Ancient Literature Live

Description

This Live Course will be offered during the 2025-26 academic year.

Mary Pierson Purifoy explores Ancient Literature from a Christian perspective paired with thorough writing instruction and literary analysis. Students will learn how to unpack ancient classics in group discussion and in academic essays. All writing assignments are meant to help students grow comfortable with writing as they learn how to construct thesis statements, organize content, and research outside criticism. 

Miss Purifoy wants to instill a love of literature in students. She also wants to give students a strong foundation in writing that will support them through the rest of their academic careers. Group discussion is a crucial aspect of the class since this allows students to interact with each other and take inspiration from their peers in an academic setting. 

Includes:

• Weekly group discussions
• Weekly readings of various length
• Short lectures covering literary context
• Writing instruction
• Approximately 10 essays of various types
• Grading
• Research instruction

The class will meet weekly over Zoom on Wednesdays, from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM Central Standard Time. The format will be lectures and discussion each week.

Credit: Full Credit in High School Literature/English

Ages: 14+ (This course is taught at the high school level.)

The course can be used alongside Dave Raymond’s Antiquity course, but is also structured to stand alone.

Mary Pierson Purifoy is a graduate of Liberty University; she was homeschooled until college. An avid reader and writer, she enjoys teaching students to love books, writing, and history.

List of Readings

Bold items need to be purchased separately.

1. The Epic of Gilgamesh (selections)
2. Tales of Egypt by Roger Lancelyn Green (selections)
3. Greek Mythology by Edith Hamilton (selections)
4. The Iliad by Homer (selections) [Richard Lattimore translation]
5. The Odyssey by Homer [Richard Lattimore translation]
6. The book of Isaiah in The Holy Bible
7. Histories by Herodotus (selections)
8. History of the Peloponnesian War by Thucydides (selections)
9. Phaedo by Plato
10. “The Tragedy of Julius Caesar” by William Shakespeare [Norton Critical Edition]
11. Selections from Roman histories, speeches, and poetry
12. The Aeneid by Vergil (selections) [Rolf Humphries translation]
13. The Man Born to Be King  by Dorothy Sayers

Schedule of Class Meetings

All Wednesdays, all scheduled from 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM Central Standard Time. Exact dates subject to slight change. Runs approximately 39 weeks into May, including holiday breaks. Aug 20 is  approximate start date

What if I can’t attend the live Zoom sessions?

All the sessions will be recorded and posted for enrolled families to watch at their convenience. You can use the recordings to review or catch up if you missed a session.

Families who can’t make the schedule above can still participate in the class assignments and group discussions by watching the recordings and communicating in the group on My Compass Classroom.

What kinds of assignments and assessments are included?

Assignments include weekly readings and papers corresponding with various pieces of literature.  All are designed to help students think deeply, write clearly, and enjoy great literature.

Will my student receive a final grade?

Yes! The instructor, Mary Pierson, will provide a suggested final grade based on submitted assignments and participation. Since this is a live homeschool course, the parent has the final authority and may use this grade as part of their student’s official transcript or records.

Do you offer refunds on live classes?

We think you will love this class. If you don’t, you may request a refund but must do so no later than before the second scheduled class after your enrollment (purchase) date. This gives you the chance to experience an entire live class session to make your decision.