Program Vision
To become the leading Great Books program in the Middle East by forming intellectually curious, spiritually grounded, and ethically responsible graduates through the study of the foundational works of world civilization within the Orthodox Christian intellectual tradition.
Program Mission
The Associate of Arts (Intermediate Diploma) in Great Books provides a rigorous liberal arts education through the close reading and seminar discussion of the Great Books that have shaped human civilization. Inspired by Christian humanism and informed by the Orthodox Christian intellectual tradition, the program cultivates wisdom, critical thinking, moral character, and lifelong learning while preparing students for further university study, professional development, and meaningful service to the Church and society.
Program General Description
The Associate of Arts (Intermediate Diploma) in Great Books is a 72-credit-hour, part-time program normally completed over seven semesters. The curriculum consists of twenty-two interdisciplinary Great Books seminars supported by two university requirement courses in academic writing and computer skills.
Unlike conventional degree programs organized around separate academic disciplines, this program is centered on the careful study of primary sources. Students engage directly with great works of history, philosophy, theology, literature, religion, and science through seminar discussion, close reading, reflective writing, oral presentations, and oral examinations. The seminar method encourages thoughtful dialogue, intellectual independence, and the disciplined pursuit of truth.
Inspired by the traditions of classical liberal education and Christian humanism, the program pays particular attention to the Orthodox Christian heritage and the historical experience of Christians in the Middle East while remaining open to the broader intellectual traditions of humanity. Its purpose is not merely to transmit knowledge but to cultivate wisdom, virtue, and a lifelong love of learning.
Program Objectives
- Objective 1: Demonstrate a broad understanding of the major intellectual, historical, literary, philosophical, theological, and scientific traditions represented in the Great Books of world civilization.
- Objective 2: Develop the habits of careful reading, thoughtful discussion, critical inquiry, and independent learning through sustained engagement with primary texts.
- Objective 3: Appreciate the Orthodox Christian intellectual, spiritual, and cultural tradition within the broader history of world civilization and the Middle East.
- Objective 4: Communicate ideas effectively through seminar discussion, oral presentation, academic writing, and reasoned argument.
- Objective 5: Demonstrate ethical judgment, intellectual humility, personal responsibility, and respect for people of different cultures and religious traditions.
- Objective 6: Prepare for employment, community leadership, lifelong learning, and further university study through a broad interdisciplinary liberal arts education.
Program Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
• PLO 1: Explain the major ideas, authors, historical developments, and cultural traditions represented in the Great Books of world civilization.
• PLO 2: Describe the historical, philosophical, theological, literary, and scientific foundations of Western, Middle Eastern, and Christian civilization, with particular emphasis on the Orthodox Christian tradition.
• PLO 3: Demonstrate integrated knowledge of the relationships among history, philosophy, theology, literature, religion, and science as expressed through primary texts.
Skills
• PLO 4: Analyze, interpret, compare, and evaluate primary texts using critical thinking, logical reasoning, and evidence-based argumentation.
• PLO 5: Communicate ideas clearly and persuasively through seminar discussion, oral presentation, academic writing, and respectful dialogue.
• PLO 6: Conduct independent scholarly inquiry by locating, evaluating, synthesizing, and appropriately documenting information from primary and secondary sources using digital technologies.
Competencies
• PLO 7: Apply ethical reasoning and principles of Christian humanism when addressing academic, professional, and social issues.
• PLO 8: Demonstrate intellectual independence, personal responsibility, collaboration, and leadership in academic and community settings.
• PLO 9: Engage constructively with individuals from diverse cultural and religious backgrounds through informed dialogue, mutual respect, and a commitment to the common good.
