Philosophy

Christendom: Early Medievals, The Growth of European Christianity, introduces students to life in the Middle Ages from a Christian perspective. Students will read about the military exploits of the Eastern Roman Empire under the emperor Justinian as chronicled by Procopius, the last great historian of the Roman world. Learn how the development of monasticism preserved learning and culture after the fall of the Roman Empire, contrary to Enlightenment assumptions. Learn about the central role that Irish Christianity played in the spread of the gospel through the lives of St. Patrick, Bede, and others. Enjoy the timeless tales of Beowulf, Alfred and Great, and the origins of Arthurian legend that have shaped the Anglo-Saxon imagination for centuries.

Poetry and Politics, Old Western Culture Reader Vol. 14, is a selection of poems and political works from the early modern period. This unique and particular selection of texts accompanies the Old Western Culture unit, Poetry and Politics. Based on the Great Books of western civilization, Old Western Culture guides students through the literature, history, theology, and philosophy of the West from a Christian perspective.

Rise of England introduces students to some of the greatest poetry composed in the English language. Dr. Peter Leithart guides students through the three major play types by looking at the tragedy of King Lear, the history of Richard III, and the comedy of The Merchant of Venice, as well as six of Shakespeare’s sonnets. Wesley Callihan then guides students through the great epic poem: John Milton’s Paradise Lost, as well as the poetry of George Herbert, John Donne, and Marvell. Learn about the influence this poetry had on England in its day, and the lasting legacy of these works in culture to this day.