Great Books
In contrast to most colleges and universities where lectures, textbooks, and tests provide the essential elements of learning, a Great Books program is distinguished by three key features:
- Students approach learning through the study of the classic texts that constitute the “great conversation” of Western Civilization. In addition, opportunity will be given to examine classics in non-Western traditions.
- There are no lecture-based courses. Instead, all instruction takes place in seminars, tutorials, and laboratories characterized by highly participatory discussions among students and faculty.
- There is a single, unified curriculum for all students. This fosters an unparalleled sense of community and collegiality as spirited conversations emerge from shared encounters with profound ideas.
What are the benefits of the C.S. Lewis College’s Great Books curriculum?
The Great Books curriculum and related educational experiences of C.S. Lewis College are designed to nurture the development of exceptionally well grounded students in several ways:
First, by instilling and refining those intellectual virtues that enable sound learning, including the abilities to read carefully and tenaciously, to grasp and evaluate complex theories, and to engage in sharp analysis and reasoning.
Second, by fostering an appetite for knowledge and wisdom that culminates in a mature understanding of the full range of ideas that inform the Western intellectual tradition, as well as key ideas originating in non-western cultures.
Third, by sharpening the ability to communicate and respond to ideas effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Finally, by cultivating a deep respect for those foundational Christian moral, spiritual, and theological understandings that inform our appreciation for goodness, truth, and beauty.
How do the visual and performing arts fit into a Great Books program?
Existing Great Books colleges are committed to a curriculum that focuses upon the examination and discussion of written texts. In contrast, C.S. Lewis College deems it essential that students interact with ideas expressed both in written form and in the visual and performing arts. By so doing, students will be better prepared to understand and constructively engage contemporary culture.
Are there other Great Books colleges?
- Gutenberg College, Eugene, OR.
- Magdalene College of Liberal Arts, Warner, NH.
- St. John’s College, with campuses Annapolis, MD and Santa Fe, NM.
- Shimer Great Books School of North Central College, Naperville, IL.
- Thomas Aquinas College, with campuses in Santa Paula, CA and Northfield, MA.
These listed colleges (or in the case of Shimer, a school within a college) possess the following two characteristics of a full Great Books college: [1] they have curricula composed entirely of Great Books readings, and [2] they utilize the pedagogy of only discussion-based instruction in seminars, tutorials, and laboratories (no routine, daily lecture classes). In addition to these five colleges, many other fine colleges enjoy full or partial curricula conforming to [1], but utilize a pedagogy based significantly on lecture classes.
And, of course, scores (possibly hundreds) of other colleges and universities offer Great Books programs (often their Honors Programs) to complement their customary academic programs.