Scholars Online Course Catalog for 2025

Below is a list with descriptions of our current courses. Click on the course title for full details, including pre-requisites, textbooks, and links to individual course websites. You may find this useful to download and study when you are selecting courses.

For a summary list, check out the Scholars Online Course List for 2025.

I took a number of courses from Scholars Online during high school, and I can honestly say that Dr Bruce McMenomy’s courses changed my life. He taught me to appreciate how texts can engage the deep questions of human experience, opening my mind to the possibility of exploring new worlds through literature. But he also taught me to think critically and to articulate myself through writing, both of which have foundational to my subsequent academic success. After graduation, I majored in English Literature at the University of Dallas, received a masters in theology at Harvard, and completed my doctorate in biblical studies at Oxford, and I now work as a postdoctoral researcher in Zurich studying literary approaches to the Bible. I can trace the roots of both my interests and my abilities directly to the skilful instruction and mentoring of Dr Bruce. Now I’m enrolling my own son in Scholars Online!

Hans D.

To enroll in the courses below, create a member account (see Becoming a Member), then log in and use the menu from your secure account to create student accounts and enroll students in courses.

Summer Term courses for 2025

Literature
Looking at Middle-earth	Based on the books, not the movies, this course considers many facets of J. R. R. Tolkien’s mythic creation, especially as embodied in The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. (Acquaintance with The Silmarillion or the multi-volume History of Middle-earth won’t go amiss, but is not required.) In a fairly free and un-pressured context, we look at Tolkien’s world-building, his use of language, his theology of “subcreation”, and certain facets of his life and professional work as a philologist that have a bearing on the vision he created. I’ve been a fan of Tolkien’s works since I was thirteen, and never tire of sharing them with a new generation.	1: B. McMenomy Tu 1:00 PM-2:30 PM	$250.00
Summer Shakespeare II	A second summer full of Shakespeare — we go through ten of the Bard's lesser-known plays, touching comedy, tragedy, history, and romance: Comedy: * Love’s Labour’s Lost * The Comedy of Errors * The Merry Wives of Windsor * All’s Well That Ends Well Tragedy: * Antony and Cleopatra * Coriolanus History: * Henry VI, Parts 1, 2, and 3 Romance: * The Winter’s Tale	1: B. McMenomy We 1:00 PM-3:00 PM	$275.00
Writing
How to Become a Precocious Student	Learn the study methods of master students! Students often struggle with basic study skills, superficially passing over material in an effort to finish assigned tasks and check them off, but not really understanding or retaining what they are learning. In this eight-week course, we'll look at critical study skills every student needs, including how to make friends with your textbook, decipher graphical information, memorize important facts, and manage time for both short term and long term projects. We'll also talk about the importance of concentration and contemplation in mastering complex material. Because this course benefits the teachers as well as the student, students completing this summer course will receive a $50 credit toward one academic year course. Credits may not be transferred to another student.	1: C. McMenomy We 9:30 AM-10:50 AM	$250.00

