The Latin Centered Curriculum
A book review of Campbell's new guide to Classical Education
Jul 5, 2006
The Latin Centered Curriculum: Home Schooler's Guide to a Latin-Centered Education was written by Andrew A. Campbell and published by Non Nobis Press. This is a good, thorough guide to the world of classical education.
For those of you not familiar with this form of learning, a classical curriculum is based on the history, culture, and ancient languages of Latin and Greek.
The book is divided into two main parts. The first three chapters define and explain what a Classical Education is about. Also helpful here are answers to arguments against Classical Education. The rest of the book goes into spelling out Campbell's exact approach and curriculum.
- On the positive side -
- The Scope and Sequence of chapter four takes you all the way from Kindergarten through 12th grade. Impressive!
- The book explains what curriculums and materials are needed very thoroughly.
- Internet resources for looking at and ordering materials suggested are included. On the negative side -
- This is not a curriculum for those on a tight budget. I added up many items Campbell suggested for a 3rd grader, and they can come to well over $200.
- While the chapters detail everything needed, there are so many different areas, it can get quite overwhelming.
- I also wish there was included in the appendices a summary of all suggested material for each grade level. It can get tiring flipping through the book all the time.
I had some knowledge of what went into a Classical Education, but I have never been taught this way nor have I taught my children this way. I found this book to be a good explanation of what this approach is all about. Some parts are a little confusing to one who is not already familiar with this form of education. However, after a few re-readings of the sections I was unsure about, I began to catch on.
If you are interested in learning what a Latin Centered education is all about, this is a very good read. Campbell makes persuasive arguments for this method and manages to explain a very complex way of learning succinctly.
