Western Civilization Foundation
The Western Civilization Foundation's Great Books Program offers students distance learning in an integrated, four-year curriculum (8 semesters) based on direct reading of the Great Books that form the foundation of the philosophic, literary, poetic and scientific tradition of Western civillization. The readings begin with Homer's Iliad, written nearly three millennia past, and proceed roughly chronologically to the 21st century. This is the substance of a liberal education. Having acquired proficiency in the liberal arts of reading, writing, calculating, speaking, listening and thinking in their elementary and secondary education, our students are given the opportunity to hone and apply these skills on the nobleest of materials - the original works of the most influential poets, philosophers, scientists, mathematicians and theologians of Western civilization.
Guided by the authors of the Great Books - who are our "permanent" faculty - our two moderators in each class and our Great Books Study Guides, students read, reflect on and discuss these masterpieces by the greatest minds of Western civilization. By daily practice in such reading, and completing the study guides, students form habits of thought and reflection. By means of these habits, for the rest of their lives students can better lay hold of the wisdom recorded in the Great Books and more easily grasp knowledge and attain understanding across the disciplines and various vocations they may experience in life. There are no age limitations to taking the course, but good English reading ability is required. The texts may be obtained from the program or any library.
The weekly discussion seminar is the online, live-audio component of the program. The seminars last two hours and are conducted by two moderators who guide discussion of the weekly reading. Any PC (high speed is not required) can access our virtual classroom.
Organization contact, Stephen F. Bertucci, Director of the Great Books Program, P.O. Box 11379, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110; e-mail: info@greatbooksdiscussions.org; phone (360)496-0007, fax (270)513-1847
URL: GBAmailbox@aol.com
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