Great Book Program Learning Outcomes

Students who complete the Great Books Colloquium should be able to:

• Investigate major intellectual ideas, human institutions, and human behavior as expressed in Great Texts from the Western tradition, including the Greek, Roman, Medieval, Renaissance, Enlightenment, Modern, and Contemporary Traditions.
• Interpret classic texts across the Greek, Roman, Medieval, Renaissance, Enlightenment, Modernist and Contemporary Intellectual Traditions critically and competently through oral communication within a seminar format, utilizing interpretive questions and responses and supporting interpretations with relevant textual evidence and sensitivity to the views of others.
• Communicate effectively in writing that develops a coherent interpretation of intellectual ideas- socio-political, philosophical, literary, religious— both within a great text and across texts from different historical periods (Greek vs. Roman) or intellectual traditions (Epic vs. Philosophical).
• Articulate an understanding of Vocation and the Christian Mission of the University through a well-organized and clearly written personal essay.