The James G. Martin Center for Academic Renewal is excited to announce the release of its newest publication, recently updated, titled “Preserving the Canon: Great Books Programs at America’s Colleges and Universities.” The report explores the programs across the United States that focus on the Great Books and allow students to develop an in-depth understanding of all that they can offer.
The Martin Center found 48 colleges and universities that involved the close study of the Great Books. Uniting all these programs together is a desire for wisdom and understanding, and the belief that engaging with the Great Books can aid in this pursuit. Some of the schools include St. John’s College, Wyoming Catholic College, the University of Texas at Austin, and Gutenberg College.
Martin Center research associate Shannon Watkins explained, “By participating in a prolonged study of the Great Books, students become participants in ‘the Great Conversation.’ With great thinkers, they get to wrestle with perennial questions such as ‘What is a good life?,’ ‘What does it mean to be human?,’ or ‘Is truth objective or subjective?’ Few questions are more important to ponder, both in college and beyond.”
The report includes the 100 most common titles (50 non-fiction and 50 fiction) across all 48 schools. A full list of over 1000 titles found can also be found online. We hope the report encourages you to check out a Great Book and helps students interested in Great Books choose an institution that best fits them.
Click this link to view the report and learn more.