Academic Year courses for Fall 2025 - Spring 2026

Latin
Latin I	Latin I and Latin II together provide the elements of the language in a disciplined context, with an emphasis on mastery of inflections and syntactical constructions, using Frederic Wheelock's Wheelock's Latin Grammar. The first year covers the first twenty chapters of the book.	3: R. Lott Tu 3:30 PM-5:00 PM • Th 3:30 PM-5:00 PM	$700.00
Latin III	Using the long-established and brilliantly annotated collection From Aeneas to Augustus, this course offers a range of engaging readings on the history of Rome from its foundation down to the end of the Republic. Students will find old favorite stories and discover new ones — from semi-mythical narratives like the story of Horatius at the bridge to wry personal letters of Cicero. Throughout we’ll be systematically reviewing both the grammatical basics that were covered in the elementary Latin sequence and building a framework for understanding Roman history, all of which will continue to be useful in understanding the material of Latin IV.	1: B. McMenomy Tu 4:00 PM-5:30 PM • Th 4:00 PM-5:30 PM	$750.00
Literature
World Literature	Based on a broad anthology, this course examines the variety of literary genres and types in a range of cultures from the earliest times to the present day. We discuss a variety of topics alongside the readings themselves, including the problems of translation, the nature of excerpts, the nature of the hero, the formation of an authorial voice, and genres such as lyric, drama, proverb, myth, and epic. We also get a chance to read three major plays entire — Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex, Shakespeare’s The Tempest, and Ibsen’s A Doll’s House. The class is not overly demanding, but can be a lot of fun, and a comfortable introduction to reading and thinking in a literary mode.	1: B. McMenomy Tu 11:00 AM-12:30 PM	$650.00
Western Literature to Dante	An extensive exposure to the literature of ancient and mediaeval times, from scripture through mediaeval epic and romance, this tough but engaging course is unlike any other you are likely to find. It requires a large amount of reading, while exploring its themes and problems at a fairly high level, weighing what is alien and what is familiar to us in cultures separated from us by long stretches of history. It also serves as an introduction to classical literature for those who want to pursue Greek and/or Latin seriously beyond the mere rudiments of the language. It has also been taken on several occasions by adults, who are more than welcome to participate if they behave themselves Taught continuously since 1996, this course has often been cited by graduating seniors as their favorite class in the literature sequence; many of them have continued to study classics or mediaeval literature in college. It is occasionally supplemented by a Western Literature to Dante II course, which covers (mostly) the same time period, but goes through a completely different body of literature.	1: B. McMenomy Mo 1:00 PM-2:30 PM	$650.00
English Literature	We survey English literature historically from the earliest survivals to the twentieth century, tracing the development of themes, ideas, and techniques of writing, as well as looking at the long and fascinating history of the language itself. The course is built around a very solid textbook, England in Literature, part of the “America Reads” series from Scott, Foresman. It is unfortunately out of print, but copies remain available. We supplement the readings with a couple of Shakespeare plays and a few novels, and some incidental smaller items made available online. From a pedagogical point of view, the course introduces the idea of close reading of texts: whereas Western Literature to Dante focuses on extensive reading of a wide range of material, all of it in translation, English Literature is more intensive: it looks at a smaller body of material more closely. In part this is possible because we will be examining most of the texts as they were originally written, with only the occasional minor adjustments for spelling. The Old and Middle English materials (not normally accessible to high school students without considerable specialized language study) are given here in modern translations, but beginning in the Renaissance, texts are as originally written. Throughout the course we try to mold careful and analytical readers, responding to the literature with a discerning and charitable eye. Students especially intrigued by the older forms of English are welcome to take Old English when we offer it.	1: B. McMenomy We 11:00 AM-12:30 PM	$650.00
