Logic Curriculum Grades 7-9
The second stage of a classical school is the Dialectic or Logic stage (grades 7-9). In this stage, students are taught two years of formal logic in the 7th and 8th grades. The focus is on helping students to develop their use of inductive and deductive reasoning, and to teach them how to order their thoughts, analyze arguments, and detect logical fallacies. Logic curriculum developed specifically for use with students of this age is used at Redeemer. These “core” courses are taught with an emphasis on building upon information obtained in the grammar level as an operative base, and are taught in addition to the appropriate math, language arts, science, and other subject areas for this age level. In 9th grade, students receive a year long course in computer applications. In our state-of-the-art computer lab, they learn keyboarding, word processing, data management, and presentation software skills, primarily using Microsoft Office tools. Thus, they are provided with the tools essential to becoming an effective presenter in the Rhetoric phase, beginning in grade 10.
Logic stage students are given a strong foundation in the Bible. In 7th and 8th grades, students are given an Old Testament Survey and a New Testament Survey course, respectively. In addition, students in the Logic stage are given a survey course entitled “Christian Worldview”, which provides a foundation for the construction of a world and life view that is in line with the truth of the Scriptures.
Throughout this stage, teaching methodologies that sharpen students’ critical thinking skills are employed. Guided discussion groups and informal debate are techniques that are frequently employed across subjects. Students are taught to write response papers in a variety of content areas. They also learn to research a topic exhaustively, examining and integrating primary sources, as they learn world geography in grade 7, and a survey course of U.S. history in grade 8. Students complete a four-year study of Western Civilization, beginning in 9th grade with a focus on Antiquity, a thoughtful, in-depth study of ancient history. Utilizing a humanities approach, the literature, music, art, philosophy, and theology related to the time period under study are examined.
Logic level English courses expand students’ knowledge of grammar, vocabulary, writing mechanics, composition, and creative writing. They are required to read a number of major literary works related to their study of history/geography each year, and are taught to analyze the worldview of the author and main characters.
Students in grade 7 finish their general math training, where they are introduced to algebra and plane geometry. Eighth grade students are then given the opportunity to take either Algebra Foundations, or integrated Math 1. 9th grade students study integrated Math 1 or Integrated Math 2. This is a solid preparation for Integrated Math 3 and higher level math courses in the Rhetoric program, ensuring that they will be well prepared for their college entrance exams in grade 11.
The Integrated Math courses at RCCS focus on the traditional math subjects, i.e. Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II. However, each course integrates concepts from previous as well as future math courses. For instance, Integrated Math 2 has a focus on Geometry, but integrates concepts from Algebra I, Algebra II and Trigonometry.In science, the students cover basic science in grades 7 and 8, concentrating on the areas of Earth and Space, and Matter and Energy, respectively. Students in grade 9 are taught Biology, using Genesis 1:1 as a starting point. They apply lecture material in the student lab and develop their own laboratory research projects.
In the 9th grade, students begin their foreign language studies. RCCS requires that all students complete 2 years of Latin. Therefore, students who have not previously completed this requirement take Latin I in 9th grade. Other students may elect either French I or Spanish I. In addition to the major subject areas mentioned above, the students extend their knowledge in a variety of special topic areas in the Logic school as well. All students take courses in art and/or music each year. Physical education is taught twice per week in grades 7 and 8. Seventh grade students take Junior Achievement, where they and learn rudimentary principles of business and enterprise, and typing. 8th and 9th grade students are offered a number of elective choices, and all Logic students are given systematic training in study skills to assist in their scholarly development.