The Great Books Tutorial has been designed to develop Christian minds that will understand and discern the influences that have shaped our culture. Western history is a tremendously rich saga. Studying the great books gives us the opportunity to see first hand the ideas that have directed our cultural history. The reading of the great books culminates a good classical education as it requires all the skills that classical education aims to develop in a child.

The Great Books Tutorial is offered through the Internet. The tutorial meets for two hours a week and we discuss the readings listed in the  curriculum guide.  I will act as tutor and guide the discussion so that the necessary fundamentals are understood from each work. It is expected that the students will have done their readings with enough care that they are ready to articulate and discuss their understanding of the texts.

The tutorial will be open to all whose reading abilities are suited to the readings required and who are capable of benefiting from and contributing to the discussion. It is recommended, but not required, that a student have at least a year of Greek or Latin (preferably Greek) before entering the tutorial.

Papers will be assigned that may be submitted via e-mail. They will be critiqued and returned with guidance; however, no grades will be assigned for either the papers or for the tutorial as a whole. At the end of each semester a written evaluation will be given of each child's performance in the tutorial.

All of the books we read in the Great Books Tutorial are available through large bookstores. All of the editions I recommend can be purchased through this web page at a discount by clicking on the titles below.

I addition to the GBT readings, lectures from  Great Courses Plus  are recommended as well. The courses have been carefully chosen to supplement the students reading through  textual commentary,  music ,  art ,  architecture,  history, philosophy, theology,  archeology ,  geography and science . Though I guide the students through our readings in class, these optional lectures provide a fine opportunity to understand more of the cultural background that surrounds and shapes our readings. You will notice that many weeks have quite a number of recommended lectures. It is not expected that students will watch all of them, however, depending on their own particular interests, the lectures give the students additional opportunity to enrich their own understanding from a number of different possible perspectives. Whether your students find art, theology or engineering more interesting, the lectures will help them deepen the background they bring to their readings. This lecture service costs $180 a year for ten accounts- just $18 per account!

Please note that  Euclid's Elements  is required before studying Great Books III. The Great Books Tutorial assumes that the student is familiar with the Geometry found in Euclid's Elements. Euclid's Elements can be studied in place of a conventional high school Euclidian Geometry class. For further information, please see  http://www.gbt.org/geo.html  

Class times  

For the complete five-year reading list, see our  curriculum guide.
Please see my  Welcome to GBT I Video  as well as the  Introduction to Greek Geography .

1. Iliad, Books 1-2, pp. 77-128 Intro Video
   2. Iliad, Books 3-5, pp.128-195   Alphabet Video
   3. Iliad, Books 6-9, pp.195-276   Video   Video
   4. Iliad, Books 10-13, pp. 276-369   Video   Video
   5. Iliad, Books 15-18, pp. 387-488   Video   Video
   6. Iliad, Books 19-24, pp. 488-617   Video   Video
   7. Odyssey, Books 1-8, pp. 1-143  *Paper 1 due*    Intro Video
   8. Odyssey, Books 9-15, pp. 143-287   Video   Video
   9. Odyssey,Books 16-24, pp. 287-463   Video   Video
   10. The Three Theban Plays, Oedipus the King(Oedipus Rex), pp. 159-198 Performance Intro Video
   11. The Three Theban Plays, Oedipus the King(Oedipus Rex), pp. 198-251  Video   Video  *Paper 2 due* 
   12. The Three Theban Plays, Oedipus at Colonnus   Video   Video 
   13. The Three Theban Plays, Antigone, pp. 59-96   Video   Video
   14. The Three Theban Plays, Antigone, pp. 96-128  Video   Video
   15. The Oresteia, Agamemnon, pp. 99-139  *Paper 3 due*   Video   Video  
   16. The Oresteia, Agamemnon, pp. 139-173  *First semester questions due*   Video   Video  
   17. The Oresteia, The Libation Bearers, pp. 173-227   Video   Video
   18. The Oresteia,The Eumenides, pp. 227-279   Video   Video
   19. Aristotle, The Poetics   Video   Video   Video
   20. Plato, Gorgias; 447 - 482   Video   Video
   21. Plato, Gorgias- 482 - 504   Video   Video
   22. Plato, Gorgias- 504 - 527   Video   Video
   23. Plutarch's Lives; Theseus, Solon, Themistocles; *Paper 4 due*    Video ,  Video , 
   24. Plutarch's Lives; Aristides, Cimon,Pericles;  Video ,  Video
   25. Plutarch's Lives; Nicias, Alcibiades, Lysander;  Video ,  Video ,  Video 
   26. The Histories; Read Book I;Book II, chps 50-53, 112-120, 141; Book III, chps 37, 38, 66-87   Video Video   Video
   27. The Histories; Read Book V, chps. 91-93, 105; Book VI, chps 42-48, 56-72, 94-120;Book VII  Video Video   Video
   28. The Histories; Read Book VIII; Book IX *Paper 5 due*    Video   Video   Video
   29. Plato, Euthyphro  Video   Video
   30. Plato, Apology   Video   Video
   31. Plato, Phaedo- beginning to 73  Video   Video
   32. Plato, Phaedo- 73 to 90a   Video  
   33. Plato, Phaedo- 90a to end  Video   *Paper 6 Due*   
   34. Exhortation to the Greeks; Chpts. I-IV  Video    Video  *Second semester questions due*   
   35. Exhortation to the Greeks Chpts. V-XII -  Video   Video

GBT I Quizzes
PLEASE NOTE- Students need to keep their own record of their scores to be handed in at the end of each semester.
1.  Take our online test
2.  Take our online test
3.  Take our online test
4.  Take our online test
5.  Take our online test
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25.  Take our online test  
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27.  Take our online test  
28.  Take our online test  
29.  Take our online test
30.  Take our online test
31.  Take our online test
32.  Take our online test
33.  Take our online test  
34.  Take our online test
35.  Take our online test

GBT I Paper guides

GBT I weekly questions

All evaluations will be written by June 7. All work to be considered must be turned in by that time.

