The Great Gatsby: The Cost of Desire
A chapter-by-chapter analysis of The Great Gatsby's central message, the cost of desire, through a breakdown of the three Delphic maxims, character analyses, relationship analyses, and an overview of the Jazz Age. At the end of this course, students will be prepared to think through and talk to literary classics in order to take part in The Great Conversation.
Suggest grade level: 9-12
Included material:
- 12 pre-recorded video lectures
- PDF e-book copy of The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
- PDF e-book copy of I & P Study Guide to F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby by Donald W. Catchings, Jr. (which includes course assignments and reading prompts)
- PDF of course syllabus
Virtue through Film: Harry Potter
Virtue Through Film uses film as an anchor for discussing the place and importance of the seven virtues in contemporary society. This edition of Virtue Through Film specifically uses the Harry Potter film series to delve into the place and importance of virtue. By focusing on elements like cinematography, plot development, inflective choices of actors, etc., Virtue Through Film guides students to see how the virtues, or a specific virtue, is defined and developed within a film. In this focus, the student is supplied with an example of virtue in action—the student is shown the place and importance of virtue in the film. Via this example, the student will discuss and learn the place and importance of virtue in their own life.
Suggest grade level: 7-12
Included material:
- 17 pre-recorded video lectures
- PDF of course assignments and discussion questions
- PDF of course syllabus
Answering the Call: Creative Writing for 6-8
People are instilled with a longing to create. This course guides students to answer that call through creative writing. Mr. Catchings provides a step-by-step process to build upon, through lectures, examples, and guided writing assignments.
Suggest grade level: 6-8
Included material:
- 10 pre-recorded video lectures
- PDF e-book copy of Answering the Call: Creative Writing Guide and Workbook by Donald W. Catchings, Jr. (which includes course assignments and writing prompts)
- PDF of course syllabus
Winnie the Pooh: Learning to Laugh at Yourself
A journey through 100 Aker Wood to discover Winnie the Pooh's central message, learning to laugh at yourself, through a breakdown of lessons learned, relationships, the importance of character growth through being lighthearted, and the power of friendship. At the end of this course, students will be prepared to think through and talk to literary classics in order to take part in The Great Conversation.
Suggest grade level: 3-5
Included material:
- 12 pre-recorded video lectures
- PDF e-book copy of Winnie-the-Pooh by A.A. Milne
- PDF e-book copy of I & P Study Guide to A.A. Milne's Winnie-the-Pooh by Donald W. Catchings, Jr. (which includes course assignments)
- PDF of course syllabus
