Great Books Program Syllabus

An email from one of our students to one of the Angelicum Great Books Program Moderators, Steve Bertucci

Hi Mr. B,
I just wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart for these last four years! This program has changed my life for the better in so many ways. You are one of the most extraordinary people I have encountered in my life, and I feel so grateful to have been able to be a part of this program.
Thank you again Mr. B, for everything!
Sincerely,
Jillian H.

GREAT BOOKS PROGRAM SYLLABUS

The information immediately following is applicable to all eight semesters (i.e. 8 courses) of the Great Books Program, followed by an individual syllabus for each course. The headings/topics covered below. Please see the contact page for contact information to reach the program directors and your moderators.

CONVERSION TO CONVENTIONAL COURSE TITLES

The Great Books seminars are routinely conducted by two (2) moderators. This has several advantages beside the obvious one of drawing on the learning and experience of two, rather than one, moderators. Additionally, we sometimes substitute moderators from different classes or even bring in outside moderators who are often from major universities or colleges with wide experience in the classics, literature, philosophy or other related areas. This wealth of knowledge makes for an enriching experience and also allows us to trade notes on the students (particularly by the two regular moderators) – to obtain various perspectives and opinions regarding the assessment of individual students. This reduces the possibility of individual bias in assessment.

Your moderators will grade you through a mix of continuous assessment (a combination of seminar participation and written work throughout the semester) and oral examination at the conclusion of the semester. Following are the assessment means, methods and percentages utilized by the moderators.

Caveat: As Einstein well said, “Not everything that counts can be counted, and not everything that can be counted counts.” Learning in the humanities does not lend itself to numerical quantification, nevertheless, students often want to have some idea of what is expected of them and how it is determined, at least in outline, so we have prepared this for that purpose and for use by colleges or universities into which our students may transfer.

READINGS/POETRY- all students are required to read the weekly assigned reading (including the weekly poem) as a prerequisite for participation in the weekly seminar discussion. There is no grade for this element as it is an assumed preparation and is necessary if a student is going to answer satisfactorily the questions contained in the weekly writing assignments and, in addition, satisfactorily participate in classes.

SEMINARS – all students seeking college credit must participate in the weekly, online, live-audio discussion seminars. These are led by two moderators and last two hours. Your class time will be at the same time each week, barring exceptional circumstances. Following are elements of the seminars which will give you a better idea of what the moderators are evaluating as they learn with you in the seminars:

Prerequisite Reading – students are expected and required to have read the assigned weekly reading and poem. Failure to do so will inevitably result in poor performance in writing, in class discussion, and in oral exams.

Attendance – students may miss up to three (3) seminars a year (i.e. over a two semester period beginning in September and ending in May). Exceptional circumstances may allow for reasonable exceptions.

Participation/Performance Expectations – students are expected to be courteous, considerate, interested and reasonably serious (though the classes are very often punctuated with humor and laughter). The classes, since they conform to the natural human desire to learn and derive pleasure from that, are generally fun and enjoyable learning experiences for students and teachers. As learning experiences they are necessarily focused, so introduction of completely irrelevant topics or digressions is not permitted. However, students are free (and are encouraged) to introduce comments relating the reading to contemporary life, their lives and experiences, or previous readings. The classes also need to be safe emotionally – that is, we do not allow any unkindness, biting sarcasm, personal attacks nor disruptive behavior. The moderators lead the classes and their instructions are meant to be listened to and followed.

Effort – students will be expected to make a genuine effort to listen carefully, to share their reflections or thoughts about the reading by speaking, and to draw conclusions from the discussions. However, students are all different and no uniform standard is expected: some students are naturally reticent, some loquacious, some witty, some dry. Temperaments vary as well. The moderators are skilled at conducting these seminars, recognize these differences and take them into account in evaluating students. It is not who speaks the most nor who dominates the conversation that will obtain the better grades. Rather, it is who makes the best effort, even if little is said by that student.

Growth/Development – students are expected to learn something from these classes and readings, in fact, they are expected to learn a great deal (as detailed in the individual course syllabi following). But they are not expected to develop primarily their short-term memories, stuff them with unrelated factoids and trivia and digorge them onto tests, to be followed a few months later by near total forgetfulness of what was studied. No, rather we expect students to gain understanding of the topics read about and discussed. As Dr. Adler noted, “What is memorized is easily forgotten, what is understood is never forgotten.” We have listed the most commonly discussed topics covered, below.

