Augustine confessed that he was “one of those who write because they have made some progress and who, by means of writing, make further progress” in the spiritual life. (Letter 143) John Newman said, “writing demands humility”.
The WISDOM Socratic Dialogue Online Program includes a selection of writing courses. At the heart of each of these courses is a particular focus on discovering and expressing truth and beauty.
No matter what the subject or content of student writing, all submissions should ultimately reflect truth and beauty. Most writing will not have a religious theme but should reveal the goodness and wisdom of God. Evil is not glorified. Good triumphs. Lies are exposed. Truth reigns.
WISDOM’s Socratic Dialogue Online Program is one that is built around classic literature and timeless authors of past centuries. The writing courses model the great writers whose works have stood the test of time, reveal truth and beauty, are morally solid, have something to teach, and encourage our spiritual life. In WISDOM’s list of books, these qualities can be found in a great variety of styles and subject matter. Students are encouraged to hone their writing skills and creativity by looking carefully at what the masters teach through their writings.
Write to discipline the mind. Write to find humility and ground one’s intellect in God. Write to create art. Write to learn. Write to inform. Write to bring pleasure and stimulate the mind in truth. Write to serve. Write to tell a meaningful story. Write because of mission. Write to become more human and free.
Student Guidelines & Policies
- Every paper or report submitted must be the student’s own work. Wording should be the student’s own. Quotes from lectures, Internet sources, books, articles, and other writers’ phrases or sentences must be cited. Plagiarism is a serious offense; it is the student’s responsibility to be aware of what plagiarism is and to avoid it. If a student plagiarizes, they will be given a single warning and will need to meet certain requirements given by the tutor (e.g. submitting work in progress, etc.). A second occurrence of plagiarism will result in the student being removed from the course.
- Cheating is also a serious offence. If a student is determined to have used AI or other internet tools (such as ChatGPT), they will receive a single warning and will need to meet certain requirements given by the tutor (e.g. submitting work in progress, etc.). A second occurrence of cheating will result in the student being removed from the course.
- Assignments must be remitted on time according to the schedule provided by the tutor at the beginning of the term. A tutor reserves the right to not grade a late assignment unless the student has received prior authorization from the tutor for a deadline extension. Extensions will only be considered with parental approval.
- In WISDOM’s grammar and writing courses, parents play an essential role in supporting their student’s progress. In a grammar or writing course delivered by WISDOM’s Online Program, all assignments are marked by the WISDOM tutor according to the course rubrics or answer keys. As the primary educator, the parent retains oversight of the course and may have their child opt out of a particular assignment if desired, informing the tutor of their preference before the assignment is provided to the student.
- Course Completion Requirements: A course completion will be granted to the student for achievement of the course goals at the discretion of the tutor, primarily based on the following:
- Thorough understanding and demonstration of the material
- Assignments completed and returned on time.
- Course participation, including punctuality, effort, communication with the tutor, etc.
Students must be recognized as having completed a course for it to qualify as a prerequisite to other WISDOM writing courses.
- Content should not glorify violence, gore, the occult, or any imagery or presentation that diminishes the dignity of the human person. The use of fantasy elements (such as spells and magic) should clearly serve a higher moral cause. Good writing does not rely on explicit depictions of tasteless or immoral content. In striving to imitate the great classical writers, students will strive toward high standards and wholesomeness.
Content that details human relationships, particularly in a romantic way, should be crafted to respect the dignity of the human person. Students may not submit work that is overtly sensual or focused on sexuality. Details of affection should be kept simple and wholesome.
Improper language, swearing, or words that insult human dignity will not be accepted in any WISDOM writing course. - Students must follow specific formatting and submission requirements for each assignment as outlined in the practice session. Clarifications are welcomed by the tutor.
- Tutors may refuse evaluation, grading, or tutorial guidance when presented with writing that does not meet WISDOM criteria.