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KackyK
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| Posted: Jan 03 2008 at 7:52pm | IP Logged
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I hope this is the right forum to post this in...wasn't sure since it kind of applies to all subjects!
Anyways...I received the sale catalog for The Great Courses by the Teaching Company today. It looks really intriguing.
I was wondering if anyone has ever used any of their lectures?? I was assuming based on a lot of their topics offered, and since they are college-level, in some cases information would be inappropriate for middleschoolers/highschoolers??? What do you think?? Also what do you think of the price?? I know when there is no sale, obviously crazy expensive, but are they worth it even with the sale prices? I was thinking I might even order one or two just to save for the future.
Any help would be greatly appreciated!!! 
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KackyK
Mom to 8 - 3 dd, 5ds & 4 babes in heaven
Beginning With the Assumption
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cathhomeschool
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| Posted: Jan 04 2008 at 9:00am | IP Logged
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Here is an old thread:
Teaching company
If you search for the phrase "teaching company" using the forum search, several other things pop up within other threads. I don't know how helpful that might be to you, though. I've heard good things about them, but have never personally used their courses. If we ever do, we'll get them on sale or look for them used!
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Janette (4 boys - 22, 21, 15, 14)
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JuliaT
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I bought two CD series for myself this past year. I really liked them. The only way to get them is on sale. Each of the series is on sale at least once a year, so it is feasible to get the ones that you want.
They do have a highschooler's series. I think they are mostly for history and math. You need to be careful when choosing because some of them can be a bit cheesy (from what I hear) I got the series from Rufus Fears. He is very good and I would recommend any of his series.
Blessings,
Julia
mom of 3(8,6,4)
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lapazfarm
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We are using this one:HIgh School Basic Math as a pre-algebra course for my 12 yo son. I like it because the DVD's are straight-forward and clear, the workbook is just the right amount of review. Ds thinks the prof is boring, but appreciates that he actually explains things pretty well.What I also appreciate is that ds can do the DVD lecture on monday, the workbook on tuesday and weds (if necessary) and be done with math for the week. This frees us up to do some fun math games or read a living math book on thurs and fri.
I've ordered this one:High School Algebra I while it was on sale last week, for ds to do next.
I really, really like doing math this way.I think it is a good compromise between a living math and a more structured approach. Plus it gives ds experience with a lecture format, which he wouldn't get otherwise.
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Theresa
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Helen
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I took out from the library a very interesting course on classical music and opera. I used it more for myself than for the children.
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Ave Maria!
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DominaCaeli
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Helen wrote:
| I took out from the library a very interesting course on classical music and opera. I used it more for myself than for the children. |
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I was going to say the same thing--check your library. Ours has many of the courses. Last year my husband and I watched A History of European Art and really enjoyed it. There were a few references to s*xuality in the artwork, but I think it would be appropriate for a high schooler, and it was very comprehensive. And Professor Kloss was, we thought, very respectful of the Catholic worldview that inspired most of the paintings he featured (as opposed to most of my art history professors in college!).
Anyway, definitely check your library!
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Celeste
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Kelly
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| Posted: Jan 07 2008 at 10:48pm | IP Logged
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Also, if you find a series you really like, I'd suggest you CALL the company---I note that many of the lectures on the website don't indicate they are on sale, even though they are (I just got the new catalog!) The sales are definitely the way to go.
Their series on the Popes and the Papacy is currently on sale (I think)---it was highly recommended by someone just recently. They also suggested you get the transcript for it as the professor covers so much info.
We love the Teaching Company tapes and found them to be an excellent way of "formalizing" our classes. When we, say, started our "African Studies" class, I added in the Teaching Company tapes, along with an extensive reading list and other activities to create a very thorough course. I think the lectures lend a patina of "respectability" to what we wacky homeschoolers DO :-) and the lectures are certainly very meaty.
My sister-in-law was listening to the lecture series on Socrates while she waited at the airport. One of the airplane captains asked her, very pleasantly and conversationally, "What'cha listening to?" When Nancy told him Socrates, he said, "Oh, is that a band?" 
Really!
Kelly in FL
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Kelly
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| Posted: Jan 07 2008 at 10:51pm | IP Logged
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PS Theresa, I noticed they also have a set on sale, "Masterpieces of the Louvre" or something like that. I picked it up to listen to in conjunction with the Louvre exhibit at the High (that you alerted me to!). Sounds like a half credit of Art History to me, don't you think???
Kelly in FL
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lapazfarm
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Kelly wrote:
PS Theresa, I noticed they also have a set on sale, "Masterpieces of the Louvre" or something like that. I picked it up to listen to in conjunction with the Louvre exhibit at the High (that you alerted me to!). Sounds like a half credit of Art History to me, don't you think???
Kelly in FL |
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You know, I still have not got down to see that!!! 
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Theresa
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Kelly
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| Posted: Jan 09 2008 at 8:21am | IP Logged
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lapazfarm wrote:
You know, I still have not got down to see that!!! |
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Well, you HAVE had a few other things going on, oh, like college admissions and bi-coastal treks to Alaska and such...
If you get a chance, though, you need to make the trip. They've already switched from the first of the three exhibits (Kings as Collectors, which was very good) but I think the new exhibit is there for close to a year. The thing I liked about the exhibit was that it wasn't enormous, very accessible (unlike the Louvre itself which can be pretty daunting!) Anyway, we probably won't get to Part II either until June---it does take a little planning to pull these things off, doesn't it?
Kelly in FL
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4Real Forums : Living Learning
Topic: Great Courses by The Teaching Company