Specific editions used.

If you would like to purchase any of the following editions through the mail-order house www.amazon.com, simply click on the book's link and your browser will be forwarded to their site where you can make your purchase.

Iliad ;  Homer; Penquin Classics, translator-Fagles, ISBN 0670835102 AUDIO  (OPTIONAL)
Odyssey ; Homer; Vintage Classics, translator- Fitzgerald, ISBN 0679410473  AUDIO  (OPTIONAL)
The Three Theban Plays , Sophocles; Penquin Classics, translator- Fagles, ISBN0-14-044425-4 
The Oresteia ; Aeschylus; Penquin Classics, translator-Fagles, ISBN 0-14-044333-9 
Basic Works of Aristotle ; Aristotle; (Poetics) The Modern Library, Random House, Editor- McKeon, ISBN 0394416104
Collected Dialogues of Plato ; Plato; Princeton University Press; ISBN 0-691-09718-6
Plutarch's Lives Volume 1 ; Plutarch; Modern Library Classics; ISBN 0375756760
The Histories ; Herodotus; The Landmark Herodotus, Pantheon Press, ISBN 0375421092
Exhortation to the Greeks (Exhortation to the Heathen) ; Clement of Alexandria; ISBN- 1514699745

Additional resources:
Who were the Magi?  - in addition to Herodotus

Second year Great Books Tutorial reading list

Students enrolled in GBT II must have completed  Euclidean Geometry  or be enrolled simultaneously.
Please think upon the motto over the doorway to Plato's academy

Students may also take the  Classical Greek tutorial   for free, live or through download.

1. Peloponnesian War; I; II,1-46 (Pages 3-118 in Landmark edition) - Video Video   Video   Video
   2. Peloponnesian War; II,47-end; III; IV, 1-41  Video   Video   Video  
   3. Peloponnesian War; IV, 42-end; V; Video   Video   Video  
   4. Peloponnesian War; VI, VII, VIII Video   Video   Video   Video
   5. Republic; (Plato) I-II 367e  Audio   Video   Video
   6. Republic; II 367e-IV 427c; Politics (Aristotle) VIII 3-5  Video  
   7. Republic; IV 427d-VI 502c  Video    Video *Paper 1 due*  
   8. Republic; VI502d-VII Video   Video
   9. Republic; VIII-IX  Video   Video   Video
   10. Republic; X  Video   Video   Video
   11. Aeneid, I-V  *Paper 2 due* Video Video   Video
   12. Aeneid, VI-VIII  Video   Video   Video  
   13. Aeneid, IX-XII  Video   Video   Video  
   14. Nicomachean Ethics(Aristotle) I-II Video   Video  
   15. Nicomachean Ethics III; IV 2-3; V 1-7  Video   Video   *Paper 3 due*  
   16. Nicomachean Ethics VI; VII 1-3; VII 11-14  Video   Video  
   17. Nicomachean Ethics VIII; IX  Video   Video   
   18. Nicomachean Ethics X  Video   Video  
   19. De Anima II: 1-7, 11-12 (Aristotle) Video   Video  
   20. De Anima III: 3-13; I: 4, 408b 18-30  Video  - Video  
   21. Plutarch's Lives: Lives of Caesar and Cato the Younger  *Paper 4 due*  -  Video   Video   Video  
   22. The Annals of Imperial Rome: BooksI-II; (p 31-119 in penquin) Video Video   Video  
   23. The Annals of Imperial Rome: Books III-VI; XV.32-47 (p. 119-227 & 360-367 in Penquin) Video Video   Video  
   24. Theaetetus (Plato) beginning to 186  Video   Video  
   25. Theaetetus 186 to end  Video   Video
   26. Physics (Aristotle) IV 1-5, 8, III4-6  Video   Video  *Paper 5 due*  
   27. Physics VIII 1, 5-7, 9-10  Video   Video
   28. Metaphysics (Aristotle) I 1; IV 1-4; VI 4 Video    Video   Video
   29. Metaphysics VII 1-4, 16-17;VIII 1-2, 6; IX 6,8  Video   Video
   30. Metaphysics I 2-7; II,1; XII 6-10 Video   Video
   31. Phaedrus (Plato) Beginning-257 Video   Video
   32. Phaedrus 257-end  Video   Video  
   33. The Nature of Things; I-III  Video   Video *Paper 6 due*  
   34. The Nature of Things; V-VI  Video   Video  
   35. On the Incarnation, including  C.S.Lewis  introduction  Video   Video 

Papers

1. Explain the causes that contributed to the fall of Athens. (750-1000 words)
   2. Summarize one argument from one book of the Republic; or on topic of your own choosing. (750-1000 words)
   3. Compare one aspect of the Iliad and Odyssey with the Aeneid; or on topic of your own choosing. (1000-1250 words) 
   4. Explain one argument from a chapter of the Nicomachean Ethics; or on topic of your own choosing. (750-1000 words) 
   5. Write a play illustrating the five types of courage Aristotle described or topic of your own choosing. (1000-1250 words)
   When writing plays, please  do not  include stage directions or use contractions. Please  do  use five characters or less, include direct quotes from the GBT text and always use academic language (no slang) and pattern your style after the Platonic dialogues. Your characters should speak in complete paragraphs. 
   6. Topic of your own choosing. (1000-1250 words)

All topics of your own choosing must be approved by tutor and must be on a GBT II reading.

GBT II weekly questions These questions are to be done for your own preparation, but are not to be handed in.

