Since 2010, when Dr. Brian T. Kelly introduced this series of talks, the Dean of the California campus has made periodic presentations to the Board of Governors about why the curriculum includes particular authors and subjects. Dean John J. Goyette’s talks are presented below along with those of his predecessor, Dr. Kelly. New presentations will be added as they are delivered.

Friendship and Our Common Humanity
Why We Read Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
By Dr. John J. Goyette
Foundations of Freedom
Why We Read The Federalist
By Dr. John J. Goyette
The Virtues & Vices of Democracy
Why We Read Tocqueville
By Dr. John J. Goyette
The Father of Modern Chemistry
Why We Read Lavoisier
By Dr. John J. Goyette
St. Thomas Aquinas on the Eucharist as Spiritual Food
By Dr. John J. Goyette
Doctor of Grace
Why We Study St. Augustine
By Dr. Brian T. Kelly
The Father of Orthodoxy
Why We Read Athanasius
By Dr. Brian T. Kelly
Philosophy is a Preparation for Death 
Why We Study the Phaedo
By Dr. Steven R. Cain
Don Quixote and the Glory of the Life to Come
Why We Study Cervantes
By Dr. Brian T. Kelly
Illuminating God’s Handiwork
Why We Study William Harvey
The Beauty of Truth and Sincerity
Why We Study Jane Austen’s Emma
By Dr. Brian T. Kelly
The Beauty, Majesty, and Awe of God’s Revelation
Why — and How — We Study Sacred Scripture
By Dr. Brian T. Kelly
Wagering Eternity
Why We Study Blaise Pascal
By Dr. Brian T. Kelly
The Weird and Wonderful Midwife
Why We Study Kierkegaard
By Dr. Brian T. Kelly
The Church as a Source of Wisdom
Why We Study Papal Encyclicals
By Dr. Brian T. Kelly
Our Patron, Mentor, Muse, and Master
Why We Study St. Thomas Aquinas
By Dr. Brian T. Kelly
The Way of Health and Hope and Love
Why We Study Dostoevsky
By Dr. Brian T. Kelly
A Great Apostle for Philosophy
Why We Study Plato
By Dr. Brian T. Kelly
The Poet of Catholic Liberal Education
Why We Study Dante Alighieri
By Dr. Brian T. Kelly
The Gods in the Kitchen
Why We Study Jean Henri Fabre
By Dr. Brian T. Kelly
Why We Study Mathematics
By Dr. Brian T. Kelly
Reckoning with Rousseau
... and other “Bad Guys”
By Dr. Brian T. Kelly
Defending Damascene
By Dr. Brian T. Kelly