Great Books, Great Discussions, Great Fun!
High School Great Books Summer Program
(Winter 2007 Newsletter)
From July 22 to August 4, rising seniors from across the country
and beyond will participate in the eleventh High School Summer Program
at Thomas Aquinas College. For two weeks, 120 high school students
will stay in student housing, have their meals in St. Joseph Commons,
and live, study, and recreate in much the same way as students of
the College do during the regular academic year.
Director of Admissions Mr. Jon Daly (’99) is once again supervising
the program and expects the 120 slots to be filled with 60 male
and 60 female high school students by early spring. Last year 40%
of the students originated from California with the rest coming
from various parts of the United States, and one from France. Similar
demographics are expected for this year’s program, the primary
goal of which is to expose young people to the academic, spiritual,
and social life of the College. For many, this introduction leads
to greater things: in past years 35% - 45% of summer program attendees
have enrolled at Thomas Aquinas College the following year.
During the program, young people who will have completed their
junior year in high school, will attend seminars twice a day about
works by thinkers such as Plato, Boethius, Sophocles, Euclid, Pascal,
and St. Thomas Aquinas. Guided by members of the teaching faculty
using the Socratic Method, groups of no more than 16 students will
engage in discussions about topics such as the relationship of faith
and reason, order in nature, and political and religious authority.
Mr. Daly reminds potential participants that although there will
be serious in-depth discussions in class, there will also be plenty
of opportunities to enjoy the many outdoor activities that summer
in Southern California offers. “Students can take full advantage
of the recreational activities we offer here on campus, in the nearby
Los Padres National Forest, at our wonderful beaches, and on field
trips.” Daily Mass, confession, and other devotions are also
available to participants provided by the program’s full-time
chaplain.
Typically, more high school students apply for the summer program
than there is room to accommodate. Mr. Daly, therefore, strongly
encourages those interested in exploring some of the great texts
of Western Civilization, to contact the Admission Office now to
secure a spot in this year’s High School Summer Great Books
Program.
For more information about the High School Summer Great Books
Program, please contact the Admission Office at 1-800-634-9797 or
admission@thomasaquinas.edu.
-- Qtrly Newsletter, Winter 2007
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