American Literature	This course examines the rich, varied, and occasionally quirky textures of American literature from colonial times to the late twentieth century. Once again, we take a generally historical approach to the material, tracing the development of particular themes, ideas, and techniques of writing, and examining the kaleidoscopic interactions of the many strands of the American population and culture. While Western Literature to Dante emphasized extensive reading and English Literature focused on intensive reading, this course puts the two together. We read for the long view and zoom in on occasion for close scrutiny where it is warranted. In the process, we dig into issues of theme and symbolic language in the works of the great nineteenth-century masters Melville and Hawthorne, and the evolution of different approaches to realism in its various guises. We also spend some time examining modern critical writing. Those who plan to go on to take literature courses in college are well advised to be at least forewarned about some of the directions critical thought has taken. The textbook for the course is The United States in Literature, which, like England in Literature, is part of the “America Reads” series from Scott, Foresman. The series has long since gone out of print, and nothing nearly as good has emerged to replace it, but happily used copies are still available and circulating fairly freely. A number of novels and plays take their place alongside the course textbook.	1: B. McMenomy We 1:00 PM-2:30 PM	$650.00
Senior English (Literature)	This is possibly the toughest course you will ever take. So people tell me after college. It’s not hard to pass; it’s just a lot of continuous and serious work, including a huge amount of writing — thirty papers, give or take one or two. I mark those brutally and then scale the results generously. Overall, my plan is to stretch your capacities and challenge your assumptions. The class is partly a composition course, partly a course in literary theory, partly an exploration of propositional logic, and a little left over that’s pure fun. In terms of content, the course fills some of the gaps left by the other courses in the literature sequence, and revisits older authors and topics of particular importance, while helping to build a greater synthetic understanding of literary operations and theory, and enhance proficiency in writing. Accordingly it includes some French classicism, the Russian novel, early German romanticism, and the English gothic as well as more Shakespeare, Greek tragedy, Hawthorne, Melville, and Austen. We primarily read modern literature in the western tradition, with a few excursions into areas that seem too important to ignore — some of which are also specially noted as relevant in the College Board's AP materials, since the other point of this class is to address the requirements of the College Board Advanced Placement English program, leading to the AP exam. It is not an officially approved AP course; meeting the College Board’s qualifications would, I am persuaded, require me to dumb the course down. Taking the AP Exam is not required.	1: B. McMenomy Tu 1:00 PM-2:30 PM • Th 1:00 PM-2:30 PM	$900.00
Mathematics
Pre-Algebra	Using a top-tier curriculum designed for math champions, this course brings even the math-averse into a wonderful world of number relationships. What are the patterns that enable "mental math"? Why can’t we divide by 0? What amazing things happen when we use powers? How many ways can we split a polygon into triangles? This course challenges middle school students to explore, experiment, and question as they master the concepts needed for success in Algebra I and beyond. This course offers optimal support for all math students by meeting 2.5 hours per week, a 150% increase over most AoPS classes online. Live classes take place in 50-minute sessions 3 times per week. Classes meet on Adobe Connect, a secure and feature-rich learning platform with audio/video, chat, whiteboards, and breakout functionality. Students will need working mics and a way to interact with the whiteboard via mouse or touchscreen. All online materials for the course are provided gratis by the instructor. Students will need to sign up for free accounts on the Art of Problem-Solving website and the interactive learning site Brilliant.org. Families also have the option to buy the Pre-Algebra AoPS textbook from the AoPS site or their favorite used book reseller.	1: R. Lott Mo 2:25 PM-3:15 PM • Tu 2:25 PM-3:15 PM • Th 2:25 PM-3:15 PM	$1000.00
Algebra 1	Algebra I is the gateway course for college admissions and the wonderful world of abstract mathematics. Using a top-tier curriculum designed for math champions, this course brings even the math-averse into the grand adventure of finding "x." Offering optimal support for all students, we meet in 50-minute sessions 3 times per week, a 100% increase over most AoPS classes online. Class sessions meet on Adobe Connect, a secure and feature-rich learning platform with audio/video, chat, whiteboards, and breakout functionality. Students will need working mics and a way to interact with the whiteboard via mouse or touchscreen. All online materials for the course are provided gratis by the instructor. Students will need to sign up for free accounts on the Art of Problem-Solving website and the interactive learning site brilliant.org. Families also have the option to buy the Algebra I AoPS textbook from the AoPS site or their favorite used book reseller.	1: R. Lott Mo 12:35 PM-1:25 PM • Tu 12:35 PM-1:25 PM • Th 12:35 PM-1:25 PM	$1070.00