Rhetorical skills – students will be expected gradually to improve their learning skills: reading, listening, speaking, logic, debate, proper diction, pronunciation, coherance, analysis, synthesis. No beginning student has all of these well-developed. We do not expect that. We do expect students gradually to improve these skills, which, happily, is accomplished almost unconsciously by participation in the seminars each week. Like steel on steel, minds and rhetorical skills are sharpened by discussion. However, this is not a debate class, it is a learning class conducted in an attitude of mutual inquiry – a community learning together. Even the moderators are expected to learn from the readings and seminars. They are not simply lecturers and the students mere information sponges. Rather, the great books are the teachers and the discussions the joint exploration and discovery of the ideas contained therein.

Insight – Einstein said: “I have little patience for scientists who take a block of wood, look for its thinnest part, and drill a number of holes where the drilling is easy.” Insight, penetration of an idea, thoughtful consideration and studious reflection – these are elements of great value and result in learning of the sort we all appreciate and which may help society. Students will be exposed to these in the discussions and will gradually be expected to add these skills – according to their natural capabilities – to the others.

Integration – Each semester of the program builds on the previous semester and prepares for the subsequent one. Like building blocks, or better, the increasingly higher spirals of the eagle as it soars upwards, students are expected gradually to integrate the higher portions of the programs with the lower. In fact, all of the program is recommended for both lower and upper division college credit as all of it is related and follows the chronological sequence of human intellectual discovery.

STUDY GUIDES – we have prepared eight (8) excellent, semester, Great Books Study Guides, one for each course of the Program. These Study Guides contain related poetry selections as well as summaries, context notes, Things to Think About While Reading the Book, Study Questions, Questions on Language and For and Reflection Questions. Students are expected to read the entire Study Guide selection accompanying the Great Books reading and answer the Study Questions, Reflection Questions and Questions on Language and Form (in the boxes provided in the Guides below each such question [students may expand their answers on additional paper if they wish, but this is not required]) and either email, fax or snail-mail their answers in so that they arrive no later than on the day before the regularly scheduled seminar. The moderators may require that some students submit their answers a day earlier (i.e. two days before the seminar).

ESSAYS – students will be required to submit two (2) essays per semester of
approximately 1500 words (about 5 pages) each.. These will be graded for content as well as for English language arts, including grammar, syntax, spelling, vocabulary and style. These essays together constitute ten percent (10%) of the semester grade.

ORAL EXAMS – At the conclusion of the semester, students will be given an oral exam in the live-audio internet format of the seminars. These usually last from 30-45 minutes and are conducted by one or both of the moderators. They are individually scheduled, one student at a time.

EXTRA WORK – students may request extra work in the form of essays to attempt to raise any grade in the course, including the final grade. However, any proposed extra work must be approved in advance by a moderator. It is up to the moderator to allow this or not in each case. Any extra work must be approved, completed and submitted within ninety (90) days of the last seminar of that class.

GREAT BOOKS PROGRAM	1st Year Ancient Greeks I Ancient Greeks II	2nd Year Ancient Romans Romans to Early Medieval	3rd Year High Medieval to Renaissance Renaissance to Enlightenment	4th Year Enlightenment to Modern Era Modern Era	% of Grade
Readings/Poetry	Required for grade	Required for grade	Required for grade	Required for grade	Required for grade
Seminar Participation	35%	35%	35%	35%	35%
Study Guides	35%	35%	35%	35%	35%
Essays	10%	10%	10%	10%	10%
Oral Exam	20%	20%	20%	20%	20%
Total %s	100%	100%	100%	100%	100%

WEEKLY STUDY HOURS FOR THE GREAT BOOKS COURSES (College Track) Great Books Program Includes All In-Class and Out-of-Class Study
Great Books Readings	6-8
Seminar	2.5
Study Guides	4.5 - 6
Poetry	.5
Essays/Oral Exams	1.
Total Weekly Study Hours	18
The above hours are range estimates for C-A students, doing the Great Books readings, weekly Online Classes (seminars), weekly Study Guide Questions, Essays, Poetry readings and Oral Exams at an unhurried (not rushed) pace. The time spent on each of the six components of the program will, of course, vary student-to-student as well. The readings are generally shorter and less difficult the first year, longer and more difficult as the program progresses and the student’s reading ability increases, so the time remains similar. Rapid readers and/or writers can reduce the time some, as noted by the range, but this is not a speed reading course, to the contrary, it requires much reflection to do properly and get the most out of the program. Nevertheless reading and writing rates do vary, so the above are estimates.

