Mastering Classical Languages for Great Books Education

Teaching Latin and Greek during high school is essential for enabling students to read the great books in their original languages. This goal is achievable and should be prioritized, as students can be adequately prepared for this endeavor with focused language acquisition early on. A strong mastery of these classical languages lays a foundational skill set necessary for engaging with complex topics in the great books curriculum. Institutions like Escondido Tutorial Service and Vivadio Novum offer valuable models for integrating classical language education with the great books approach, providing both classroom and digital environments where students can collaborate. Although exposure to great books in college is still beneficial, tackling them in high school may not yield the same depth of understanding, making it crucial to build a solid groundwork in language before engaging with these texts. Overall, fostering language mastery in Latin and Greek is a strategic pathway to enriching the educational experience surrounding great books.