Thomas Aquinas College is unique among American colleges and universities, offering a faithfully Catholic education comprised entirely of the Great Books and classroom discussions.
Truth, and nothing less, sets men free; and because truth is both natural and supernatural, the College’s curriculum aims at both natural and divine wisdom.
The intellectual tradition and moral teachings of the Catholic Church infuse the whole life of Thomas Aquinas College, illuminating the curriculum and the community alike.
Do you enjoy grappling with complex questions? Are you willing to engage in discussions about difficult concepts, with the truth as your ultimate goal?
There is always something to do at TAC — something worthwhile, something fulfilling, and something geared toward ever-greater spiritual and intellectual growth.
Having safely arrived earlier in the day, students on the California High School Summer Program spent Sunday evening getting to know each other and the campus that will be their home for the next two weeks.
Along with visiting family members, students gathered in the Fritz B. Burns Auditorium for a parent orientation with Brian Dragoo, the Summer Program’s academic director, who spoke about the College’s approach to Catholic liberal education. During the Summer Program, the high schoolers will experience the same Discussion Method in the classroom as TAC students employ throughout the academic year. At the College, Mr. Dragoo continued, rather than reading textbooks and listening to lectures, students read and discuss only primary texts, the Great Books of Western civilization, conversing with each other in small classes of about 17 students, called “sections.” These sections are led by a professor, called a tutor, who is there to guide the discussion by asking insightful questions, rather than giving authoritative explanations.
Summer Program Director Brian Dragoo
“It’s a discussion that is led by and principally involves the students in the classroom. That’s what we do at the College, and that’s also what we do at the Summer Program,” explained Mr. Dragoo. “We’ve found that students profit deeply from being engaged personally and actively in the texts and in the conversations about the texts.”
The high schoolers sat at picnic tables, eating tri-tip and hot dogs, and getting to know each other over dinner. Later, many headed down to the athletic field to play volleyball or soccer. Those who spent the day traveling were able to attend a late Sunday Mass, offered by the Summer Program chaplain, Rev. Sebastian Walshe, O.Praem. (’84).
After dinner and Mass, the high schoolers returned to the auditorium for some introductions from Admissions Director Jon Daly, who spoke briefly about some of the College’s rules of residence, and Fr. Sebastian, who touched on the opportunities for spiritual growth available on campus. The prefects also introduced themselves and shared some fun facts about themselves, which involved everything from getting lost in a quarry to coming across a bear in a cave to playing in a mariachi band! The high schoolers, spirits high as they looked forward to the weeks to come, cheered every introduction.
The men and women then returned to their respective residence halls to enjoy some conversation over bowls of ice cream. Prefects spoke with the students about the community, spiritual life, and customs of the College, and invited them to find out for themselves what life at TAC is all about.
Photos: Women's Dorm Talk
Then it was time to get some sleep in preparation for a busy day! Come back to the Summer Blog later today to read about Monday’s first classes!
