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 |