"Whenever truth comes to man by way of beauty, it necessarily transforms his character and ennobles his behavior."
David Hicks, Norms & Nobility
Be Inspired and Energized
A one-year program, the CiRCE Atrium program explores the foundations of Christian classical education with online classes and discussions. Participants choose to focus on classical pedagogy with Peter Vande Brake or classical rhetoric with Andrew Kern.
Through exclusive live webinars (2 each month) and an online discussion forum, the Atrium offers a forum for contemplation and collaboration: A place to linger (and take pleasure) in the depths of the Christian classical tradition alongside likeminded fellow educators. We provide the digital platform, you bring the desire for wisdom and virtue. Together we make the community.
Participants can expect to grow in knowledge of classical education throughout the year, be inspired and energized by peer discussion and collaboration, and understand the fundamentals of classical education and its two primary modes of instruction (Mimetic and Socratic).
* The Atrium works in partnership with the CiRCE Apprenticeship Program and thus is especially well-suited for those who are preparing to enter the Apprenticeship. Participants who complete one year in the Atrium are eligible to receive a $250 credit toward Apprenticeship tuition.
Deepen Your Understanding of Classical Education
Contemplate the essential elements and crucial truths at the heart of Christian classical education by joining one of our two groups.
A note from Andrew Kern
Why would we call this class “The Lost Art of Rhetoric”? Many books have been written and many teachers have been teaching rhetoric for many years. What could be lost about it? For many, rhetoric has been reduced to manipulation of people's hopes and fears. It has been severed from its roots in wisdom and virtue, in truth, ethics, humanity, and cosmos.
Rhetoric has been thought about in many ways. The best and highest version of rhetoric is Homer. Following this, Plato and Aristotle set in motion an argument expressing differing views. While tracing historical developments and their variations, we will consider how to place language within a Christian cosmology. We will gain a classical understanding of rhetoric that includes its nature, purpose, parts, power, limits, and propriety.
Rhetoric is exceedingly dangerous, even in the hands of good people. Beginning in Genesis 1, we will view language as one of seven liberating arts. Through historical readings, mimetic webinars, and group discussions, we will grasp a high and fitting use of rhetoric that orders the curriculum without pulling on the threads and equips people for society, meetings, debates, courts, and family decisions.
A note from Peter Vande Brake
Explore one of the best books written on classical education! As we participate in an intensive study of Norms and Nobility, we will examine the most important elements of classical education. According to David Hicks classical education is not primarily concerned with a particular time or place, but stands instead for “a spirit of inquiry and a form of instruction concerned with the development of style through language and of conscience through myth. The key word here is inquiry. Everything springs from the special nature of the inquiry” (p.18). It is with this spirit of inquiry that we will seek to understand the nuances of classical education laid out in this great work. Throughout the year we will continually revisit these prominent elements in this book:
- Normative vs. Analytical Questions
- Prescriptive vs. Descriptive nature of education
- The intensely relational nature of classical education
- Dialectical teaching
- Christian Paideia
I love talking about this book! There is nothing better that has been written about classical education. I can’t wait for the discussions we will have together.
Common Questions
WHAT DOES THE ATRIUM COST?
The Atrium requires a $25 application fee. Tution is $750 for the year. Each of Peter's participants will need to purchase a copy of the course text, Norms and Nobility by David Hicks. Each of Andrew's participants will need to purchase a copy of the courses texts: The Classical Trivium by Marshall McLuhan, Classical Rhetoric and Its Christian and Secular Tradition by George A. Kennedy, and The Office of Assertion by Scott Crider.
DO YOU OFFER PAYMENT PLANS?
Participants may pay via a single payment of $750 (our annual payment plan), or in ten monthly installments of $75 from the first of August through the first of May. Please note: All accounts must remain in good standing to be eligible for the Apprenticeship tuition credit. If joining the class in September, then the tuition can be divided across nine months.
WHAT IS THE CURRICULA FOR EACH GROUP?
Andrew Kern's class reads The Classical Trivium by Marshall McLuhan, Classical Rhetoric and Its Christian and Secular Tradition by George A. Kennedy, and The Office of Assertion by Scott Crider. This class meets two times per month from September to May on the first and third Thursdays of each month from 7-8:30pm EST, except for March and April when the class will meet from 7:30-9pm.
Peter Vande Brake's class slowly reads David Hicks’ educational treatise Norms and Nobility and has the opportunity to attend live or watch the recording of three webinars a month: one with the lead teacher to discuss the chapter itself, one with a guest speaker, and one is a colloquy with Apprenticeship Graduate Jacob Douvier leading the discussion that is tailored to the chapter and attendees' questions. This class meets three times a month from August to May. The evenings of the week and the week of the month will vary, and Peter will post them in the online classroom as soon as they are scheduled.
HOW IS THE ATRIUM DIFFERENT FROM THE APPRENTICESHIP?
In the Atrium all activities are online, travel is not necessary, the level of participation is determined by the participant, and there is no certification associated with the Atrium. In the Apprenticeship, in addition to online interaction, apprentices travel to retreats twice each year; Apprentices are required to complete various reading, writing, and teaching assignments and are formally evaluated each semester; and Apprentices who complete the 3-year course of study and associated requirements become CiRCE Certified Classical Teachers.
WHEN CAN I START IN THE ATRIUM?
A new Atrium community begins in August with Norms and in September with Rhetoric. After September 30th, new applicants may apply to be part of the group for the following year.
WHAT IF I CAN'T MAKE A LIVE WEBINAR AT THE SCHEDULED TIME?
All webinars will be recorded. Atrium participants will have access to recorded webinars to view at their leisure.
WHAT IS YOUR REFUND POLICY?
Participants who decide to withdraw from the Atrium will be refunded 100% of the tuition if they withdraw prior to August 1st. After August 1st no refunds are available.