Liberal Arts Level 7: Classics of Christendom Literature

This course, titled "Classics of Christian Literature: East and West," is an advanced literature course focusing on significant works from the early 5th century to the fall of Constantinople in 1453, from both Eastern and Western Christian perspectives. It covers a broad range of genres, including theology, spirituality, poetry, prayer, philosophy, and imaginative fiction. Students will engage in deep textual analysis, studying major themes, historical contexts, and the influence of these works on the Church. The course is approached from an Eastern Orthodox perspective, encouraging liberal arts-style discussion and empathy in understanding diverse viewpoints. This 5-month course is part of the St. Raphael School liberal arts curriculum, suitable for rising 11th-12th graders with strong reading, writing, and discussion skills.

Students can expect approximately 1.5-2.5 hours of reading weekly, along with optional supplementary materials. Assessments include discussion participation, short response papers, essays, and occasional quizzes. This class can be taken independently or in conjunction with "Classics of Christendom History" for a discounted tuition. The course curriculum aims to integrate literature with some medieval and Renaissance history, fostering curiosity and engagement in the Great Conversation of Western civilization.