Ancient Literature I for Ages 9–12 (Fall '26 Pay)

This 24 instructional-week literature course introduces students to the foundational stories and ideas of the ancient world through biblical narratives, ancient mythology, wisdom literature, and accessible retellings of Homeric epic. Readings will include selections from Genesis, Psalms, Proverbs, and Isaiah; Gilgamesh the Hero; The Shipwrecked Sailor; D’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths; Black Ships Before Troy; and The Wanderings of Odysseus. Students will learn more about how to interpret these works within their historical context and authorial purpose. From a Christian perspective, we will also discuss what we can learn from these works about human nature, virtue and vice, courage, wisdom, justice, and humanity’s longing for God.

This course is designed for students ages 9–12 who are ready to develop the habits of completing assigned reading and preparing for a guided literature discussion. Each class will begin with oral narration and move into roundtable conversation under the guidance of the instructor. Reading assignments are intentionally focused so that students have time to understand, remember, and prepare to discuss what they have read. Parent-supported reading, reading aloud, and audiobook assistance are welcome when appropriate. Although this is primarily a literature course, students will complete related writing assignments, receive feedback on selected work, and periodically receive brief writing instruction.

Course Objectives

Students will:

• Develop a greater knowledge and enjoyment of biblical and ancient literature

• Practice clear oral narration and thoughtful participation in group discussions

• Recognize literary elements such as character, conflict, theme, imagery, symbolism, and worldview

• Compare the virtues, beliefs, and ideas presented in ancient literature with biblical truth

• Practice responding to literature through complete sentences, summaries, topic sentences, and unified paragraphs

• Be introduced to the skills and habits necessary for increasingly independent study and understanding of Great Books in subsequent years.

Course Outline

• Introduction to oral narration, literary discussion, and reading preparation

• Creation, covenant, sacrifice, and providence in selected Genesis narratives

• Kingship, friendship, mortality, and the flood in Gilgamesh

• Ancient Egyptian narrative and selected biblical poetry, wisdom, and prophecy

• The gods, heroes, virtues, and worldviews of Greek mythology

• The Trojan War through Black Ships Before Troy

• Odysseus’s journey home through The Wanderings of Odysseus, with selected passages from Homer studied in class

Course meeting time: Wednesdays from 10:50 a.m. – 11:50 a.m.

Course duration: 24 Instructional Weeks from September 14, 2026 to April 26, 2027; Click here to see the 2026-27 school calendar.

Course prerequisites: None

Class Price ($1,000 for the Year; paid by term)

If your family would like to apply for a scholarshipped class price, please do not register for class. Submit the Scholarship Application form linked here, and we will promptly be in touch.