Classical Education: Latin, Virtue, and Integration

Guest post by Kim Nielsen

There is much more to be said about classical education, but I hope this short series has answered some of your questions and given you some resources for further research. I have much to learn about classical education, but the further I delve in the more I love it. We will end today with a look at a few more important components of classical education.

Classical education is known for teaching classical education such as Latin and Greek. There are many benefits of learning Latin: increased scores on standardized tests, reinforcement of English grammar, increased aptitude for vocabulary (50% of our English words derived from Latin, 30% from Greek), and a capacity for learning other Romance languages such as French, Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese. Because Latin grammar is so systematic, logical, and straightforward it makes it the ideal language to learn grammar. Classical languages become a tool for learning all language and honing thought.

Although classical education aims to train the mind, it also looks at the formation of the whole student including character, virtue, and faith. Characteristics such as diligence, zeal, and perseverance are fostered in classical education as well as a love for learning. Great Books of both the past and present not only help students to recognize and imitate good literature, but also create a forum for discussion of what is beautiful, good, and true. They are an avenue to see both virtue and truth thoughout history. Dr. Christopher Perrin in An Introduction to Classical Education says it this way, "Character has always been the chief goal of classical education. Christian educators have historically emphasized that education and study is a part of Christian discipleship--an expression of loving God with all our heart, mind and strength". Christian, classical educators seek to teach students how God is supreme over all creation; He is found in all subjects. "Classical educators are seeking to help recover the Christian mind and prepare extraordinarily-equipped leaders who 'can take every thought captive for Christ' and shape and lead the cultureal institutions of our society."

Lastly, learning is not compartmentalized, but intertwined and integrated thoughout subjects and grades. Dr. Perrin states,

Knowledge is more like a web than a chest of drawers; there are no subjects that are unrelated to others. Literature, history and theology for example are quite intertwined. Anything from the past (in any subject) can be history; anything committed to creative or excellent writing can be literature; and any subject considered in relation to God and biblical teaching can be theology. Until the 19th century, educators understood and taught knowledge as a web, rather than as separate departments. Classical educators, therefore, while teaching classes in "history" or "literature" keep the boundaries light and fluid and empahsize their inter-relationship of all knowledge.

I hope that you have found this discussion helpful in understanding classical education. As more and more educators seek to recover the master tools of classical education, I look forward to seeing the resurgence of great minds and writers in the upcoming generations. Perrin states, "We have tasted something old, becoming new again; we have an inkling of a profoundly better mind and spirit, a continuing conversation with great minds, with each other, with God himself."