Dr. Peter Kwasniewski was the guest speaker at the Una Voce Canada annual general meeting in 2016. We are pleased to share his letter about the Aquinas Institute’s online offerings.
Dear Friend of Catholic Education,
Most of you, no doubt, have heard of the Aquinas Institute – well, there are several organizations called by that name, but I’m referring to the one that publishes the well-known blue hardcover Opera Omnia series of bilingual editions of the works of St. Thomas (the most recent addition to which is a two-volume set of the saint’s Commentary on Aristotle’s Metaphysics). I am happy to be able to share with you the news that the Aquinas Institute is now launching Online Discussion Classes, at two levels:
- A Graduate Theology Curriculum, consisting of 12 integrated courses towards an MA in theology. Courses may be taken 1, 2, or 3 at a time — whatever best fits one’s schedule. Adults looking for a more serious engagement with theology, including priests, religious, catechists, and schoolteachers, should check out this program; nothing quite like it has ever been offered in the USA. Courses begin the week of September 14th.
- An undergraduate Liberal Arts Curriculum consisting of 12 accredited courses in humanities, philosophy, and theology, to be taken 3 courses at a time. This program is for students ready to do college-level work, students already enrolled in state universities looking for a way to fulfill general education requirements, and people of any age group and background who want to fill in gaps in their own education. Courses begin the week of September 21st.
Both programs are built on two principles:
- Great Books or primary sources: we read (e.g.) whole works by Plato and Aristotle for philosophy, Augustine and Aquinas for theology, Dante and Shakespeare for humanities — not textbooks or random bits and pieces.
- Discussion: the classes take the form of interactive conversations guided by Catholic professors passionate about their subjects. The faculty lined up for Fall 2020 hail from Wyoming Catholic College, the International Theological Institute, Our Lady of Guadalupe Seminary, and Baylor University.
The first three Liberal Arts courses will be:
(1) Gods and Heroes in Ancient Greece, with Dr. Jason Baxter;
(2) Tools of Philosophy, with Jacob Terneus;
(3) Salvation History I, with Dr. Vincent DeMeo
The first three Graduate Theology courses will be:
(1) The Book of Job, with Dr. Nathan Schmiedecke
(2) Existence and Attributes of God, with Dr. John Mortensen
(3) Church Fathers I, with Dr. Michael Foley
The cost is comparable to similar online programs, and scholarships are available.
We are looking to register enough students to run all six courses. Help us to get the word out by telling your family, friends, and acquaintances.
Cordially in Christ,
Peter Kwasniewski, Ph.D.
https://aquinasinstitute.org/
