Dr. Ferrier Presents Tutor Talk on the Role of History in Liberal Education

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For the first “Tutor Talk” of the academic year, Dr. Richard Ferrier spoke last Wednesday in the Dillon Seminar Room on the subject, “The Place of a Knowledge of History in the Well Educated Human Person.”

Dr. Ferrier’s passion for American history is famous on the California campus. Indeed, he arrived for his tutor talk sporting a golden tie with the words of the U.S. Constitution woven into the fabric. In his presentation, he argued that knowledge of history is a fundamental asset in the journey of a well-educated person, illustrating the specific place history ought to have in each stage of education.

For example, Dr. Ferrier suggested that a young child ought to learn the National Anthem and know famous figures from his country’s history, such as Davy Crockett or George Washington. In general, his natural love for what is familiar ought to be cultivated in ways appropriate to his level of understanding. “Tell them that the Fourth of July isn’t only about picnics and fireworks,” Dr. Ferrier recommended. From there, as the child grows into adolescence, Dr. Ferrier advised that he should encounter history as it really is — the good with the bad — and be given space to analyze and develop his own thoughts. This process allows him to apply his own judgements to the world around him as he moves on to higher education and, eventually, adulthood.

While the College’s curriculum is rooted in historical writings, from Greco-Roman texts to Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, a classical study of history for its own sake is not at the forefront of its mission. Nonetheless, Dr. Ferrier advised the students in attendance to apply the critical-thinking skills they are learning at the College to any study of history they may undertake, especially in the modern day, as the field becomes increasingly ideological and confined to predetermined narratives. Most importantly, however, he encouraged students to love where they come from and be proud of their history.

“Read, with the wisdom and discernment of an experienced person, the great historical work that’s being done,” Dr. Ferrier said. “We are in a Golden Age of the writing of history.”

Informal presentations, or “Tutor Talks” like Dr. Ferrier’s, take place on Wednesday afternoons throughout the academic year at Thomas Aquinas College. The series provides an opportunity for members of the teaching faculty to share their interests both with students and fellow tutors.

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