GRADING SCALE

We utilize the following conventional grading scales, at the option of the
student or school at which we offer the Great Books Progam: the letter grade (A to F); the 4.0 scale; the 100 point scale; the pass/fail option.

LETTER GRADE	4.0 SCALE	100 PT. SCALE	PASS/FAIL
A+	4.0	100	Pass
A (Excellent)	4.0	95	Pass
A-	3.67	90	Pass
B+	3.33	89	Pass
B	3.0	85	Pass
B-	2.67	80	Pass
C+	2.33	79	Pass
C	2.0	75	Pass
C-	1.67	70	Pass
D+	1.33	69	Pass (no college credit recommendation)
D	1	65	Pass (no college credit recommendation)
D-	.67	60	Pass (no college credit recommendation)
F (Failing)	0	0-59	Fail

F – If a student receives an F (failing) for a semester grade, that student must
either repeat that semester (with repeat tuition) or drop out of the program.
They may not proceed on to the next level as the program is sequential and each level is directly built upon the foundation formed at the prior level.

D – While the Program allows students to proceed to the next course level with any grade above an F (i.e. D- or better), the American Council on Education does not recommend college credit for any course (semester) completed with less than a C (whether it be a C-, C or C+) grade. If a student elects to repeat a course there is repeat tuition cost.

INDEPENDENT STUDY – some students may not be interested in the college credit requirements nor be able to attend the weekly discussion groups. Such students may enroll in the program, do the readings, study guides and essays only, and receive high school level credit for the courses. However no college credit would be recommended in this mode of study.

WITHDRAWAL – the “W” grade is available, upon request, within the first calendar month of classes only (i.e. either September or January depending on the start date) ; withdrawals (W’s) are permanent grades.

INCOMPLETES – if a student quits the seminars or does not submit required work after the first calendar month of class an “I” for incomplete will be recorded; incompletes (“I”) may be converted to a letter grade by completing the semester’s work within any of the next two (2) years offering the same course, but not thereafter.

ATTENDANCE – required at weekly seminars: Students may miss three (3) seminars per year (i.e. over two semesters) and they may not miss their oral exams (exceptions have rarely been made and only for very exceptional cases). Missing more than thirty (30) minutes of any seminar, except for excusable cause, shall be counted as a missed seminar.

WAITING LIST – once a class fills (usually a maximum of 22 students per class), we begin taking names for the next class. If a sufficient number of students sign up (usually about 15 minimum) then we open that next class, and so on. Until a class is opened we reserve the right to cancel the class and refund the tuition paid, in full. Signing up is on a first-come-first-serve basis and a number of our classes in the past have filled up, leaving names on the waiting list. So if you are sure you wish to sign up we advise you to do so as soon as you have made that decision.

CLASS TIMES – the regular weekly time for the seminars will be posted online. That time will remain the same for that particular class for the entire semester (and usually for the entire year). Sometimes we open several class times and studetns may select which class to join for the semester. We reserve the right to change the class time before the start of the semester, but if we do and the student does not like or cannot attend the new time they are entitled to a full tuition refund.

TRANSFERS – because our program is chronologically sequential, all beginning students start with the Ancient Greeks I. Students may not transfer into the program except from a similar four-year great books program, and then only into the equivalent year. Transfers into the online program from independent studywith us may be made if oral/essay examination of the transfer candidate demonstrates an equivalent grasp of the material.

PRIVACY POLICY – All information (of any type whatsoever) provided to the program is considered strictly confidential and will not be shared with any other persons or entities without the prior permission of the student, except at the request of the student , unless we are required to share such information by law without giving prior notice to the student.

TUITION/CREDIT – our tuition rates may change from time to time, and are subject to change without notice, so please review them online. However, once paid they are good for that entire semester, of course. We do not offer credit, but we have switched from a yearly (i.e. two semesters) to a semester basis to make payment easier.

