Reasoning and Writing: The Habits of Comprehension
with Nature Study Focus

* Classes start on Wednesday, September 3, 2008 with a
registration deadline of August 29, 2008!
Click here for registration form and information

- Subjects covered: Our Reasoning and Writing: The Habits of Comprehension tutorial focuses on the methods and habits of effective argumentation. These methodology lessons will be habituated through the study of nature, Christian discipleship and worldview thinking. By growing in their mastery of effective analytical reading and writing habits, students will be better equipped to grow in Christ, disciple other believers, defend the Christian worldview in the "marketplace of ideas" and share the hope of Christ with others. For more specific information on this tutorial, see "Detailed Description" below.
- Recommended Age Level: This tutorial is designed for above average to advanced homeschool students 8th - 10th Grade (12-15 years old). All students, regardless of age, will be challenged at their particular academic and spiritual level as a result of the direct instruction given them by Mr. Wirtz. This is possible because the class is limited to 8 students, which will allow us to give intensive individual attention to each student, regardless of their ability.
- Instructor: Mr. Wirtz will be the teacher. Mr. Wirtz is an accomplished teacher with over 20 years of experience. He has a wide range of subject and topic experience and a lengthier description may be found on his – bio page.
   The Cultural Commission is the worldview organization that Mr. Wirtz founded and has been endorsed by Charles W. Colson, co-author of How Now Shall We Live? and President of Prison Fellowship Ministries. Mr. Wirtz has also received endorsement by Dr. Norman Geisler, president of the Southern Evangelical Seminary and professor of Theology and Apologetics. Hal Young, a multi-term president of North Carolinians for Home Education (NCHE), has also endorsed Mr. Wirtz and the Cultural Commission.
- Transcript credit suggestions: Any one of the following: Nature Study, Environmental Science, Bible Study, Discipleship, Worldview, Logic, Debate or Writing. Because this class is considered to be writing and logic intensive, students can receive credit for both of these subjects. Students will learn to understand analogies, paragraph structure and meaning, deductive reasoning, using and understanding words in context, and vocabulary. It will also be excellent preparation for standardized tests such as the SAT and ACT.
- This Year's Books:
        • The "stewardship of creation" and discipleship book will be Creation : A Witness to the Wonder of God by Mark D. Futato.
        • The book we will use to aid us in our study of nature and environmental science is The Nature Handbook: A Guide to Observing The Great Outdoors, by Ernest H. Williams, Jr.
        • Mr. Wirtz has authored instructional worksheets and handouts on the subject of "methods of argumentation." This material will be provided free of charge.
- Syllabus: I will be using a syllabus that I have developed especially for students anticipating Advanced Placement (AP) coursework and exams. Although this is the case, this tutorial is suited for any student looking to improve their reasoning, reading and writing skills. After this year, this class will be a prerequisite to all AP tutorials I teach. If you anticipate taking these classes with me in the future, your student will be required to have satisfactorily completed this preparatory class.
- Course work: All tutorial lectures, reading assignments, class dialog (brainstorming sessions) and writing assignments will be means to the end goal of answering the assigned writing prompts. I typically finalize the number of prompts and the verbiage toward the end of August. I will post the prompts in this location as we come closer to the class. For planning purposes, expect no less than 2 prompts, and no more than 4...I promise.
   The 2008 prompts being considered include, but are not limited to the following. I reserve the right to delete or modify as I cogitate on the "educational benefit" of each:
        • Psalm 96:3 exhorts us to "Declare His glory among the heathen, His wonders among all people." What tangible habits (disciplines) are you cultivating to facilitate obedience to this command?
        • Describe some of the "patterns" you have observed in an ecosystem near your home.
   Other than reading from our books and answering the prompts, there will be no other assignments. Please note that the prompts may necessitate outside research.
- Schedule: This is a twice-a-week class, meeting on Mondays and Wednesdays for the Fall Term only. The Fall Term will be 12 straight Mondays and Wednesdays between September 3, 2008 (Wednesday) and November 24, 2008 (Monday). Each meeting time is from 4-5 PM EST. The total amount of scheduled meeting times is 24, which is a total of 24 hours of scheduled instruction. Additionally, a great deal of "unscheduled" will occur via our web forum (see below for details). For those that are interested, a following-on Spring Term tutorial will be scheduled that will serve as a "Part II" for this class.
- Class size: Each "Session" is limited to the first 8 students enrolled. Enrollment status is achieved when $50 registration fee clears the bank and Family Tutorial Application is received. No waiting list will be utilized to "hold places."
- Classroom set-up: Generally speaking, the tutorial will be conducted in the following way: The class will be taught live, with Mr. Wirtz and the students interacting via Skype, a free and easy internet audio conference call program. These Skype sessions are the scheduled tutorial times and are the “live” portion of the class that will take the form of lecture, review, elaboration, answering of questions and some discussion with their fellow classmates. Class size will be limited to eight, so plenty of time will be given to the individual needs of the student.
