Classical Et Cetera

Today, Shane Saxon talks with Kyle Janke, an english teacher at Highlands Latin School, about the significance of William Shakespeare’s King Lear in Classical Education. Both Shane and Kyle love The Bard’s plays, and they discuss the narrative structure of King Lear from the perspective of classical educators. This episode is part one of two, so be sure to follow the podcast to ensure that you don’t miss the next episode!

In this episode, Shane hears from Dustin Warren, a Highlands Latin School European History teacher, about the top 5 forgotten Middle Ages moments. The Middle Ages, or “The Great Middle” as Dustin says, is a time in history that many are unfamiliar with. In Classical Education, we as educators talk a lot about the Middle Ages because, in some ways, we’re reviving a form of education that was at its peak in terms of formal institutions during the Middle Ages. And, although the culture and setting of the Middle Ages is far from what we experience today, stories from the Middle Ages generate interest in a Classical setting.

In this episode, Shane interviews Ethan Gotcher, the Schools Division Director, to learn how faith has shaped and developed his understanding and love of classical education. Ethan grew up attending a Christian school. But, through his journey in working to educate his own children, Ethan learned about and came to love Classical Christian Education.

During the 1990's, Martin Cothran fought Kentucky education reforms to preserve sound education for students. Martin, along with the late Memoria Press Founder Cheryl Lowe, appeared before judiciary committees and the general public to make a case for classical education. In this episode, "Classical Education VS Modern Education," Shane Saxon hears Martin's stories from his time in "the hot seat," delving into the where and why of the situation that Martin found himself in.

Today, Shane Saxon sits down with Ken Dennis, a historian, author, and storyteller, to discuss his experience as a classical history teacher. Mr. Dennis reveals how to “put the subject over” for students of his history class, by engaging them with the power of their own history.

In this episode, Shane Saxon sits down with Paul Schaeffer, the director of the Memoria Press Online Academy, to discuss Paul’s passions--farming and technology, and how this duality of interest is not a contradiction. Paul also recounts his experience in hunting and how it changed his perspective on life.

In this special episode, Shane Saxon and Jon Christianson discuss classical Christmas traditions and tie them into today's common Christmas traditions. Since many of these classical Christmas traditions are based in Paganism, Shane and Jon take a factual approach to understanding and describing these classical traditions of Christmas, shining a light on the world of the past.

In this episode of Classical Et Cetera, Shane Saxon and Kyle Janke sit down to discuss the nuances, themes, and plot structure of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, a medieval Christmas story. Hear how the chivalrous and brave Sir Gawain must succeed in the Green Knight's challenge or face certain death at the hands of the mystical warrior. 

In this episode of Classical Et Cetera, Shane Saxon sits down with Latin Specialist Jon Christianson to discuss his favorite literature from the Greek Tragedians. In their discussion, you’ll learn about what is Greek Tragedy and why Jon loves the genre. You’ll hear about the context and importance of the Tragedian story structure.

In this episode of Classical Et Cetera, Shane Saxon sits down with Primary Curriculum Specialist Michelle Tefertiller to discuss the roots of classical education, her experience in all forms of primary education, the whole language approach vs. phonics, and the differences she saw between public and Christian private schools. You’ll hear all about Michelle's adventures in educating her own children and those in her public and Christian classrooms.