All work to be considered must be turned in within one week of the due date.

GBT II advancement policy

During GBT II students who are not participating in class are given a warning that they could be placed on academic probation at the end of first semester. After being placed on academic probation, the student has the opportunity during second semester to show he will consistently participate in our discussions. If he does not show a sufficient level of participation during the second semester, he will not be allowed to continue with GBT III. 

Though it is always a difficult matter for me not to allow students to continue, I am convinced that if they are not participating in our discussions regularly, our class format is not the best learning environment for them. Further, passively listening during class does not contribute to the discussion we develop together. Each student must come to class ready to share his understanding as we build a community of learning and joint effort at articulating the wonderful ideas we examine together.

Specific editions used.

The Landmark Thucydides ; (Peloponnesian War) Thucydides; Touchstone Books; ISBN: 0684827905 
Collected Dialogues of Plato ; Plato; Princeton University Press; ISBN 0-691-09718-6
The Aeneid ;  Paperback   Virgil; Viking Books; Fagels trans., ISBN 0670038032 
Plutarch's Lives Volume 2 ; Plutarch; Modern Library Classics; ISBN 0375756779
Basic Works of Aristotle ; Aristotle; (Poetics) The Modern Library, Random House, Editor- McKeon, ISBN 0394416104
The Republic ; Plato; Vintage Classics; ISBN 0-679-73387-6 
The Annals of Imperial Rome ; Tacitus; Penquin Classics; ISBN0-14-044060-7 
The Nature of The Universe ; (On the Nature of Things) Lucretius; Latham Translation; Penquin Classics; ISBN 0-14-044610-9 
On the Incarnation ;  Athanasius; St. Vladimir's Seminary Press; ISBN 0913836400;

GBT III weekly questions

Specific editions used.

Confessions ; Augustine; Doubleday; ISBN 0-385-02955-1; translator- Ryan
City of God  ; Augustine; Modern Library; ISBN 0-679-60087-6; translator- Dods

 
Proslogium, Monologium, Cur Deus Homo

; Anselm; Open Court; ISBN 0875481094

 
Summa Theologiae ;  

Aquinas; Modern Library; ISBN 0075536536; translator- Pegis

 
Summa additions 

Click here for e-reading.

Divine Comedy;

 
Hell (Inferno) ; 

Dante; Penquin; ISBN 0-14-044-006-2; translator- Sayers

  Purgatory (Purgatorio)

; Dante; Penquin; ISBN 0-14-044-046-1; translator- Sayers

  Paradise (Paradiso)

; Dante; Penquin; ISBN 0-14-044-105-0; translator- Sayers

 
Canterbury Tales

; Chaucer; Penquin; ISBN 0140440224;

 
As You Like It

; Shakespeare; Signet (Mass Market); ISBN 0451524608;

  *Film Version*
Henry IV, Part I

; Shakespeare; Folger; ISBN 0671722638;

  *Film Version*

Edits: 2:00- 3:15; 26:00-27:00; 51:00-53:30; 1:16:00-1:18:00

The Prince

; Machiavelli; Chicago; ISBN 0226500381; translator- Mansfield

 
Richard II 

; Shakespeare; Folger; ISBN 0671722832;

  *Youtube Version* 

*Grisly Film Version*

Fourth year Great Books Tutorial reading list

In order to enter GBT IV, local students (not online students) most complete two semesters of choir  with Mr. Hinrichs.

GBT IV are encouraged to take the  Shakespeare tutorial  or to make sure they are familiar with the plays covered in that tutorial. The Shakespeare tutorial is available to them for free, live or through download.  

1. Don Quixote; Part I (Summer reading) Video Video  Link   Video
   2. Don Quixote; Part II (Summer reading)  Video   Video   Video   Video   Video   Video  
   3. Institutes; I, Chapters i-ix, Video   Video   Video   Video   Video  
   4. Institutes; I, Chapter xv, xvi; II Chapters iv-v.5; III Chapters xxi-xxii;  Video   Video   Video   Video
   5. Commentary on Galations; Commentary on Galations 1-2  Video   Video   Video  
   6. Commentary on Galations; Commentary on Galations 3  Video   Video   Video   Video
   7. Commentary on Galations; Commentary on Galations 4-5  Video   Video   Video  *Conferenced Paper 1 due*  
   8. Bach; St. Matthew Passion-  Video   Video   Video   Video  
   9. Essays of Montaigne; To the Reader; I, 26, On the Education of Children; I, 31 Of Cannibals; II, 11, Of Cruelty; III, 2, Of Repentence Video    Video  *Paper 1 due*  
   10. Essays of Montaigne; III, 13, Of Experience  Video   Video
   11. Novum Organum; I, Preface and Aphorisms 1-95  Video   Video   Video   Video
   12. Discourse on the Method; Parts 1-6  Video   Video  
   13. Meditations; Synopsis, I-III  Video   Video  *Conferenced Paper 2 due*  
   14. Meditations; IV-VI  Video   Video   Video   Video
   15. Pensees;  Video    Video   Video    Video  *Paper 2 due*

Please note that Pensees from the non-classifie d papers are added to the chapters to which they seem to be clearly related.

