Refutation & Confirmation

Description: A continuation of the Chreia & Maxim Stage. The Refutation & Confirmation exercises are similar to an argumentative essay in modern composition theory, although the form of the Refutation & Confirmation exercise comes to us from Aphthonius of Antioch. The students are learning how to structure their thought, and thus their communication process, when given the task of arguing for or against an idea, thought, chain of events, method, or story. The categories of development (or paragraphs) that make up these essays are essential elements in the rhetorical process (they are identified as Heads of Purpose in later stages of the Progymnasmata) that must become second nature in the mental processes of our students. The grade is based on participation, outline submissions, and final draft submissions.

Grade Level: 7-8 (ages 12-14)

Prerequisites: Completion of Fable, Narrative, and Chreia & Maxim Stages. Students should possess a basic knowledge of English grammar (e.g. subject, verbs, nouns, adjectives, adverbs, direct object, indirect object, etc.), be able to type basic, grammatically complete sentences, as well as the ability to type a basic paragraph and edit it with help from a parent. If your student is weak on grammar and needs to shore things up then the summer Grammar Camp is recommended.

Required Texts: Refutation & Confirmation Stage Student Guide by Jim Selby and Refutation & Confirmation Stage Teacher Guide by Jim Selby (Optional but helpful; keep this away from student). Also, students will need their Classical Composition Student Guides from all prior levels to use as review.

Students will also need a USB headset microphone (built-in microphones also work).

See an overview of Refutation/Confirmation: Refutation & Confirmation Overview Video