Our Approach — Great Teachers, Great Texts, Great Questions
The Center advances a model of liberal education grounded on four basic commitments:
The Study of Important Primary Texts
Reading works that have shaped our world and continue to spark urgent questions helps students learn how to think and to discern what is worth thinking about.
Small, discussion-driven classrooms led by excellent teachers
We promote classes where students engage in robust face-to-face discussion and where teachers are not experts dispensing information but experienced partners in shared intellectual exploration.
Shared intellectual experiences across campus
Having students study the same texts across the student body means more opportunity for dialogue and discussion beyond the classroom, building community and connection among students and faculty.
A non-disciplinary approach to course design, content, and staffing
Because of its essentially open-ended character, liberal education cannot be pursued as a disciplinary endeavor or as the mere study of various academic disciplines. Courses taught by excellent professors outside of their narrow area of specialization model the process of inquiry for students and bring faculty together in a common project.
