Reason & Rhetoric

Harlem Academy’s signature course in reason and rhetoric develops critical thinking skills and teaches students to use logic and strong arguments in their reading, writing, debates, and discussions. The curriculum incorporates a strong emphasis on skills development to prepare students for success in secondary school, including nonfiction writing, public speaking, reading comprehension, and note taking.

Each year focuses on the study of eight to ten major issues drawing from science, history, current events, and adolescent challenges. Students navigate case studies following a structured process, starting with inquiry. Using primary and secondary sources, they learn to ask insightful questions and organize information toward logical analysis. The focus then moves to argument, and students learn to justify and defend a central thesis against competing theses. The class concludes with rhetoric, or using written and spoken language to influence an audience.

• Grade Five
• Grade Six
• Grade Seven
• Grade Eight