Overview
This preceptorial offers support for Lutheran students reading through the Christian epics of Dante and Milton. Focused on faith-based dialogue, students will be immersed in the literary concepts relevant to these great works of literature which have stood the test of time. We will examine how these works have influenced Western culture, as well as apply lessons learned from the readings to our own lives. This preceptorial will have once-a-week live sessions online for one hour.
Required Books
- Dante Alighieri, The Divine Comedy: The Inferno, The Pergatorio, The Paradiso, translated by John Ciardi (purchase this exact translation)
- Milton’s Paradise Lost (with Gustave Dore Illustrations): Retro Restored Edition (purchase this exact edition; the 50+ illustrations will aid in comprehension)
Objectives
This curriculum features many objectives, including those that follow. The student will ...
- ... read Dante’s The Divine Comedy and Milton’s Paradise Lost.
- … analyze these epics from a Christian worldview.
- … compare and contrast various authors and works
- … grow in an understanding of Greek, Italian, and English culture and its influence on greater Western culture.
- … choose, practice, and recite selections from these works.
- … memorize and recite pertinent Scripture verses.
- … hone in on themes in these epics.
- … practice leadership skills with class discussion and prayer.
- … make life applications from lessons learned from the readings.
- … be immersed in a classically Lutheran learning dialogue.
- … participate and collaborate in a liturgical model of learning.
- … learn through leisure and contemplation.
Outline
- Weeks 1–9: Divine Comedy
- Weeks 10–15: Paradise Lost
Related Course(s)
Instructor
Mrs. Marie MacPherson earned an MA in the Great Books from Memoria College and a BA in Elementary Education from Bethany Lutheran College, with a certification as a Lutheran teacher in the Evangelical Lutheran Synod as well as a classical Lutheran education certificate from the Consortium for Classical Lutheran Education. As a homeschool mother with nearly two decades of experience, she has coordinated music camps, art enrichment courses, and speech teams. She is author of several books, including Teaching Your Children Chastity and a two-volume devotional entitled Meditations on the Vocation of Motherhood. Homeschool moms across America have come to Marie for advice, which finally led her to suggest to her husband that they expand their service to their neighbors by establishing Lifelong Lyceum.
Scheduling
This course will be offered in the spring of 2027. The specific times for weekly videoconference sessions will be announced in the near future. To express your intention to enroll and indicate a preferred meeting time, contact us.