Chapter I Order:all 
Chapter II Vanity:13, 21, 25, 30, 36, 44, 47, (p. 120) 413, 627, 628, 688, 697, 806, 978 
Chapter III Wretchedness:54-56, 58, 60, 65, 71, 72, 75
Chapter IV:78, 79, 622, 641, 771
Chapter V:80,81, 83, 85, 87, 89-93, 95, 97, 98, 101-103, 577 ,665, 711, 828
Chapter VI:106-108, 110-116, 118
Chapter VII:119, 121, 122, 124,-128, 131, 298, 401, 410
Chapter VIII:132-134, 136, 138, 139, 414
Chapter IX:140, 143, 145, 407
Chapter X:148

16. Pensees; Video Video   Video
    Chapter XI 149 
    Chapter XII 151, 152, 157, 160-162, 165, 166, 418, 427, 428, 434, 442, 444 
    Chapter XIII 170, 173-175, 182-185, 187, 188 
    Chapter XIV 189, 190, 192, 446, 449 
    Chapter XV 194, 195, 198-201, 511, 512, 416, 417, 431, 471 
    Chapter XVI 205, 208, 210, 214-216, 219, 220 
    Chapter XVIII 228, 232, 234, 239, 241, 242 
    Chapter XIX 255, 265 
    Chapter XXIII 298, 300, 301, 308, 309, 423, 424 
    Chapter XXIV 332, 335 
    Chapter XXVI 351-354, 357, 358, 360, 364, 372, 373, 808, 821 
    Chapter XXVII 378, 380, 381, 835, 846 
    The Memorial
17. Paradise Lost; I-III Video   Video   Video   Video
    18. Paradise Lost; IV; V; VI (Argument only); VII (Argument only); VIII; IX  Video   Video   Video
    19. Paradise Lost; X-XII  Video   Video   Video
    20. Leviathan; Author's Introduction, I:1-4, 12-16; Also, Calvin's Institutes; Book IV Chapter xx  Video   Video
    21. Leviathan; II: 17,18,20,21,26,29  Video   Video
    22. Leviathan; II: 30, 31 (paragraphs 1-5, last 5 paragraphs); III: 32 (paragraphs 1-4 and last), 35 (first 6 paragraphs), 38 (paragraphs 3, 4, 5, 16, 17), 39, 41 (third paragraph), 43; IV: 44 (first four paragraphs only); 46, 47, Review and Concl.  Video   Video
    23. Discourse on Metaphysics  Video    Video  *Conferenced Paper 3 due*  
    24. Principles of Nature and Grace; Monadology  Video   Video
    25. Ethics; Part I Video   Video  *Paper 3 due*
    26. Ethics; Part II Video Video   Video
    27. Treatise on Human Nature; Introduction; Book I, Part I all; Part II (except sections 4 & 5);  Intro Video   Video
    28. Treatise on Human Nature; Book I, Part III, Sections 1-8, 14; Part IV, sections 2, 6-7  Video Video
    29. Treatise on Human Nature; Book III, Part I; Part II, sections 1, 2, 5; Part III, sections 1, 3, 5  Video   Video
    30. Vermeer;  Woman Holding a Balance ,  A Lady Writing  - http://essentialvermeer.20m.com/   Video   Video *Conferenced Paper 4 due*  
    31. Gulliver's Travels; I, II  Intro Video   Video
    32. Gulliver's Travels; III, IV  Video    Video  *Paper 4 due*
    33.  North and South  (film version)  Video   Video
    34. Second Treatise on Government (Concerning Civil Government); Chs. I-IX  Video   Video
    35. Second Treatise on Government (Concerning Civil Government); Chs. X-XIX  Video   Video

Papers

All papers should be 1800 words in length. Topics are of your own choosing, but must be approved by the tutor.

GBT IV weekly questions

Specific editions used.

Please note- many of these texts are expensive. If you need to substitute cheaper editions, please feel free to do so. The texts listed are the finest editions available.

Don Quixote ; Cervantes; Random House; ISBN 0679602860; translator- Putnam 
Institutes of the Christian Religion ; 
Institutes of the Christian Religion ;  (Great Edition) Calvin; The Westminster Press; ISBN 0664220282; translator- Battles
Institutes of the Christian Religion ; (OK Edition) Calvin; Eerdmans; ISBN - 0802881661 Translator- Beveridge 
Institutes of the Christian Religion ; (Bad edition) ISBN- 0802841678
Commentary on Galations ; Luther; Revell; ISBN 0891079947;
St. Matthew Passion ; Johann Sebastian Bach; Use the  Richter Edition  or the  scrolling edition . Print out  Libretto and translation  to keep notes as you listen. Please look for places where the music compliments the meaning of the text. 
Essays ; Montaigne; Stanford University Press; ISBN 0804704864; translator- Frame 
Novum Organon ; Bacon; Library of the Liberal Arts (Pap Txt); ISBN: 0023033800 
Discourse on Method, Meditations ; Descartes; Cambridge Press; ISBN 0521358124; translators- Stoothooff & Cottingham 
Pensees ; Pascal; Penquin; ISBN 0140446451 
Paradise Lost ; Milton; Prentice Hall; ISBN: 0023582901 
Paperback Version  
Leviathan ; Hobbes; Penquin; ISBN 0140431950 
Ethics ; Spinoza; Everyman; ISBN 0460873474 
Discourse on Metaphysics, Monadology ,  Principles of Nature and Grace ;  Leibniz; Open Court Classics; ISBN 0872200620 
A Treatise of Human Nature ; Hume; Penquin; ISBN 0140432442 
Woman Holding a Balance ,  A Lady Writing Vermeer;
Gulliver's Travels ; Swift; Penquin; ISBN 0140430229 
North and South ; Brian Perceval director (film version)
Second Treatise on Government (Concerning Civil Government) ; John Locke; Prometheus Books; ISBN 0879753374; Other editions will suffice.

Additional resources:
The Legacy of Karl Richter - in addition to Saint Matthew Passion
Handel's Messiah 
Man of La Mancha
Life is Beautiful
Vanitas Theme in Art - in addition to Pascal

Fifth year Great Books Tutorial reading list  

Great Books five students who would like to fill out their understanding of the ideas that have shaped the development of Western History should consider the  History of Science and Mathematics tutorial while taking GBT V. Many themes that are discusses in Great Books have influenced and been influenced by the development of Science and Mathematics.

