The Great Books Program

 

One of the most popular programs within the College of Liberal Arts

 

Housed in the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies in Groover Hall, the Great Books Program is one of two general education programs in the College of Liberal Arts. The program is designed around the belief that careful study of the primary texts of Western thought and belief in small study groups, guided by committed and rigorous instructors from varying academic disciplines, is a valid means to a good general education.

 

The eight required courses emphasize thoughtful enquiry, are discussion-based and reading and writing intensive in classes that are limited to 18 students each. Through the engagement of primary literary, political, religious, philosophical and scientific texts in the Western tradition, students can enhance their skills in disciplined thinking and writing, deepen their moral and ethical reflectiveness and develop their understanding of how the seminal ideas of the past have formed our present world and selves.

 

The Great Books Program sponsors a Great Books essay writing competition and recognizes an Outstanding Senior in the Great Books Program at the Junior-Senior Banquet.

 

Numerous special lectures and activities, such as the All-College Great Books Seminar, are scheduled throughout the academic year.