REGISTER BELOW
3:00 – 4:30 p.m. | Refreshments Provided
This event is designated for current University of Chicago graduate and undergraduate students. University of Chicago faculty and staff are also welcome to attend. Others interested in auditing should contact William Hurley at whurley@lumenchristi.org.
Description:
The crisis of the university has been frequently remarked. Mortimer Adler, onetime University of Chicago professor, decades ago prophetically sounded the tocsin regarding the fragmentation of the modern university. Battles over core curricula, distribution of limited resources, and arguments over research and teaching priorities are all indications of the crisis. Perhaps the greatest threats to the university in our Űber-Tech culture are posed by S.T.E.M. and AI.
So what is a “uni-versity”? What is its purpose? What should be the goals of a university education? Spurred by the modern spiritual and cultural genius of John Henry Newman, we will read and discuss his “Idea of a University.” Several months ago, Newman was declared a “Doctor” of the Catholic Church in recognition of his personal holiness and mastery of the Christian tradition.
In the light of Newman’s insights, come share your experiences at the University of Chicago. What classes have especially impacted you? How have you become a different person? What are your existential desires and hopes?
Schedule:
- April 1: Newman’s preface [pp. xxxvii-xlvii] and Discourses One and Two [pp.1-32]
- April 8: Discourses Three and Four [pp. 32-74]
- April 15: Discourses Five and Six [pp.74-114]
- April 22: Discourses Seven and Eight [pp. 114-161]
- April 29: Discourses Nine and Ten [pp.161-181]
Series Description:
Reading Course
Each quarter, the Lumen Christi Institute hosts a student-centered reading course at Gavin House (1220 E 58th St.). The reading course is usually held over a shared meal and all participants are provided a copy of the text. Any student interested in a shared reading of a great text is welcome to join. No religious affiliation is necessary.