Students desiring to get the most of GBT V, should read  Ashley Carr's challenge  to them.

1. Prolegomena to Any Future Metaphysics; Preface, Preamble, First and Second part    Video   Video Video Video  
2. Prolegomena to Any Future Metaphysics;Third part, Conclusion, Solution  Video Video Video Video  
3. Discourse on the Origins of Inequality Video   Video   Video   Video
4. The Social Contract Video   Video   Video
5. Foundations of the Metaphysics of Morals; Preface, Sec.1  Video   Video   Video   Video
6. Foundations of the Metaphysics of Morals; Sec. II, III; What is Enlightenment?  Video   Video Video   Video  *Paper #1 topic due  
7. Wealth of Nations; Book I, chapters I-IX  Video   Video
8. Wealth of Nations;  Video   Video  Video   Video

Book I, chapter X
Book I, chapter XI (first paragraph and Conclusion) 
Book II, chapter I (first five paragraphs only) 
Book II, chapter III (first two-thirds, stopping before the paragraph beginning, "The annual produce...") 
Book III, chapter II (first six paragraphs only) 
Book III chapter IV (omitting the last five paragraphs) 
Book IV, chapter II (first fifteen and last three paragraphs only) 
Book IV, chapter IX (last four paragraphs only) 
Book V, chapter I, Part I

9. Wealth of Nations; Book V, chapter I, Parts 2, 3 and 4 (p.708-816) Video Video   Video
   10. Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation, The Federalist: 1, 2, 6, 9-11, 12 (first three paragraphs), 14  Video ,  Video  
   11. The Federalist; 15-17, 23, 31, 37-39, Constitution of the United States  Video   Video   *Paper #1 Final Due
   12. The Federalist; 47-51, 57, 62-63, 68, 69, 76, 78  Video   Video   Video
   13. Huckleberry Finn  Video   Video   Video   Video
   14. Logic; Sections 1-15,20-25,79-98  Video   Video Video   Video  
   15. Phenomenolgy of Spirit; Sections 73-77; Sense Certainty, Perception, sections 90-113; Lordship and Bondage, sections 165, 178-196  Video   Video   Video
   16. War and Peace (Christmas reading)    Video   Video Video   Video  *Paper #1 Presentation Revision Due  
   17. War and Peace (Christmas reading)  Video   Video   Video
   18. Phenomenolgy of Spirit; Stoicism and Skepticism, sections 197-206  Video    Video
   19. Phenomenolgy of Spirit; Unhappy Conciousness, sections 207-230 Video   Video
   20. Phenomenolgy of Spirit; Consciousness and the Beautiful Soul, sections 632-658  Video  
   21. Phenomenolgy of Spirit; The Beautiful Soul and Forgiveness, sections 659-671, Absolute Knowing, sections 806-808  Video
   22. Capital; *pages numbers are for the recommended text*; 102 (mid)-103; 125-180 (mid); 198-209; 247-280; 283-306; 675-682; 307-310 (top); 320-325  Paper #2 Topic Due   Video   Video Video
   23. Capital; 340-344 (mid); 367-368 (top); 375-377 (top); 417-458; 470-486 (mid); 508-518; 526-537 (top); 544-553; 615 (bot) -621 (mid); 636-639; 655-658 (mid); 666-667  Video   Video   Video
   24. Capital; 711-757; 762-772; 873-876; 914-930  Video   Video   Video   Video
   25. Fear and Trembling; Beginning through Problem 1  Video   Video
   26. Fear and Trembling; Problems II, III and Epilogue  Video   Video
   27. Tristan and Isolde  Video   Video   Video   Video
   28. Beyond Good and Evil; Preface, Parts (Books) 1; 2; 3; 4, epigrams 150-164; 5; 6; 7; 8, epigrams 241-242,248,250,253,255; 9  Video   Video   Video
   29. The Brothers Karamazov (Spring Break reading)  Video   Video   Video   Video   Video   Video
   30. The Brothers Karamazov   Video    Video    Video   *Paper #2 Final Due  
   31. Democracy in America; ISBN 0060915226; Volume I: Author's Introduction; Part I, chaps. 3,5,6; Part II chaps. 7-10  Video   Video
   32. Democracy in America; Volume (or part) II (p.417); Part I, chaps. 1-3,5,15; Part II, chaps. 1-15; Part IV, chaps 6-8  Video   Video
   33. The Ego and the ID  C.S.Lewis Response   Intro Video   Video   Video   Video  
   34. The Abolition of Man    Video   Video  
   35. God in the Dock, I; 1-5,8,9,16,18,21,23, II; 4,7,8,12, III; 1,2,5,8 Paper #2 Presentation Revision Due   Video Video
    

Specific editions used.

Prolegomena to Any Future Metaphysics ; Kant; ISBN 0872205932; editor- Ellington; Hackett 
The Social Contract and Discourses ;  Rousseau; ISBN 0460873571; Editor- Brumfitt; 
Foundations of the Metaphysics of Morals ; Kant; ISBN 0023078251; Editor- Beck 
Wealth of Nations ; Adam Smith; ISBN 0865970084; Liberty Press 
The Federalist ; Hamilton; Jay; Madison; ISBN 0679603255; College Library 
Huckleberry Finn ; Mark Twain; ISBN 0520053370 ; University of California
War and Peace ; Leo Tolstoy; ISBN 039396647; W.W.Norton 
Logic ; Hegel; ISBN 0198245122; Oxford 
Phenomenolgy of Spirit ; Hegel; ISBN 0198245971; Oxford 
Capital ; Marx; ISBN 039472657X; Random House 
Fear and Trembling ; Kierkegaard; ISBN 0691020264; Princeton 
Tristan and Isolde ; Wagner; ASIN B0012NO92O ; Deutsche Grammaphon (Watch with subtitles!!)
Youtube Version ;  Libretto ;  Tristan and Isolde Myth
Beyond Good and Evil ; Nietzsche; ISBN 0679724656; Vintage Books 
The Brothers Karamazov ; Dostoevsky; ISBN 0393092143; Norton 
Democracy in America ; Alexis de Tocqueville; ISBN 0060915226; Harper and Row 
The Ego and the ID ; Freud; ISBN 0393001423; Norton 
The Abolition of Man ; Lewis, ISBN 0060652942, Harpers 
God in the Dock ; Lewis, ISBN 0802808689 , Eerdmans

