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Great Books at STU
In Great Books students encounter different subjects, genres, and modes of inquiry. Courses use a variety of texts—from novels, works of history, poems, autobiographies, and Supreme Court cases—to investigate themes like freedom, human nature, love and friendship, and technology. Our small classes are team-taught by two professors to promote discussion and debate and provide a diversity of views and perspectives.
Looking for more insight into Great Books at STU? Check out Dr. Andrew Moore’s Youtube channel where he tackles themes and concepts similar to those discussed in class!
What sets STU’s Great Books Program Apart?
- Our Great Books program is one of few in Canada and is one of the only programs that allows students to complete a major or honours in the field.
- Courses in Great Books are team-taught by two professors which creates a collaborative and engaging learning environment.
- As an interdisciplinary program, Great Books students complete a second major which provides an education that’s diverse in knowledge, experience, and skills.
- Students benefit from faculty expertise in early modern political thought, Shakespeare, Kierkegaard, ancient political thought, and the Catholic intellectual tradition.
Where the Study of Great Books can Take You
Great Books requires a great deal of reading, writing, and critical thinking. Classes are discussion-intensive, which allows students to build their public speaking, argumentation, and listening skills. Through exposure to many types of texts—from ancient epics, Platonic dialogues, Supreme Court cases, and graphic novels—students develop an aptitude for interpretation and analysis.
This prepares graduates for meaningful careers in fields like:
- Law
- Journalism
- Public Policy
- Publishing
- Education
- Communications
- Government
Gain Experience and Build Your Resume
Connect the study of Great Books with professional experience through the STU Internship Program in positions with:
- Goose Lane Editions
- moorehype
- The Learning Bar
- Kings Landing
- The Dennis Report
You might be interested in studying Great Books if…
- You are interested in understanding yourself and your place in the world
- You love to read and think about life's big questions
- You're interested in the history of ideas
Featured Courses
- Great Thinkers and Writers
- War and Peace
- Human Nature and Technology
- Justice
Contact Us
Dr. Matt Dinan
Director, Great Books and Aquinas
Email: mdinan@stu.ca
Penny Granter
Departmental Assistant
Email: granter@stu.ca
Holy Cross House, Room 206
Phone: 506-460-0366
Fax: 506-460-0330
Office Hours: 8 am - 4 pm