Geometry	In this course, you will develop a logical system of thought. You will examine the properties of geometric shapes, and make conclusions about them using your logical system. This course covers most of Euclidean Geometry and some modern Geometry using traditional western tools of compass and straightedge and eastern tools of paper folding (origami) and modern tools (Geometer Sketchpad). Analytic Geometry is included to reinforce previously learned Algebra skills. The early part of the course has the students investigating geometric phenomena and collecting conjectures about what they see. Later on the students prove the conjectures they have collected. Topics may include: similar and congruent figures, angles, geometric proofs, conjectures, counter examples, if-then statements, inductive and deductive reasoning, valid and invalid reasoning, postulates and proof, coordinate geometry, transformational geometry, transformation matrices, special right triangles. Class sessions will take place using a virtual white board over ZOOM. All class sessions are archived for review by the students or if the student is unable to attend for any reason. Students will receive a secure invitation from the instructor to attend class sessions. The student will be able to download a set of Guided Notes from the Moodle for each chapter. These will assist our work together and help to make connections between the readings, the class discussions and the homework. Homework will be assigned and discussed during class time. ALL quizzes and tests will be posted on the Moodle and will be available to be downloaded by the student when the student and their parent are both notified by email. They are to be competed and returned to the instructor for evaluation. Students will have an opportunity to correct all assessments to show mastery. It is the responsibility of the parents to supervise their student while completing each assessment. The evaluations will be returned to both the student and parent. Progress reports will be sent out to the student and parent on a regular basis.	1: A. Mabbott Mo 11:00 AM-12:00 PM • We 11:00 AM-12:00 PM • Fr 11:00 AM-12:00 PM	$700.00
Algebra 2 (Advanced Algebra)	As far as possible, students are allowed to investigate algebraic concepts and processes before being introduced to the formulas and symbolic representations. Topics for exploration will include: linear, quadratic, exponential, logarithmic, rational, and irrational functions. You will expand your understanding of the number system to include complex numbers, and you will develop an understanding of the concepts of elementary trigonometry, elementary probability, and sequences and series. You also will learn to model real-world problems using these concepts. A graphing calculator will be required at this level and beyond. Class sessions will take place using a virtual white board over ZOOM. All class sessions are archived for review by the students or if the student is unable to attend for any reason. Students will receive a secure invitation from the instructor to attend class sessions. The student will be able to download a set of Guided Notes from the Moodle for each chapter. These will assist our work together and help to make connections between the readings, the class discussions and the homework. Homework will be assigned and discussed during class time. ALL quizzes and tests will be posted on the Moodle and will be available to be downloaded by the student when the student and their parent are both notified by email. They are to be competed and returned to the instructor for evaluation. Students will have an opportunity to correct all assessments to show mastery. It is the responsibility of the parents to supervise their student while completing each assessment. The evaluations will be returned to both the student and parent. Progress reports will be sent out to the student and parent on a regular basis.	1: A. Mabbott Mo 1:00 PM-2:00 PM • We 1:00 PM-2:00 PM • Fr 1:00 PM-2:00 PM	$700.00
Pre-Calculus with Trigonometry	Pre-Calculus, is the bridge course to Calculus. We will integrate rigorous real world mathematical scenarios with technology - Calculator and Dynamic Software. We will cement the concept that variables really vary. Beyond the traditional topics, we will be able to study concepts such as harmonic analysis of complex wave patterns and logistic functions for restricted populations growth. We will examine problems from multiple perspectives - graphical, tabular, functional, and situational. And we will revisit one of our tools from Geometry to assist us in our analysis of complex functions. Class sessions will take place using a virtual white board over ZOOM. All class sessions are archived for review by the students or if the student is unable to attend for any reason. Students will receive a secure invitation from the instructor to attend class sessions. The student will be able to download a set of Guided Notes from the Moodle for each chapter. These will assist our work together and help to make connections between the readings, the class discussions and the homework. Homework will be assigned and discussed during class time. ALL quizzes and tests will be posted on the Moodle and will be available to be downloaded by the student when the student and their parent are both notified by email. They are to be competed and returned to the instructor for evaluation. Students will have an opportunity to correct all assessments to show mastery. It is the responsibility of the parents to supervise their student while completing each assessment. The evaluations will be returned to both the student and parent. Progress reports will be sent out to the student and parent on a regular basis.	1: A. Mabbott Mo 9:00 AM-10:00 AM • We 9:00 AM-10:00 AM • Fr 9:00 AM-10:00 AM	$700.00

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