REFUNDS – since the program must contract with our moderators at the beginning of each year for the entire academic year (who must commit their time for the entire year), and because this is based on the number of students signed up initially, no tuition refunds are allowed. So please carefully read over the program description, student comments, etc. and ask us any questions you may have before signing up. However, in the event we either cancel a class or change a class time then the student is entitled to a full tuition refund. Macintosh computers now work with our online live-audio discussion software.

DISMISSAL POLICY – While we have not had a single instance necessitating the following policy in over ten years of operation, like all educational institutions we reserve the right to dismiss students for improper behavior, either by the student, their siblings or their parents. Reasons would include (but are not limited to): persistent incivility (including unkindness, persistent use of biting sarcasm, personal verbal attacks) or rudeness to our staff or other students; disorderly, disruptive or abusive behavior; failure to observe class rules, instructions by moderators, and/or decorum online; harassment of other students or staff in any manner; use of inappropriate language either online or in correspondence to us; misuse of the software program we utilize or of other class materials; yelling or shouting at staff or other students. The Program moderators and/or directors reserve the sole and exclusive right to determine when and if any of these policies have been violated, leading to dismissal of the related student(s), or to decide whether a warning is merited in advance of any dismissal, or not. In the event of a dismissal for violation of this policy, there will be no refund of any amounts paid for enrollment or tuition fees for any student dismissed, regardless of when paid. This includes any online discussion group tuition, enrollment, books, materials or other fees. Any services paid for with such forfeited enrollment fees and/or tuition would be terminated. If the parents are the cause for the dismissal, we reserve the right to dismiss any/all of their children, as circumstances seem best to dictate to us. We reserve the right not to accept tuition and enrollments for the same reasons. Again, this has not happened and we hope it will never be necessary. This policy exists in order to enable those conducting the program to maintain its pleasant and encouraging educational environment, if faced with this sort of problem.

NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY – The Great Books Program complies with all federal and state rules and regulations and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, creed, marital status, age, disabled or Vietnam-era veteran, or disability as defined by applicable state and/or federal regulations or statutes, or national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, and other school-administered programs. The Great Books Program is an Equal Opportunity employer.

TOPICS covered in the course: Students sometimes want to know in advance what topics will be covered in the Great Books Program and dicussed in the online seminars. The nature of any serious study of great books is that it will lead students into various areas of interest, just as it does the online seminar
discussions. Beginning with the work (listed below) the entire class read that
week, the discussions fre quently begin on one topic and bring in topics
from previous discussions and from relevant events of our time, resulting in
their gradual integration. Thus to predict in advance the precise topics for the week in neither possible nor desireable, lest the result be a dampening and inappropriate artificial restriction of the conversation. Nevertheless, Dr. Adler collected the most important topics discussed in the great books, nearly all of which we inevitably discuss in one or another of the seminars, and divided them by category, which are listed below.

GREAT BOOKS PROGRAM TOPICS BY CATEGORY

TRANSCENDENTAL
Beauty Being Good and Evil
Same and Other Truth

ETHICS
Beauty Being Courage
Desire Duty Equality
Good and Evil Happiness Honor
Justice Prudence Same and Other
Sin Temperance Truth
Virtue and Vice Wealth Wisdom

POLITICS
Aristocracy Citizen Constitution
Custom and Convention Democracy Equality
Family Government Justice
Labor Liberty Monarchy
Oligarchy Progress Punishment
Revolution Slavery State
Tyranny And Despotism War and Peace

LIBERAL ARTS
Definition Dialectic Hypothesis
Idea Induction Language
Logic Mathematics Reasoning
Rhetoric

METAPHYSICS
Angel Being Cause
Chance Change Equality
Eternity Fate Form
God Infinity Matter
Metaphysics Nature Necessity and Contingency
One And Many Opposition Principle
Quality Quantity Relation
Same and Other Space Time
Universal and Particular World

ANTHROPOLOGY AND PSYCHOLOGY
Animal Desire Emotion
Experience Habit Immortality
Judgment Knowledge Life and Death
Love Man Memory and Imagination
Mind Opinion Pleasure And Pain
Prophecy Sense Sign and Symbol
Soul Will

PHYSICS
Astronomy and Cosmology Cause Chance
Element Infinity Mathematics
Matter Mechanics Nature
Quality Quantity Relation
Space Time World

SUBJECTS
Art Education Evolution
History Language Law
Logic Mathematics Mechanics
Medicine Metaphysics Philosophy
Physics Poetry Religion
Rhetoric Science Theology