Papers

All papers should be 3500-3700 words in length. Topics are of your own choosing, but must be approved by the tutor. First semester papers may be on any book in GBT I-V, however half of the second semester paper must be on books from GBT I-III. Students are required to present their papers before their peers for examination at the end of each semester.

Additional resources:

Kantian Technical Terminology-  This is is very helpful in working through Kant.
Thomas Jefferson  - in addition to founding documents
Declaration of Independance - Very nicely read
The Logic of Desire  - A fine resource for students interested in further Hegel study.
War and Peace Principle Characters
Freud's Last Session - A play comparing C.S.Lewis and Freud
Conversation on De Tocqueville
Primitive Technology  and  I, Pencil - to suppliment Adam Smith

Good Words about the Great Books Tutorial

"Fritz Hinrichs is very knowledgeable in the great texts of our intellectual history. He loves to teach them and has an infectious delight in the material as well as a mature Christian viewpoint of them. " 
John Frame  
Professor- Reformed Theological Seminary

"In the Great Books Tutorial, our son has been given a basis for looking at Western thought through Biblical spectacles. The enthusiasm and expertise which ETS offers is unsurpassed." 
Dr. and Mrs. Jim Newheiser, Jr.

"I've been looking for something like this for years! Fritz Hinrichs' Great Books Tutorial is giving our teenaged sons a great start on the intellectual life. Reading and discussing truly great books (as opposed to faddish lists of "modern classics") is not only great preparation for college, but for life itself. An excellent teacher and excellent, uplifting content -- what more could you ask? I highly recommend this course to every homeschool family" 
Mary Pride  
Editor- Practical Homeschooling Magazine

"Fritz Hinrichs offers a remarkable opportunity to homeschoolers, that being the tutorial relationship as the means for the study of the great works of Western Civilization. Drawing on his undergraduate background in the Classics and his seminary training in theology and apologetics, he carefully guides his students through the readings to an understanding of the interplay between the Christian and non-Christian ideas that have molded the thinking of our culture. It has been immensely rewarding to me as a parent to see my childrens' minds kindled with interest as they are drawn into dialogue with their tutor and fellow students. This is learning at its best! 
Margaret Ahern  
Mother of three GBT students  
 

Common Questions on the Great Books Tutorial

At what age should my child enter the Great Books Tutorial?  
This is a common question but it does not have an easy answer. GBT is oriented towards students between 13 and 20. If a student is planning to go to a four year college immediately after high school, it would be good to complete the five your sequence before graduating from high school. However, to begin so young requires a very good reader. Many students start later knowing that they will be spending a couple of years in community college and are able to continue in GBT while in community college. Some college students have even been able to get credit for GBT by applying for directed study credits through their college.

I recommend that parents who are considering GBT purchase some of the books we read and see for themselves whether their student's reading abilities are adequate for the readings required. Students may not begin before they are 12 years old. Also, students must be ready to take Euclid during GBT II, so they need to be able to finish Algebra I but the end of GBT I. Please plan your math sequence accordingly.

How can I prepare my child for the Great Books Tutorial?  
I find that most students who thrive in GBT come from families where discussions are the norm at mealtimes, the scriptures are read seriously, music is a valued part of life, books are considered to be ends and not means, and parents strive to live out the goals they put forward for their own children.

A healthy dose of Greek and Roman history is very helpful through the elementary years. Specifically, I recommend D'Aulaires  Book of Greek Myths . For more Greek and Roman history, I recommend reading  Plutarch's Lives Volume 1  and  Plutarch's Lives Volume 2 .  Plutarch loves long sentences and if your reader finds him difficult  Famous Greeks  and  Famous Romans  from the teaching company are very helpful and well-told. They often go on sale through the catalog and can also be found by searching on youtube-  Greeks   Romans . The Chronicles of Narnia  receive many comparisons in class and your student should be familiar with them.

Of course, whatever study in Greek and Latin you can manage will be a great aid. The vocabulary required in the readings really stretches most readers and their vocabulary acquisition will greatly enhanced if they are able to draw on the the etymological skills that the study of the ancient language provides. It is sad that Greek always seems to be seen as that "other" classical language. Studying both Greek and Latin is the ideal of course; however, if you must study only one, I would recommend that you make that language Greek. The advantages I see are the following; 1) Greek is the language of the New Testament, 2) Greek study provides the same advantages to vocabulary acquisition as Latin and, 3) the great classical works that demand close linguistic study are more often Greek than Roman. Let me state once again though, for the classicist, there is only one right answer to the question, "How many languages should I learn?" It is, "more."

You might also help your child by preparing yourself as a parent to understand the goal of Great Books education. Linny Dey's article  Eden's Children Grown-up  is a very good place to start.

Does Mr. Hinrichs ever miss class?
Yes. Of the 35 weeks in the year, I miss 4 on average. Reasons for missing are typically: birth of a child, leading a Europe trip, jury service and illness. I will attempt to arrange a substitute when absent, however, if this is not possible, the student may need to listen to the class recording that week or work on his own. There will not be any pro-rated refund of tuition for missed tutorials; however, I will endeavor to keep absences to a minimum.

