will explore the themes and teachings of the most notable figures of ancient Athens and Rome. Under the guidance of a master teacher, students will grapple with the ideas presented and reflect on the classical understanding of virtue and the human condition. 

This year we will read some of Augustine’s lesser-known works which focus on the liberal arts. For the first semester we will read his two books On Order (De Ordine), and for the second semester we will read his work On the Quantity of the Soul (De Quantitate Animae). Both of these works show Augustine as a master of the Liberal Arts as well as the continuity between Augustine and ancient philosophy. Students will delve more profoundly into the classical way of understanding the world and the intellect’s role and position within the cosmos.

Because there are no graded assessments, students will not receive a grade or credit for participation in the Forum. The students may be asked to read a short text for discussion by the group, or a student may be asked to share a writing sample with the group. These assignments are meant for group discussion and conversation, but students will not receive a grade for them. Click here for more information about the Memoria Academy Student Forums.

Grade Level: 9-12 (ages 14-18)

Prerequisites: None

Required Materials: Students will be engaging actively with other students and so they will need a USB headset microphone and a camera (a built-in camera may also work).

Please note: The Classics Forum will meet twice a month for one semester and will not conflict with meeting times for any other clubs or forums.