INDIVIDUAL SYLLABI FOR EACH COURSE/SEMESTER

Course #1, Title: Great Books of the Ancient Greeks I

Course Materials: Students will need either to purchase, borrow or download the
books assigned for the weekly readings (see Reading List below for book list).
These are all great classics and may be obtained from your library or on the
internet, or may be purchased from the bookstore at greatbooksacademy.org (where
you may also view the editions we recommend [but do not require]).
Additionally, students will need to read the weekly poem contained in the
semester Study Guide, and the Study Guide itself for this semester. The Study
Guides and books may be obtained from the bookstore, internet address above.
Students will also need access to a personal computer with modem for internet
access, and any simple microphone (usually $10-20) for use with their computer.
Macintosh computers sometimes work and sometimes do not work with our online
live-audio discussion software, so to be assurred of ability to participate in
the discussions students with Macs must have access to another computer.

Location: Cyberspace/Distance Education (via live-audio internet, and
correspondence); see Contact page for contact information.

Length: Weekly Seminars begin the week of September 6, 2005 through the week of
December 19,2005 (see weekly schedule below). Oral exams are scheduled
individually beginning mid-December (see chart above with estimated student
study hours).

Objective: To familiarize students with the Great Books of the ancient Greeks
from Homer through Herodotus (see the reading list below), why these books are
considered great books, and how the Great Books of the Ancient Greeks relate to
and influence our lives today.

Learning Outcome: Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be
able to: discuss, reference and in varying measure understand the specific works
studied; better exercise the liberal arts of reading, writing, speaking,
listening and thinking; have a deeper understanding of the persisting questions
of human existence; integrate the contributions of various disciplines studied
towards understanding such questions; have a more broadly-based liberal
education derived from the period works studied; investigate careers and pursue
career changes by being exposured to several disciplines; take part in the
ongoing intellectual dialogue about the great ideas contained in the most
influential books of Western civilization, often called the Great Conversation,
by which contemporary life is knowingly or unknowingly governed; function more
effectively as a member of a democratic society with independent judgement.

Instruction: Major topics (see Topics, above) covered in the course inevitably
are those which have been of enduring interest to great authors thoughout
classical and Western civilization even to our day, often called “the great
ideas,”such as: justice and freedom; intelligence and character; war and peace;
happiness and wisdom. Methods of instruction include extensive reading, oral and
written testing for grading, essay preparation, and weekly online classroom
participation in discussions with other students who have read the same text
that week (see Assessment Criteria, above).

Credit Recommendation: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate
degree category or in the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 6
semester hours in Liberal Arts, Literature or Great Books which also may be
delineated as 3 credit hours in Literature and 3 credit hours in Philosophy or
Critical Thinking.
………………………………………………………………………………………………

Course #2, Title: Great Books of the Ancient Greeks II

Location: Cyberspace/Distance Education (via live-audio internet, and
correspondence); see Contact page for contact information.

Length: Weekly Seminars begin the week of January 8, 2006 through the week of
May 7. Oral exams begin the week of May 14,2006 (see Chart above with estimated
student study hours).

Objective: To familiarize students with the great ideas contained in the
original works written by the greatest ancient Greeks (not covered in the first
semester course) from Plato through Hippocrates, which are foundational to
classical and Western civilization (see course syllabus for specific titles and
authors studied).

Instruction: Major topics covered in the course are those which have been of
enduring interest to authors throughout classical and Western civilization,
often called “the great ideas,”such as justice and freedom; intelligence and
character; war and peace; happiness and wisdom. Methods of instruction include
reading, oral and written testing, essay preparation, and weekly online
classroom participation in discussions with other students.

Credit Recommendation: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree
category or in the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 6 semester
hours in Liberal Arts, Literature or Great Books which also may be delineated as
3 credit hours in Literature and 3 credit hours in Philosophy or Critical
Thinking (5/05).

………………………………………………………………………………………………

Course #3 Title: Great Books of the Ancient Romans

Location: Cyberspace/Distance Education (via live-audio internet, and
correspondence); see Contact page for contact information.

Length: Weekly Seminars begin the week of September 6, 2005 through the week of
December 19,2005. Oral exams are scheduled individually beginning mid-December
(see Chart above with estimated student study hours).

