Teaching Classical Rhetoric

Most ACCS schools require a classical rhetoric class in 9th, 10th, or 11th grade. At the most obvious level, this class teaches both speech and composition, usually with a focus on public speaking. But rhetoric is more specific and unique than just a speech, debate, or composition class. It focuses on the art of persuasion which means it involves assignments that argue a position and could be debated, as opposed to research projects or creative writing. 

In practice, classical rhetoric references texts such as Cicero’s Rhetorica ad Herennium, and Aristotle’s On Rhetoric and covers the five canons of rhetoric (Invention, Arrangement, Style, Memory, Delivery). Nearly all classical rhetoric curricula are based around the progymnasmata, a series of written and spoken exercises that were once used starting around 12 years old. The exercises progress from retelling fables to arguing persuasively (which would be covered in a rhetoric course). Some classical schools have programs that are specifically progymnasmata based as early as 4th grade, but most schools use more general writing and composition courses through the logic phase until their classical rhetoric course. Many classical schools then require their seniors to write and present an argumentative thesis as a culmination of their high school education.

For a classical rhetoric course, some teachers prefer to design their own program to account for class size and how often students can practice speaking. It can also be an excellent opportunity to integrate subjects by using material from students’ history and literature classes. But there are also plenty of classical rhetoric programs available, many of which are designed to go along with writing courses for prior grades. 

Reference and textbooks

Ancient Rhetorics for Contemporary Students

• Veritas Press

The Rhetoric Companion

• Logos Press

Classical Rhetoric for the Modern Student

• By Edward Corbett

Classical Rhetoric Through Structure and Style

Rhetoric class curriculum

Classical Rhetoric with Aristotle

• Memoria Press; A study guide for the first part of Aristotle’s Rhetoric

Fitting Words Classical Rhetoric

• Roman Roads; a full year long curriculum

Rhetoric Alive!

• Classical Academic Press, a year long curriculum

Progymnasmata based programs that cover multiple grades

Writing and Rhetoric Series

• Classical Academic Press; a series based on the progymnasmata starting in grades 3 or 4 and going through 12th!

Excellence in Writing Courses Series

• Andrew Pudewa’s program covers all ages and grades, including high school, but is primarily a writing, not rhetoric program.

Classical Composition Series

• A Progymnasmata based curriculum by James A. Selby published by Memoria Press. 

Curriculum that is NOT specifically classical rhetoric, but may be helpful

Everyday Debate and Discussion

• Classical Academic Press; focuses on practical logic and formal debate

The Argument Builder

• Classical Academic Press; focuses on combining logic and rhetoric.

Take a Look at the Chrysostom Oratory Contest

Grand Prize: $1,000; The first-prize winning student will present their speech at the annual conference. The student will receive an all-expense-paid trip to Atlanta with one parent and friend; complimentary passes to Six Flags Atlanta for the winner, one parent, and friend. | Awarded at End of School Year | See Winners and Videos