Writing Course: Ethopoeia

Service Description

In this stage of the Progymnasmata, students progress from a focus on moral discernment through Comparison to the dramatic and imaginative exercise of Ethopoeia. Whereas Comparison trained students to weigh persons, actions, and ideas according to standards such as courage, justice, wisdom, and piety, Ethopoeia develops the ability to enter imaginatively into the mind, voice, and circumstances of another. Students learn to compose speeches suited to historical, legendary, biblical, and literary figures, portraying thoughts, emotions, motives, and moral character through direct speech. Like the modern dramatic monologue, Ethopoeia requires students to speak as another person might truly speak within particular circumstances. Students may write as kings, saints, soldiers, rulers, martyrs, heroes, or even fictional characters, carefully adapting style and tone to suit the speaker. Throughout the course, students will study examples drawn from Scripture, classical literature, history, and legend. They will learn to craft speeches marked by clarity, conciseness, emotional force, and fitting expression, while considering the past, present, and future circumstances surrounding the speaker. Particular attention will be given to portraying emotion, moral conflict, deliberation, fear, hope, repentance, courage, and conviction in a manner appropriate to the character being represented. Prerequisites: This course is designed for students aged 12–16 who have completed the Australian Progymnasmata (Comparison) 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: Ethopoeia (Student Guide) from Via Classica (please note that it will be available in mid-July). 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 3 on Monday, 20 July, with two one-hour sessions each week on Mondays and Wednesdays at 1:00 PM (AEDT/AEST). The term will end on Wednesday, 23 September. Term 4 will resume on Monday, 12 October, and conclude on Wednesday, 9 December. No classes will be held on 24 August or 26 October. Instructor: Mrs. Elizabeth Matheson