Dates: January 2004 – Present

Objective: To familiarize students with the great ideas contained in the
original works written by the ancient Romans, from Virgil through Galen.

Learning Outcome: Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be
able to: discuss, reference and understand the specific works studied; exercise
the liberal arts of reading, writing, speaking, listening and thinking; have an
understanding of the persisting questions of human existence; integrate the
contributions of various disciplines studied towards understanding such
questions; have a broadly-based liberal education derived from the period works
studied; investigate careers and pursue career changes by being exposed to
several disciplines; take part in the ongoing intellectual dialogue about the
ideas contained in influential books of Western civilization (often called the
Great Conversation); function more effectively as a humanistic member of
society.

Instruction: Major topics covered in the course inevitably are those which have
been of enduring interest to authors throughout classical and Western
civilization even to our day, often called “the great ideas” such as: justice
and freedom; intelligence and character; war and peace; happiness and wisdom.
Methods of instruction include reading, oral and written testing for grading,
essay preparation, and weekly live audio classroom participation in discussions.

Credit Recommendation: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree
category or in the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 6 semester
hours in Liberal Arts, Literature or Great Books which also may be delineated as
3 credit hours in Literature and 3 credit hours in Philosophy or Critical
Thinking (5/05).

………………………………………………………………………………………………

Course #4, Title: Great Books of the Ancient Romans to the Early Middle Ages

Location: Cyberspace/Distance Education (via live-audio internet, and
correspondence); see Contact page for contact information.

Length: Weekly Seminars begin the week of January 8, 2006 through the week of
May 7. Oral exams begin the week of May 14,2006 (see Chart above with estimated
student study hours).

Dates: January 2004 – Present

Objective: To familiarize students with the great ideas contained in the
original works written by the ancient Romans and writers through the early
Middle Ages, from Plotinus through Dante.

Learning Outcome: Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be
able to discuss, reference and understand the specific works studied; exercise
the liberal arts of reading, writing, speaking, listening and thinking; have an
understanding of the persisting questions of human existence; integrate the
contributions of various disciplines studied towards understanding such
questions; have a broadly-based liberal education derived from the period works
studied; investigate careers and pursue career changes by being exposed to
several disciplines; take part in the ongoing intellectual dialogue about the
ideas contained in influential books of Western civilization (often called the
Great Conversation); and function effectively as a humanistic member of
society.

Instruction: Major topics covered in the course inevitably are those which have
been of enduring interest to great authors throughout classical and Western
civilization, often called “the great ideas”. Methods of instruction include
reading, oral and written testing for grading, essay preparation, and weekly
live audio classroom participation in discussions.

Credit Recommendation: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree
category or in the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 6 semester
hours in Liberal Arts, Literature or Great Books which also may be delineated as
3 credit hours in Literature and 3 credit hours in Philosophy or Critical
Thinking.
………………………………………………………………………………………….…

Course #5, Title: Great Books of the High Middle Ages to the Renaissance

Location: Cyberspace/Distance Education (via live-audio internet, and
correspondence); see Contact page for contact information.

Objective: To familiarize students with the seminal ideas contained in the
original works written by great authors in the High Middle Ages to the
Renaissance, from Chaucer through Montaigne.

Learning Outcome: Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be
able to discuss, reference and analyze the specific works studied; exercise the
liberal arts of reading, writing, speaking, listening and thinking; have a
deeper understanding of the persisting questions of human existence; integrate
the contributions of various disciplines studied towards understanding such
questions; have a more broadly-based liberal education derived from the period
works studied; investigate careers and pursue career changes by being exposed
to several disciplines; take part in the ongoing intellectual dialogue about the
ideas contained in the most influential books of Western civilization, sometimes
called the Great Conversation; function more effectively as a humanistic and
thoughtful member of society.

Instruction: Major topics covered in the course inevitably are those which have
been of enduring interest to great authors throughout classical and Western
civilization, often called “the great ideas” (justice and freedom; intelligence
and character; war and peace; happiness and wisdom). Methods of instruction
include reading, oral and written testing for grading, essay preparation, and
weekly live classroom participation in discussions via the internet with other
students and at least two moderators.