Does Mr. Hinrichs grade all papers?
Yes, except for the GBTI papers for which I will use other graders.

Why must students take the five years in sequence and why is the study of Euclid's Elements required?

The great books are read chronologically because authors tend to reference authors in the past rather than the future. Literary fame and influence have rarely been bestowed upon writers who have not yet existed. Seriously... important themes are developed and deepened through time as various authors touch upon them from differing perspectives. In order to understand this conversation, we need to follow it in the historical progress in which it developed. Thus, students are not allowed to take any of the years of GBT without completing all of the previous years' tutorials. 

The conversation of western history is not limited to just literature, but involves mathematics, science, philosophy, literature, theology and many other fields. In order to grasp this development, it would be best to study mathematics and science in a historical fashion along with the great books as is done at St. John's College. However, fitting this into a high school curriculum is perhaps even beyond the capabilities of a home-school mother. Yet, a good understanding of western literature cannot be had without at least reading the Homer of mathematics- Euclid. Thus, my students must study  Euclid's Elements  before completing GBT II.

After going through the Great Books Tutorial is college necessary?  
This is a difficult question. Certainly their are certain prudential considerations that push one towards getting a degree; however, prospective GBT students should be warned that after going through the tutorial some college classes may seem a little rudimentary. 

Does Mr. Hinrichs confront plagiarism?  
Gladly! Please see  http://www.sparknotes.com/help/plagiarism.html  for helpful guidelines to help you diagnose this particular malady. Plagiarism is best understood with the following analogy; adultery/marriage = plagiarism/writing.

Can students start the tutorial in any year?  
In odd years, GBT I, III & V are available. In even years, GBT II & IV are available.

What can I do if we have missed the start year for GBT I?
A  Summer option for GBT I allows you to join GBT I so that you can continue with GBT II the following September. The course covers the same material as the regular GBT I and also costs a similar amount. The course meets either 3 or 4 times a week and goes between 9 and 12 weeks depending on the instructor's schedule. Former GBT students teach this course and it is taught online. For more information please see  Summer GBT I  . 
 

What recommendations do you have for the study of math and science for a Great Books student?
I do not often get this question, but I wish I did, so here is my answer. You can see my own Math and Science tutorial  here.

The Great Books tutorial provides a very fine survey of the ideas that have shaped our culture in philosophy, literature, theology and political science. One of the great advantages of the Great Books approach is that we attempt to understand all these fields by seeing how they developed in relation to one another as we read through the great texts chronologically. However, there is a conspicuous absence in that we do not substantially address the connections between science and mathematics and the other fields. There are many connections with the history of science and mathematics that help to make the issues discussed in philosophy, literature, theology and political science more understandable and meaningful.

I have always wished that I could teach the history of science and mathematics in conjunction with the Great Books tutorial to bring out these connections in more detail; however, a serious lack of discipline on my part dissuades me from that path. St. John's College  has a program wherein one spends four years going through the great books of mathematics and science to experience this story firsthand. However, for those with less Olympian-sized budgets, I recommend the lectures in mathematics and science provided by The Teaching Company-  History of Science: Antiquity to 1700 , History of Science: 1700-1900  and  Queen of the Sciences: A History of Mathematics . The videos are fairly expensive- the sets usually list around $350 a piece, however, they often go on sale for around $70 and if you are  Ebay  savvy you can find them at further discount there. You can also resell them on Ebay once you are done with them. If you do not want to purchase them on Ebay, contact  www.teach12.com  so that you can get their catalog and watch for them to go on sale. If you are a local student and would like to borrow my copies, please contact me.

Part 1 of  History of Science: Antiquity to 1700 begins with the Babylonian and Egyptians, but focuses primarily on the contributions of the Greeks. In order to provide context to the overview of Greek science, Dr. Principe provides a wonderful survey of the main themes of Greek philosophy. Parts 2 and 3 cover science in the Christian West during the Middle Ages, the substantial contributions of the Islamic scholars, the rise of Scholasticism, the Copernican Revolution, Isaac Newton and the rise of chemistry. History of Science: 1700-1900  continues the story by discussing the rise of science in the Enlightenment and modern age. You can see full details on the topics covered at  History of Science: Antiquity to 1700  and  History of Science: 1700-1900 . These lectures work particularly well with GBT as they continually discuss how theology and philosophy effect and are effected by the development of science. This perspective encourages students who tend to think of learning as simply mastering distinct subjects to consider how everything they are learning is simply working towards a human understanding of the world- what we might simply call wisdom. 

I do not know if the professors are Christians, but they should be understood as descriptive historians and not prescriptive polemicists. They do discuss the relation of Christianity to many scientific issues, but often it is not in order to promote a particular understanding of how faith and science should relate, but most often simply to survey the various approaches that have been given throughout history.

The best schedule for integrating the lectures with GBT would be the following. Keep in mind that each of the parts listed contains twelve thirty-minute lectures.

GBT I History of Science: Antiquity to 1700 Part 1
GBT II History of Science: Antiquity to 1700 Part 2
GBT III History of Science: Antiquity to 1700 Part 3
GBT IV History of Science: 1700-1900 Part 1&2
GBT V History of Science: 1700-1900 Part 3

The Teaching Company also has a set of lectures on the history of mathematics which covers much of the same material as the history of science set does, however, with much more mathematical detail that students who have studied Pre-Calculus will be able to appreciate-  A History of Mathematics . I also recommend their set  Great Authors of the Western Literary Tradition, 2nd Edition  for those who would like to have further commentary on their Great Books readings. I also recommend; Joy of Science ,  Joy of Mathematics ,  Dutch Masters: The Age of Rembrandt , Classical Mythology ,  Iliad and Odyssey of Homer ,  The Aeneid of Virgil,  and  Herodotus: The Father of History

How would I fit the Great Books Tutorial into a traditional high school curriculum?  
One of the advantages of the GBT is that it does not compartmentalize knowledge by breaking it down into a myriad of subjects. I heartily agree with C.S.Lewis when he said, "We ought to teach far fewer subjects and all of them much better." GBT draws together subject matter from History, Philosophy, Theology, Literature and Political Science. All of these subjects are presented as they worked themselves out in our culture's development- as a complex battle of ideas.

