omnibus & Rhetoric

MIDDLE SCHOOL OMNIBUS AND RHETORIC

The Latin word "Omnibus," meaning "for all," is an apt description of our Middle School course. In Omnibus, we will be covering the 1700s through Modern Times in chronological order. While this course will largely focus on American History, we will also study other parts of the world to explore people and events, not only through historical facts, but also through maps, literature, poetry, drama, religion, and art for a more complete view of the world. History is brought to life and literature is given context as we seek to integrate these parts into a cohesive whole. Primary source documents are used whenever possible. Biography presentations and fun semester projects will allow students to share their knowledge in creative ways.

Libertas Middle School Rhetoric classes emphasize the classical method of building up the student's reasoning and articulation skills while helping them successfully complete Omnibus themed writing assignments. Each semester the Middle School focuses on different classical forms of writing. Along with writing instruction, our focus includes filling gaps in mechanics (a sequential, thorough review of grammar, punctuation, and form), developing an appreciation and love of style, and rhetorical analysis of classic American and World Literature, along with famous speeches. Students will keep a journal, a commonplace book, and a grammar notebook. Homework will be minimal and mostly associated with Omnibus literature and primary sources. 
 
HIGH SCHOOL OMNIBUS AND RHETORIC
US American - Omnibus is a course that unites history, literature, art, and culture to gain a fuller understanding of a time period. In the 2022-2023 school year, we will study the United States, from colonization to contemporary times. In context with the experiences of God’s people during this time, students will explore American foundations through its literature, drama, poetry, art, architecture, philosophy, and historical texts. Primary sources will be used as often as possible, including those of the founding fathers. Evaluation of materials examined will come through journals, essays, projects, and semester exams, focusing on an understanding of significant ideas.
 
Rhetoric - In conjunction with Omnibus, the Rhetoric class will help students gain the skills to argue and express ideas eloquently and effectively in both written and oral formats. Through debate, writing exercises, and essays, students will respond to Omnibus material. Both the practicalities of grammar and citations as well as the beauty of well-crafted sentences will be used to aid these efforts to argue well.

SENIOR SEMINAR - MODERN OMNIBUS AND RHETORIC
Modern history examines the social, political, economic, and cultural development in the modern contemporary world in the period between the seventeenth and the twentieth century. Students will analyse key events such as revolutions, nation states, modern war, globalisation, political regimes, capitalism, totalitarianism, democracy, and communism, touching on the philosophies that brought about these ideologies. Methods of instruction will include socratic discussions, student led class discussions and more project/presentation/paper based evaluations.  In this Senior seminar, some time will be spent exploring post-high school opportunities and taking the required steps to make those things happen.
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