Reading and Rhetoric Seminars
Why enroll in Reading and Rhetoric Seminars?
Class sessions (one month long during the school year; two weeks long during summer) are based around a book. Students will read engage with both fiction and non-fiction from across time periods and topics. During class, students will learn to read critically–looking for structure, rhetoric, theme, irony and other literary devices, as well as other concerns. These classes are modelled after college-level literature courses, meaning students will be pushed beyond surface-level questions about the plot to really dig into significance.
Strong writing skills are critical for success on standardized tests, in advanced high school classes, and in all college courses. Effective communication skills are also essential for anyone who is hoping to be a leader and make a difference in their community. Unfortunately, many high school classes don’t have the time to fully cover the writing process in detail and with feedback along the way. This is, perhaps, especially true of AP classes since those classes must prepare students for the AP tests, which involve on-demand, timed writing. Writing under a time limit is necessary on standardized tests, but it isn’t a true writing situation, and under such limits, students aren’t able to really engage with the steps that ultimately shape a written work–brainstorming, outlining, editing, revision. That’s why we build a writing component into every one of our classes, to fill in this gap and make sure that students are comfortable with the full writing process.
The Reading and Rhetoric Seminar is also designed to introduce students to test prep by exposing them to true-to-the-test practice passages covering both reading and writing skills (in the style of both the SAT and the ACT). Through this, students become familiar with the format of the test and learn how to approach each section and each question type.
Schedule & Class Structure
During the school year, classes are offered on Saturdays at our Carmel Valley office, our 4S Ranch office, and online. Students complete the reading assignments–and any other assignments their teacher may give them, such as vocabulary work or writing exercises–during the week. In summer, classes typically meet in the afternoons on Tuesday through Friday for 8 weeks, changing books every 2 weeks.
Class sessions consist of in-depth reading discussions, writing exercises, test passages, and lectures and exercises on relevant topics, such as theme, rhetoric, structure, genres of writing, or tone and irony.
Classes are taught by experienced teachers, many with graduate degrees in the humanities.
Location
We offer in-person classes at multiple sites across San Diego-Canyon Crest Academy, Del Norte High School, our Carmel Valley Office, and our 4S Ranch Office. The same program is also available online for students who are not local, unable to make class, or simply prefer online learning.
It All Starts with a Consultation
Because classes at Hamilton are not “one-size-fits-all,” we request that students and families interested in our courses or services schedule a complimentary 45-minute initial counseling session. There is no charge for this session, and absolutely no pressure to sign up for classes or services.
The initial counseling appointment lets us meet students and learn about their individual academic lives and learning styles. It also helps all of us – students, parents, and Hamilton Education – begin long-term planning to help students reach their goals.
June 11 – August 1,2025
This class offers motivated 9th and 10th-grade students an opportunity to strengthen their critical thinking, reading, and writing abilities while enhancing essential academic skills. Through this course, students will engage with challenging texts from diverse genres and build interdisciplinary literacy by
exploring various topics within the humanities. Additionally, they will work on reading and writing test-style passages relevant to the official PSAT and SAT. Please note that this course does NOT include weekly tests or math practice.
Interactive small-group classes include:
- Discussion-based learning
- Individual and collaborative exercises
- Analytical reading passages
- All books and packets included with enrollment
Session Dates
Session 1: June 11 -July 3
(Instead of July 4th)
Session 2: July 9 -August 1
Schedule
In-Person
Wednesday & Fridays
11:30 am -1:30 pm
4-Week Sessions tuition: $650
Both Sessions: $1,200
No instruction on Friday, July 4th.
Class offerings are subject to change based on enrollment levels.
SESSION 1: JUNE 11 – JULV 3
Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything
by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner
Freakonomics is an engaging and thought-provoking book that explores how economics can explain everyday behaviors and unexpected patterns in society. Rather than focusing on traditional economics like supply and demand, the authors use real-world data to tackle unusual and surprising questions. Written in an easy-to-understand and often humorous style, Freakonomics encourages readers to question conventional wisdom and think critically about the world around them. It’s not just about economics-it’s about uncovering the hidden side of everything.
The Martian
by Andy Weir
The Martian is a gripping science fiction novel that tells the story of astronaut Mark Watney, who is stranded alone on Mars after a mission goes wrong. Presumed dead by his crew, Watney must rely on his resourcefulness, scientific knowledge, and sense of humor to survive. Using limited supplies, he grows food, repairs equipment, and communicates with NASA, which works tirelessly to bring him home. The novel highlights themes of perseverance, teamwork, and the power of human ingenuity, making it an inspiring tale of survival against overwhelming odds.
SESSION 2: July 9 – August 1
The Ghost Map
by Steven Johnson
The Ghost Map tells the gripping true story of a deadly cholera outbreak in 1854 London and how it led to a major breakthrough in public health. The book focuses on Dr. John Snow, a pioneering physician, and Reverend Henry Whitehead, a local clergyman, as they work together to solve the mystery of how the disease spreads. Through careful observation, data mapping, and persistence, they discover that contaminated water, not “bad air,” is the source of the outbreak. Their findings challenge long-held beliefs, revolutionize sanitation practices, and save countless lives.
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
by Robert Louis Stevenson
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is a gripping novella that explores the duality of human nature. The story is set in 19th-century London and follows the life of Dr. Henry Jekyll, a respected scientist who creates a potion to separate his good and evil sides. By drinking the potion, he transforms into the sinister and violent Mr. Edward Hyde, allowing him to indulge his darkest desires without consequences to his reputation. This classic tale is both a psychological thriller and a moral fable, offering a timeless exploration of the conflict between good and evil within us all.
Additional discounts available to concurrently enrolled siblings, and students of military, firefighters and police officers. No pro-rates will be given for this program. No refunds after first day of class.
