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In writing there are two basic classes of
writing: poetry and prose. Those who have
learned to write through modern writing courses know little about these.
Poetry is thought of simply as words set to some form of rhyme and
meter. Prose is rarely studied at all--it is assumed that it is
simply writing as if we were in normal conversation. This
cheapened view of the arts is the result of modern workplace-readiness
education that has no concern for the cultivation of the arts.
Prose is indeed the form of speech used in
daily conversation, but that does not mean anyone's daily conversation
makes for good prose writing. Our goal is not to write as we happen to
speak, but as would be most effective.
In the past, especially among the Greeks and
Romans, the art of speaking well was carefully studied. Wise men
studied those men who spoke most beautifully and powerfully and sought
to understand what it was that made them so eloquent. The goal of
prose writing was understood to be "to persuasively explain what has
been done." After all, a narrative is only useful if it is
believed to be true by the audience. As those elements of
eloquence were discovered, they were organized into systems of
principles and rules taught in Rhetoric.
While we will study Rhetoric later in the
classical liberal arts curriculum, this course provides students with an
introduction to the principles and rules of excellent prose writing.
This course will allow them to become familiar with basic principles of
the art that they will later learn in great detail. The
opportunity to begin working with prose writing now will help them to
understand and appreciate the study of Rhetoric later.
WHY
PROSE MATTERS
The classical masters devoted great
attention to prose writing because of its many important uses in life.
First, nearly all instruction, including evangelization and all
historical writing, had to be made in prose. Parables, fables and
stories were written as important tools in teaching morals and passing
on wisdom. In all of this, prose had to be clear, pleasant
and persuasive. Second, in political and legal spheres, narrative
was an essential part of the deliberations of lawmakers and decisions of
courts. The ability to produce persuasive narratives was the
difference between the successful and unsuccessful politicians and
lawyers. The ability of a man to influence his fellow citizens was
linked to his ability to produce good prose. Prose writing
always has a goal and the ability of a writer to achieve a goal is
dependent on his mastery of the principles and rules of classical prose.
Today, all of these uses remain, yet they are commonly neglected for
lack of skill. Our students will have the benefits students did
throughout history.
Return to Schola
Scriptorum homepage |
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COURSE OVERVIEW |
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This
course is intended for all students beginning in the
Writers' School, regardless of age. As with all
CLAA courses, it is simple enough for young children to
begin and rich enough for older students to enjoy.
The course
provides students with rich theoretical instruction and
copious practice. The theory of this course is
taken directly from the classical masters.
Student writing assignments are reviewed by praeceptors
of the Writer's School who offer their expertise in
coaching the CLAA's young writers. |
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Instructor:
William Michael |
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Prerequisites: None |
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Co-requisites: Grammar, World Chronology |
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Cost:
$125.00 |
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Books
Required: None |
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Major Topics Covered: |
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1. The Elements of Prose |
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Students are
taught the classical definitions and functions of
clauses (Gk. colons), phrases (Gk. commas)
and periods (Gk. periodoi), along with the
principles of Composition (Gk. syntaxis)
necessary for prose writing. Further, students are
taught to effects of word order and verb voices, as well
as the means of controlling rhythm and improving the
suavity of articulation in writing. All
instruction is assessed through exercises, quizzes and
exams. |
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2. The Four Virtues of Narrative |
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Students are
taught the four virtues of narrative as described by
Cicero: (1) Perspicuity, (2) Probability, (3)
Brevity and (4) Pleasantness and how they are achieved
in prose writing. All instruction is assessed
through exercises, quizzes and exams. |
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3. The Four Figures of Narrative |
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Students are
taught the figures of speech most commonly employed in
masterful prose writing: (1) hypotyposis,
(2) suspense, (3) exclamation and (4) dialogue.
All instruction is assessed through exercises, quizzes
and exams. |
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4. The Three Genera of Narrative |
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Students are
taught the three genera of narrative: Poetical,
Historical and Oratorical. The nature and elements
of each are studied and exercises in written assignments
for each. All instruction is assessed through
exercises, quizzes and exams. |
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Writing
Assignments: |
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Students will
complete exercises designed to develop and assess their
mastery of the theoretical instruction received in the
course. Writing assignments include: (1)
re-writing of verses of Scripture and fables from Aesop
for exercise in the elements of prose; (2) the writing
of historical narratives for emphasis on the principles
of composition and the virtues of narrative; (3) writing
of fictitious narratives and fables for exercise in the
virtues and figures of narrative.
All writing
assignments are assessed by CLAA Writers' School coaches
and students will continue with them until mastery is
achieved. |
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Student
Rewards: |
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Our students'
best work will be selected and shared with the CLAA
community in our monthly newsletters and on the CLAA
website. |
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