Writing Course: Comparison

Service Description

Course Description In this stage of the Progymnasmata, students progress from individual praise and blame (Encomium and Vituperation) to moral discernment through Comparison. These exercises train students to weigh two figures, ideas, or actions by clear standards such as courage, wisdom, justice, and piety, determining which is superior through reasoned argument. Students study classical and historical examples of noble rivalry and differing virtues—for instance, comparing the leadership of Governor Lachlan Macquarie and Captain James Cook, or the faithfulness of St Thomas More and Cardinal Wolsey in Tudor England. Through such study, they learn to judge character and moral purpose, to express balanced contrasts, and to form arguments grounded in truth and virtue. By the end of the course, students will compose refined comparisons that demonstrate clear reasoning, moral insight, and stylistic grace. Pre requisites: This course is designed for students aged 12–14 who have completed Encomium and Vituperation or an equivalent. Students in this age range who have not completed a similar course should begin with an earlier writing course in the Progymnasmata sequence, as these studies are mastery-based and more advanced than modern writing courses. Required Materials: Students are required to purchase the Australian Progymnasmata: Comparison (Student Guide) from Via Classica (please note that it will be available in mid-January). Students will also need an A4 exercise book for notes. All work submissions and live classes will be conducted through Microsoft Teams and Microsoft OneNote. Course Sessions:The course commences in Term 1 on Monday, 2 February, with two one-hour sessions each week on Mondays and Wednesdays at 1:00 PM (AEDT/AEST). The term will end on Wednesday, 1 April. Term 2 will resume on Monday, 20 April, and conclude on Wednesday, 24 June. No classes will be held on 9 March or 8 June. Instructor: Mrs. Elizabeth Matheson