Abstract: The traditional physics teaching system of the so-called “four core mechanics” emphasizes “disassembly” over “integration”. In particular, theoretical mechanics and electrodynamics have long been virtually disconnected and underrepresented. On the one hand, theoretical mechanics focuses on the laws of motion and mechanical principles, lacking a discussion of the nature of forces, whereas electrodynamics precisely reveals the nature of forces through the language of fields. On the other hand, electrodynamics focuses on the experimental laws and equations of motion of electromagnetic fields, lacking a discussion of the nature of electromagnetic fields, whereas theoretical mechanics precisely reveals the nature of electromagnetic fields from the perspective of fundamental degrees of freedom. Drawing on these two perspectives, we attempt to establish a “classical physics” system that integrates theoretical mechanics and electrodynamics: course foundations, Lagrangian mechanics, Hamiltonian mechanics, applications of classical mechanics, correspondences between forces and fields, laws of electromagnetic fields, static electromagnetic fields, dynamical electromagnetic fields, and an introduction to relativity. Instead of the solution of specific mechanical and electromagnetic problems, this system emphasizes the profound principles, beautiful structures, and extensive connections of classical physics.

Key words: theoretical mechanics, electrodynamics, classical physics, integration