Teaching Craftsmanship: On Skills and Boys' Hands
The book of Genesis tells us that God made man ut operaretur\u2014that he may work. Far from a punishment for the Fall, work is an essential part of man\u2019s original vocation. Indeed, it is precisely as a craftsman\u2014a tekt\u014dn, in the Greek\u2014who does his work well (cf. Mark 6:3) that Jesus was identified in the Gospels. Education, therefore, even a liberal arts education, ought to take into account this important aspect of man\u2019s nature.\xa0
This week on HeightsCast, we welcome John Paul Lechner and Dr. Joseph Haggarty to discuss how a craftsmanship class can fit into the education students receive at a liberal arts school. Both teachers at Sparhawk Academy in Millis, Massachusetts, Lechner and Haggarty explain how students at Sparhawk engage reality through their unique craftsmanship curriculum. They give examples of the ways even their younger students learn to craft meaningful works for their families and community while gaining skills that will serve them for life.
Mr. Lechner and Dr. Haggarty help us see the ways craftsmanship class contributes to the formation of these boys so full of energy and budding strength.
Chapters\xa0
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2:25 Introduction\xa0
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3:10 Origin of Sparhawk\u2019s craftsmanship courses
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6:15 Craftsmanship in the younger years\xa0
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7:19 Craftsmanship and the liberal arts
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12:30 A brief history of craftsmanship
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15:10 The dignity of working with one\u2019s hands\xa0
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16:20 Examples of projects\xa0
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23:20 Learning to use energy and strength well
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26:35 Getting started with craftsmanship\xa0
Recommended Reading\xa0
Shop Class as Soulcraft by Matthew Crawford\xa0