   For the duration of the year, the students will also be using our secure online forum. You will not be able to access the content until you register, however, please note that the forum is heavily moderated, is password protected to keep out the unwanted, there are no advertisements on our board and only our students are allowed to access the content. Although participation here is mandatory, it will be self-directed and will occur when convenient to the student. Questions posed will be answered promptly.
   Addtionally, this class is heavily dependent on the ability of the student to interact with Mr. Wirtz via Microsoft's PowerPoint program. Most teachings and assignments will utilize it. To participate in the class, I am considering making it mandatory for students to have this program. - Pricing: $50 non-refundable registration fee, as well as a $250 tuition fee. Registration fee is not applied to the tuition fee.
        • Registration fee: To register now or to find additional registration information, click here.
        • Tuition fee: Our payment policy for the tuition fee is based on wisdom gained from past experiences. We therefore require that the entire tuition be paid in full prior to the first day of class.
       Please know that we have a sincere desire to accommodate your legitimate financial needs, but we must also guard against those who would take advantage. If you have legitimate financial needs, I will consider a payment plan. To apply for this exception, send an email request to Mr. Wirtz with your reason for your legitimate financial need. A phone conversation will follow and approval or disapproval will follow that.
- Detailed description: This tutorial is built on the knowledge gleaned from 10 years of worldview, discipleship, debate and logic classes that were taught to thousands of homeschool students in North Carolina. The primary focus is on the principles of logic and analytical thinking as they relate to improved reading comprehension and persuasive writing. I will be using a syllabus that I have developed especially for students anticipating Advanced Placement (AP) coursework and exams. Although this is the case, this tutorial is suited for any student looking to improve their reasoning, reading and writing skills. After this year, this class will be a prerequisite to all AP tutorials I teach. If you anticipate taking these classes with me in the future, your student will be required to have satisfactorily completed this preparatory class.
   Although this tutorial's focus is on inculcating efficient reasoning, reading and writing skills, the subject matter we will be engaging will be related to nature study, Christian discipleship and worldview thinking. The two primary books will be Creation : A Witness to the Wonder of God by Mark D. Futato. Accompanied by The Nature Handbook: A Guide to Observing The Great Outdoors, by Ernest H. Williams, Jr.
   Regarding teaching philosophy, this class will appeal to those educating their children through a classical model by giving them the foundation they need in the grammar, logic, and rhetoric phase. As for those following the Charlotte-Mason model, the observation and analytical skills learned by the student will enhance their ability to interact well with “living books” and then apply their truths to their lives.
   During the course of this class, the students will be taught how to read efficiently, to understand what they are reading, and to apply the principles to all subject matter. Although this should be obvious, the most important aspect of reading well is being able to comprehend what is being read.
   Although "comprehension" training (thinking or writing) is typically treated as a supplemental course, it should be the main focus. Usually, if parents even purchase comprehension skills curriculum for their children, it is as an afterthought, an add-on based on the affordability of the curriculum. This should not be so. What good is thinking, reading, or writing if you do not understand what you are scrutinizing?
   In fact, if you want your student to excel and be excited about their subjects, then it is necessary for them to comprehend what they are studying. It is not just a matter of academics that this class will address, but also zeal to learn. It should come as no surprise that students despise school. We would as well if we could not comprehend the material.
   Vocabulary will also be a key element of this class. Mr. Wirtz refers to the teaching method that he will employ as “vocabulary from a Christian worldview” or simply, “the language of our faith.” This method will have the students not only learning words to use for the glory of God but also learning to use those words to glorify (worship) God. So, in addition to the academic benefits of learning the “language of our faith”, this instruction will enrich students’ worship and prayer life.
   Beyond comprehension and vocabulary, great writing is a difficult skill to master. The Cultural Commission treats writing as a “process subject", one that is best learned by actually doing it; not alone, but with a capable group of mentors. We partner with you to see that your student comes out of this class with a thorough understanding of organized writing, as well as the ability to reason well on paper. This happens through habituation, trial and error, and the friendly and informative guidance we give the student.
   Their newfound grasp of comprehensive reading and organized writing will be a huge asset to them throughout their lives, and the ability to practice applying it at an early age is a huge stepping stone for making sure they understand their worldview and are prepared to defend their faith.
   In the end, the student will have an increased ability to think, read and write analytically, and be encouraged to apply it to every-day life! As a veteran teacher, Mr. Wirtz has consistently seen this occur with the thousands of students that he has taught.
   Mr. Wirtz is most proud of the testimonies from his former students. Many of them who are now in college consistently express their gratitude that The Cultural Commission taught them to think well. That is, indeed, the goal of The Cultural Commission - to help you and your student think well to the glory of God!

If you have any questions regarding Joseph Wirtz' tutorials, please contact him via