Course Description: Serving as a foundational course in the study of the Great Books, students will further develop skills in reading, writing, speaking, listening, calculating, and problem solving through select readings from The Great Books of the Western World. This course will conform to a Paideia model of Classical education with a mini-lecture in every unit, academic coaching, and live seminar each week.

Course Objectives: The student will be able to:

1. Identify what is meant by the "life of the mind."
2. Articulate the basic foundations of Great Books learning.
3. Explain significant arguments as they appear within readings.
4. Identify key elements and characteristics of various literary genres.
5. Identify the great ideas within the readings.
6. Converse in a meaningful manner.
7. Formulate through writing, clear evidence of engagement and understanding of select ideas and readings.

Required Texts for Purchase: The Life of the Mind: On the Joys and Travails of Thinking by James Schall, ISBN: 193385961X; The Consolation of Philosophy by Boethius (Translated by David Slavitt), ISBN: 978-0674048355

Other required readings will be provided in PDF format.