Workshop Descriptions for the 2004 Conference
Opening Session, 9:00 - 10:00 a.m., Deep Comedy: The Shape of Western Literature, Peter Leithart
Paul said in Romans that hte resurrection of Jesus marked the transition from the reign of death to the reign of life. In this lecture, Leithart explores how this transition is evident in development from the tragic vision of the classics to the comic vision of Christian literature.
Seminar 1, 10:10 - 11:10 a.m.
IEW Fashions: Practical Ideas for Decorating and Dressing Up, Pixie Lichtenstein
IEW is distinctive in its modeling approach and strong outlining instruction. Pixie will briefly review how to teach it and discuss her tricks and suggestions for each unit. Come to interact with a teacher who used it in her home and co-op for years (G,D)
The Why and How of Logic, Dale McLane
Why should we teach logic? McLane, who teaches logic at Trinity Christian School, will discuss the benefits of teaching it, review the various logic curricula, cover when and how frequently to instruct, as well as how to incorporate logic into all subjects in the Dialectic Stage. (D)
Real Men Read Austen, Peter Leithart
Jane Austen's books seem to be the classic "chick books". In this lecture, Leithart explores some of Austen's major themes, showing particularly the lessons Austen has for men. (D,R)
Seminar 2, 11:20 a.m. - 12:20 p.m.
Character Counts, Charles Jackson
The teacher who lives patience, forgiveness, and humility will be blessed with students who learn patience, forgiveness and humility. Attempting to teach character will likely transform your life. As your life is transformed you can be sure it will affect your students. (G,D,R)
Dialectic Considerations, Kevin Labby
What makes teaching the dialectic student unique? How do we utilize Socratic questioning? Labby will address the strengths and weaknesses of the dialectic student in areas such as note taking and essay writing. Also included will be an example of the Omnibus program. (D,R)
College Preparation, Jay Neikirk
The Neikirks, who emphasized rhetoric skills in preparation for college, have three children who attedifferent colleges with unique requirements. As a result of guiding them through the achievement testing and application process, the Neikirks have learned what different institutions require. (D,R)
(12:20 - 1:20 p.m., Lunch, Vendor Tables Open)
Seminar 3, 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.
Latinam Amanus! How to Learn and Teach Latin, Sharon Sampson
Latin is considered a cornerstone in the classical curriculum. How and when should you begin teaching Latin in your home? How should you evaluate curricula and teaching/learning options for students at various ages? Come and be encouraged by a self-taught, fellow parent who truly loves Latin! (G,D)
Teaching History Through the Use of Stories, Charles Jackson
We must do more than teach our students to memorize dates and names. We must give them something that grips their souls. If we teach these dates and names with great stories we are teaching them the way God has chosen to teach us in the Bible. (G,D,R)
Shakespeare as a Christian Playwright, Peter Leithart
We know little of Shakespeare's life, but biblical imagery and Christian themes mark virtually every page of his plays. Leithart examines how both Shakespearean comedy and tragedy reflect biblical patterns. (D,R)
Closing Session, 2:30 - 3:30 p.m., Liturgy, Laughter, and Christian Education, Peter Leithart
"Classical" attached to "education" can have a stuffy, starched-collar sound to it. In this closing session, Leithart emphasizes the centrality of worship in Christian education, and the close connection between liturgy and laughter.
2004 Conference Speakers' Bios
Peter Leithart
Peter serves as organizing pastor of Trinity Reformed Church in Moscow, Idaho, and is also Senior Fellow of Theology and Literature at New St. Andrews College in Moscow. He has written several books, and regularly publishes articles in popular magazines and academic theological journals. He and his wife, Noel, have ten children.
Charles Jackson
Charles is an award-winning teacher and cofounder of Geneva Study Center in Dayton, Ohio. A graduate of Reformed Theological Seminary, since 1996, he has served as pastor of Covenant Orthodox Presbyterian Church, in Dayton.
Kevin Labby
Kevin is Blackburn Study Center's Headmaster, Chaplain and instructor of rhetoric and omnibus. He is the Associate Pastor at Calvin Presbyterian Church (PCA) in North Huntington, PA.
Dale McLane
Dale is the Superintendent of Trinity Christian School in Forest Hills, PA. He also teaches logic at the school, and has over 30 years of experience in Christian education.
Sharon Sampson
Sharon teaches latin at Blackburn Study Center; she is well versed in the use of both the Latina Christiana and Wheelock's texts.
Pixie Lichtenstein
Pixie is the founder of a Ligonier, Pennsylvania homeschool co-op, where she is also the writing instructor.
Jay Neikirk
Jay is a professor of political science at Geneva College. With his wife, Anne, he home schooled his three children for twelve years. The eldest two are graduates of Wheaton College and the Citadel while their third is a sophomore at Geneva College.
