This course invites students into the great conversation that shaped the modern world and continues to shape the world they are inheriting. Tracing the development of Western thought through the Victorian era, students engage selections from The Story of Civilization alongside classic works of literature and philosophy from each period through seminar discussion, spoken exams, writing, and meaningful projects.

At the heart of the semester is Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables. For many students, this may be their first substantial classic. Alongside Les Misérables, students engage selections from Will and Ariel Durant’s The Story of Civilization and original sources from the period. They examine the extraordinary transformations of the nineteenth century and consider what was gained, and what may have been lost, as industrial, political, and intellectual change accelerated.

In the spirit of John Milton, students are invited to “behold the bright countenance of truth in the quiet and still air of delightful studies,” wrestling with enduring questions of truth, authority, freedom, corruption, power, and the divine nature and purpose of the human soul. 

Taking even one course of this caliber can make a transformative, lasting difference for students that will last a lifetime.

Class Times: 

• Monday: Prep Class (11:30am-12pm MT)| Preparation session where students receive inspiration, context for their studies, and a clear overview of their work for the week.
• Thursday: Scholar Session (11:30am-12:30pm MT)| An in-depth mentorship session where we work closely with students on discussion, debate, their papers, and preparation for oral exams.

Pre-Requisites: Students do not need to have completed earlier semesters to join us for this class. It can be taken as a stand-alone semester. 

Please take the Readiness Assessment before signing up for Inkwood courses. 

Funding & Scholarships 

• For Utah families, OpenEd and Utah Fits All funds can be used towards Inkwood courses.
• For Arizona families, Inkwood is an approved ESA vendor. We also work with families in other states to utilize charter school funds where available.
• We offer discounts for families enrolling multiple students and for groups of students taking the same course.

For more information or to learn about taking an individual course, which can be set up at a time convenient to the student, please email us at Help@InkwoodScholars.com.