The Great Books, CM, and Heart of Dakota

[abrightmom]

Are the Great Books a part of a CM style education (HOD ) or are they strictly reserved for a more traditional classical model? I know the term classical can be interpreted in a variety of ways and that there is a lot of overlap between CM and classical methods. I know that HOD isn't STRICTLY CM either as HOD studies formal grammar from the early grades.

As I'm trying to mesh my desires & goals for our children this question keeps coming up for me. I'd always thought we'd have some exposure to and discussion of Great Books as this is something I never had. However, HOD is my favorite and first choice for schooling our children and I am curious if Great Books fits within the HOD paradigm at any point.

I tried to research Charlotte Mason and the Great Books and came up with nada!

[Motherjoy]

There is a post somewhere in which Carrie discussed the differences between CM and classical. It was fabulous and really cemented, for me, why I wanted to use HOD/CM.

I'm horrible at searching the boards, though, so I'm no use to you. If I find it, I'll let ya know.

[lmercon]

Not sure if this addresses your particular question about the Great Books, but this is a great comparison of CM and classical education by Carrie, HOD's author.
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=7776&p=56761&hilit=classical#p56761

hth,
Laura

[pjdobro]

I found a couple of lists of the "Great Books" online and for the most part I think many of these books are on at least a high school reading level. I noticed that many of the books that are on the list are by people that Carrie has us reading about in the earlier grades like Galen and Archimedes. In the younger days we are reading more about their lives and some of their ideas rather than their actual works. A study of Shakespeare is included in RTR, that is part of the great books. Also the greatest book of all that tops the list, The Bible, is the center of everything that is included in HOD! I think I have read on the beefing up for high school that Carrie has recommended some of the books on the list as high school reading material. As I looked over the list I noticed that most of the books on there that I have read, I read in high school or later. I think many of them are for a much more advanced reader and mature audience. I imagine that as Carrie comes out with high school plans that many of the books on the list will be included. Great books are great books no matter what style of curriculum one uses however I know there is always a matter of opinion on what constitutes great literature.