Credit Recommendation: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree
category or in the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 6 semester
hours in Liberal Arts, Literature or Great Books which also may be delineated as
3 credit hours in Literature and 3 credit hours in Philosophy or Critical
Thinking.
………………………………………………………………………………………………

Course #6, Title: Great Books of the Renaissance to the Enlightenment

Location: Cyberspace/Distance Education (via live-audio internet, and
correspondence); see Contact page for contact information.

Length: Weekly Seminars begin the week of January 15, 2006 through the week of
May 7. Oral exams begin the week of May 14,2006 (see Chart above with estimated
student study hours).

Dates: January 2004 – Present

Objective: To familiarize students with the seminal ideas contained in the
original works written by great authors in the High Middle Ages to the
Renaissance, from Shakespeare through Pascal.

Instruction: Major topics covered in the course inevitably are those which have
been of enduring interest to great authors throughout classical and Western
civilization, often called “the great ideas” (justice and freedom; intelligence
and character; war and peace; happiness and wisdom). Methods of instruction
include reading, oral and written testing for grading, essay preparation, and
weekly live classroom participation in discussions via the internet with other
students and at least two moderators.

Credit Recommendation: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree
category or in the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 6 semester
hours in Liberal Arts, Literature or Great Books, which also may be delineated
as 3 credit hours in Literature and 3 credit hours in Philosophy or Critical
Thinking.
…………………………………………………………………………………………….

Course #7, Title: Great Books of the Enlightenment to the Modern Era

Course Materials: Students will need either to purchase, borrow or download the
books assigned for the weekly readings (see Reading List below for book list).
These are all great classics and may be obtained from your library or on the
internet, or may be purchased from the bookstore at greatbooksacademy.org (where
you may also view the editions we recommend [but do not require]).
Additionally, students will need to read the weekly poem contained in the
semester Study Guide, and the Study Guide itself for this semester. The Study
Guides and books may be obtained from the bookstore, internet address above.
Students will also need access to a personal computer with modem for internet
access, and any simple microphone (usually $10-20) for use with their computer.
Macintosh computers sometimes work and sometimes do not work with our online
live-audio discussion software, so to be assurred of ability to participate in
the discussions students with Macs must have access to another computer.

Location: Cyberspace/Distance Education (via live-audio internet, and
correspondence); see Contact page for contact information.

Objective: To familiarize students with the seminal ideas contained in the
original works written by great authors in the Enlightenment to the Modern Era,
from Locke through De Tocqueville.

Instruction: Major topics covered in the course inevitably are those which have
been of enduring interest to great authors throughout classical and Western
civilization, often called “the great ideas” (justice and freedom; intelligence
and character; war and peace; happiness and wisdom). Methods of instruction
include reading, oral and written testing for grading, essay preparation, and
weekly live classroom participation in discussions via the internet with other
students and at least two moderators.

Credit Recommendation: In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree
category or in the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 6 semester
hours in Liberal Arts, Literature or Great Books, which also may be delineated
as 3 credit hours in Literature and 3 credit hours in Philosophy or Critical
Thinking.

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Course #8, Title: Great Books of the Modern Era

Location: Cyberspace/Distance Education (via live-audio internet, and
correspondence); see Contact page for contact information.

Length: Weekly Seminars begin the week of January 8, 2006 through the week of
May 7. Oral exams begin the week of May 14,2006 (see Chart above with estimated
student study hours).

Objective: To familiarize students with the seminal ideas contained in the
original works written by great authors in the Modern Era, from Thoreau through
Einstein.

Learning Outcome: Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be
able to discuss, reference and analyze the specific works studied; better
exercise the liberal arts of reading, writing, speaking, listening and thinking;
have a deeper understanding of the persisting questions of human existence;
integrate the contributions of various disciplines studied towards understanding
such questions; have a more broadly-based liberal education derived from the
period works studied; investigate careers and pursue career changes by being
exposed to several disciplines; take part in the ongoing intellectual dialogue
about the ideas contained in the most influential books of Western civilization,
sometimes called the Great Conversation; function more effectively as a
humanistic and thoughtful member of society.

Instruction: Major topics covered in the course inevitably are those which have
been of enduring interest to great authors throughout classical and Western
civilization, often called “the great ideas” (justice and freedom; intelligence
and character; war and peace; happiness and wisdom). Methods of instruction
include reading, oral and written testing for grading, essay preparation, and
weekly live classroom participation in discussions via the internet with other
students and at least two moderators.