���ϲ�����

Great Books & Libraries

Created with both a mind and a will, human beings have the ability to seek out the truth and, once it is found, the duty to act in accord with that truth. ���ϲ����� exists to aid students in this search, in the sure knowledge that all truth points ultimately to Christ, the Eternal Word Who is Truth itself.

At the heart of the ���ϲ����� curriculum are the Great Books, the original works that have, for good or for ill, animated Western civilization. These are the enduring works of great thinkers, both ancient and modern, the best minds in each of the disciplines. Although students are strongly encouraged to first approach original works directly — unprejudiced by the writings of other scholars — related readings, reference works, periodicals, and scholarly journals are available in St. Bernardine of Siena and Dolben libraries. Additionally, the libraries shelve noteworthy fiction, spiritual reading, and works of general interest for those times when students desire a relaxing break from the rigors of the program.

 

Discussion, Assessment & Lectures

Guided discussion is the lifeblood of the ���ϲ����� education. Faculty members begin each class by asking students an opening question that directs them to discover the meaning of the text at hand. The discussion unfolds naturally and vigorously, in a spirit of charity and friendship. Successful classes depend on the students’ careful preparation and thoughtful consideration of the reading beforehand. Then, with the help of a tutor, students work together in class to deepen their understanding.

It is primarily through these classroom conversations that tutors measure students’ progress in the academic program. By observing contributions to the daily conversations, tutors can monitor students’ development and make sure that they are mastering the coursework to a degree sufficient to move on to subsequent classes. Yet the tutors also rely on other forms of assessment, including occasional examinations, papers, and the Don Rags.

Likewise, the College also offers the St. Vincent de Paul Lecture and Concert Series in order to provide students with an opportunity to listen to and comprehend an extended argument or presentation. The lecture series is an integral part of the College’s curriculum. In addition, concerts of classical, operatic, or sacred music are performed two or three times a year in order to encourage students to develop a love of great music and to recognize and appreciate the beauty and inherent order in these great works.

 

Writing Preceptorial

During their first week at the College, all freshmen write diagnostic essays. Those freshmen judged by tutors to need additional work in grammar and rhetoric must turn in a draft of their first seminar paper to their seminar tutor and to rewrite that paper in light of their tutor's comments.

All students have access to the Writing Center, which is staffed by students, called “writing coaches,” who work under the supervision of a tutor. Writing coaches offer feedback to students on drafts of their papers with a view to helping students learn to attend to ways in which their writing can improve. The Writing Center assists students with grammar, structure, and style so that they learn to recognize errors in their writing and to develop clarity and elegance of expression.

 

Algebra Enabling Exam

The Junior Mathematics Tutorial makes use of algebra. Each student must demonstrate a basic proficiency in algebraic operations by passing the Algebra Enabling Examination by the end of the Sophomore Sear; no student will be allowed to continue to the Junior Year without passing the Enabling Examination. The exam is given twice in the Freshman Year and twice in the Sophomore Year.

An optional Algebra Preceptorial is available for students who have difficulty with this examination.