If you are concerned that GK Chesterton’s works are too dense, this is the course for you. Dr. Chalberg will walk students through Chesterton’s profound yet commonsensical Christian apologetic work, “Orthodoxy”. This book is filled with wit, humor, and wisdom.

 

How to get the most out of Orthodoxy by G.K. Chesterton:

  • First, read the course details below and purchase or borrow the book.
  • Prepare a notebook for notetaking and homework.
  • Students begin the course by clicking on the "Recording" and watching Mr. Ahlquist's lecture for Class One.
  • Complete the Quiz, which is automated and graded by the computer.
  • If you need review, go back and watch the recording again.
  • Repeat until all 6 classes are complete.
  • Once the course is finished to the parent's satisfaction, there is a Certificate of Completion at the end to be filled in for your records. Make sure to record your grades (Homeschool Connections does not provide recordkeeping services).

 Special Notes: Includes optional writing component. For a full semester, precede with Dr. Chalberg’s course: Introduction to Gilbert Keith Chesterton.

Total Classes: 6

Prerequisite: The ability to read and enjoy Orthodoxy

Suggested Grade Level: 9th to 12th grade

Suggested Credit: 1/2 semester Literature or English

Instructor: John C. "Chuck" Chalberg Ph.D.

Instructor Email: chuck.chalberg@gmail.com

Course Description: A study of Chesterton’s masterpiece of Christian apologetics. Possibly the most fundamental of Chesterton’s books.

Course Outline:

  1. Introduction to G.K. Chesterton and to Orthodoxy
  2. Chapters 2 and 3 (The Maniac, The Suicide of Thought)
  3. Ch. 4 The Ethics of Elfland
  4. Ch. 5, 6 The Flag of the World, The Paradoxes of Christianity
  5. Ch. 7, 8 The Eternal Revolution, The Romance of Orthodoxy
  6. Ch. 9 Authority and the Adventurer; Summary of Book

Course Materials: Orthodoxy by G.K. Chesterton, ISBN-13: 978-1657592193

Homework: Read the assigned chapter(s) in preparation for class and take a short multiple-choice quiz after each class. The chapters are short but packed full. 1 1/2 to 2 hours of close reading would be recommended to prepare for class. There will be two optional writing assignments of 500-600 words each for those who would like to go the extra mile.