To see how to structure a curriculum around the Great Books Tutorial, please see our  curriculum guide. For a details on the number of credits for each course, please see our  credits breakdown .

Each year could be broken down into traditional subjects in the following manner.

Great Books Tutorial I

History  
The Histories 
The Rise and Fall of Athens 
* Six weeks study * 
Philosophy  
The Poetics 
The Last Days of Socrates 
* Six weeks study * 
Theology  
Exhortation to the Greeks 
* Two weeks study * 
Literature  
Iliad 
Odyssey 
The Three Theban Plays 
The Oresteia 
* Eighteen weeks study * 
Government (Civics)  
Gorgias 
* Three weeks study * 
Writing (Composition)  
Seven papers totaling 18 to 28 pages.

Course Description  
Great Books Tutorial I comprehensively surveys classical Greek and early patristic literature. The course integrates readings from History, Philosophy, Theology, Literature and Government in order to examine the development of Western cultural trends and ideas from a Biblical worldview. Also provided are expositional and argumentative writing exercises based on analytical reading and critical thinking. This is an honors level course.

Great Books Tutorial II

History  
The Peloponnesian War 
The Annals of Imperial Rome 
The Lives of Caesar and Cato the Younger 
* Seven weeks study * 
Philosophy  
De Anima 
Theaetetus 
Physics 
Metaphysics 
Phaedrus 
The Nature of Things
Nichomachean Ethics 
* Eighteen weeks study * 
Theology  
On the Incarnation 
* One week study * 
Literature  
Aeneid 
* Three weeks study * 
Government (Civics)  
The Republic 
* Six weeks study * 
Writing (Composition)  
Six papers totaling 21 to 27 pages.

Course Description

Great Books Tutorial II comprehensively surveys classical Greek, Roman and early patristic literature. The course integrates readings from History, Philosophy, Theology, Literature and Government in order to examine the development of Western cultural trends and ideas from a Biblical worldview. Also provided are expositional and argumentative writing exercises based on analytical reading and critical thinking. This is an honors level course.

Great Books Tutorial III

Literature  
Canterbury Tales 
As You Like It 
Henry IV, part I 
Richard II 
*7 weeks study* 
Theology  
Confessions 
City of God 
Prologium, Monologium, Cur Deus Homo 
Summa Theologiae 
Divine Comedy 
*27 weeks study* 
Government  
The Prince 
*1 week study*

Writing (Composition)  
Four papers totaling 24 to 28 pages.

Course Description

Great Books Tutorial III comprehensively surveys classical patristic and Medieval literature. The course integrates readings from Theology, Literature and Government in order to examine the development of Western cultural trends and ideas from a Biblical worldview. Also provided are expositional and argumentative writing exercises based on analytical reading and critical thinking. This is an honors level course.

Great Books Tutorial IV

Philosophy  
Essays of Montainge 
Novum Organum 
Discourse on Method 
Meditations 
Discourse on Metaphysics 
Principles of Nature and Grace 
Monadologys 
Ethics 
Treatise on Human Nature 
* Fifteen weeks study * 
Theology  
Institute of the Christian Religion 
Commentary on Galations 
St. Matthew Passion 
Pensees 
* Eight weeks study * 
Literature  
Don Quixote 
Paradise Lost 
Gulliver's Travels 
Emma 
* Eight weeks study * 
Government (Civics)  
Leviathan 
* Three weeks study * 
Art  
Woman Holding a Balance 
A Lady Writing 
* One week study *

Writing (Composition)  
Four papers totaling 24 to 28 pages.

Course Description

Great Books Tutorial IV comprehensively surveys Reformation and Enlightenment literature. The course integrates readings from Theology, Literature and Government in order to examine the development of Western cultural trends and ideas from a Biblical worldview. Also provided are expositional and argumentative writing exercises based on analytical reading and critical thinking. This is an honors level course.

Great Books Tutorial V

Philosophy  
Prolegomena to Any Future Metaphysics (2)
Foundations of the Metaphysics of Morals(2)
Phenomenolgy of Spirit (5)
Beyond Good and Evil 
Phenomenology and the Crisis of Philosophy
* Eleven weeks study * 
Theology  
Fear and Trembling
God in the Dock
* Two weeks study * 
Literature  
Huckleberry Finn
War and Peace (2)
The Brothers Karamazov (2)
* Five weeks study * 
Government (Civics)  
Discourse on the Origins of Inequality
The Social Contract
Wealth of Nations (3)
Declaration of Independence
Articles of Confederation
The Federalist
Democracy in America (2)
* Ten weeks study * 
Psychology
The Ego and the ID
* One week study * 
Economics
Wealth of Nations (3)
Capital (3)
* Six weeks study * 
Art  
Tristan and Isolde
* One week study *

Writing (Composition)  
Two papers totaling 24 to 28 pages.

Course Description

Great Books Tutorial V comprehensively surveys Modern literature. The course integrates readings from Theology, Literature and Government in order to examine the development of Western cultural trends and ideas from a Biblical worldview. Also provided are expositional and argumentative writing exercises based on analytical reading and critical thinking. This is an honors level course.