SPECIAL OFFER THROUGH JUNE 30: Register for both The Iliad for Beginners and The Odyssey for Beginners as an auditor or a student and receive one FREE class from the Gibbs Classical library of previous classes in addition to the multi-course discount (see "Course Levels").

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COURSE DESCRIPTION

Homer is the uncontested master of epic poetry, the most widely recognized icon of classical literature, and one of the great fathers of Western consciousness. His influence on the world is too vast and too deep to catalog, but in the coming school year, I’m offering classes on the Iliad and the Odyssey for anyone who wants to begin exploring his work.   

 

In the fall of 2025, we will read and study the Iliad. In the spring of 2026, we will read and study the Odyssey.  

 

The Odyssey is a story about wisdom, suffering, and the restoration of order in a dying marriage. Of course, it’s also about making deals with God, arrogance, impiety, the mysterious patterns that hold society together, and the wit necessary to travel the world without losing your head. While many schoolboys initially heft the volume in their hands and express dismay at its great length, the Odyssey is a high-spirited road trip story (in a manner of speaking) which is lavished with colorful characters—and it briskly carries readers along.   

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The Odyssey for Beginners will offer students a grasp of the twisting, turning plot of the Odyssey and its several storylines. The class will also help students comprehend Homer’s vision of honor, piety, and social order.

 

Homer’s Odyssey is a story that has delighted countless generations and yet defied simple analysis for thousands of years. By the final class session, students will see what the big deal is about Homer and have their own reasons for appreciating the crafty hero at the center of the Odyssey. 

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BOOK LIST

The Odyssey by Homer, translated by Robert Fagles​

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COURSE DATES

Tuesdays from 11:00 AM - noon, Mountain Standard Time. Course begins January 6 and ends April 14 (no class on Tuesday, March 17).

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COURSE LEVELS

Gibbs Classical courses are offered at two different levels: Student and Auditor.

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Student Level | Students will have entry into live Zoom classes, as well as access to recordings of class videos and the class Canvas page, where students may ask questions (of one another or Mr. Gibbs) and carry on discussions about the reading.

 

Students will be assigned two essays, one in the middle of the semester and the other at the end of the semester. Students are not required to complete the essays but may do so if they choose. The essays should be a minimum of 1200 words long and will receive written feedback which will be returned to students and parents. Students have the option to resubmit their work for additional feedback.

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Student Level Pricing is as follows: 

1 class - $325

2 classes - $600

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Auditor Level | Auditors will receive recordings of the class videos delivered by email every Saturday. The Auditor Level does not come with a Canvas login. It is ideal for anyone whose schedule does not allow attendance on class dates and who does not plan on doing any written work for the class. During the 14-week session, Joshua will offer two hour-long open Zoom sessions for auditors only on a weekday evening (dates will be provided by email at the beginning of the course). During these optional session, auditors are invited to discuss the reading or ask questions. 

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Auditor Level Pricing is as follows: ​

1 class - $265

2 classes - $500

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CLASS POLICIES

• Gibbs Classical courses are open to students aged 15 and above. Adults and college students are welcome. 

• No make-up sessions will be given in the event of a student absence, but recordings of the class will be available for all students. 

• Class will begin with the assumption that students have already done the reading which is being discussed.  

• All emails exchanged between students and Mr. Gibbs should be copied to a parent. All emails sent from Mr. Gibbs to individual students will be copied to parents. No private conversations between underage students and Mr. Gibbs will take place. 

• Students are expected to use their real names and unmodified backgrounds when in class Zoom sessions. 

• Students will be clearly informed of due dates for the two papers. It is the responsibility of the student to turn in work. If a student does not turn in work, Mr. Gibbs will not remind or hound the student to do so, neither will parents be notified. 

• Students are expected to be courteous and polite to one another in class. They are also expected to represent and defend their opinions with dignity and common sense. Disagreement between students will happen, but this is simply part of discussing politics and philosophy like mature adults. If one student’s feelings are hurt by another student, it does not necessarily mean anyone has been mistreated or that an apology is warranted. 

• Refund policy: A full refund is offered for anyone who decides to drop the class before the start date. A 50% refund is offered for anyone who drops the class before the second class meeting. 

• Late start policy: If there is space available, students and auditors may join the class after the start date but will not receive a discounted rate. 

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