Summer Classics 2009

The Art of Life

Many things happen between the cup and the lip.
— Robert Burton (1577–1640)

Summer Classics in Santa Fe will transform you: rigorously reading great books with others leads to unexpected discoveries and exhilarating dialogue.

At St. John’s we believe that combining rational thought, imaginative experimentation, and expressive communication is truly the art of life. Join us and see what you’ve been missing.

Summer Classics at St. John’s College in Santa Fe, New Mexico is your chance to explore the perplexing, the rousing, and the illuminating. Every summer people from across the country, who vary widely in age, academic and professional backgrounds, gather in small seminars on the Santa Fe campus to read and discuss classics of literature, science, history, philosophy, and opera.

A Summer Classics seminar is not a lecture, nor is it a book club. At St. John’s, seminars are lively, in-depth, highly participatory conversations on the reading at hand. Discussions begin with an opening question presented by a tutor, but can take on myriad dimensions. Everyone contributes in some way to the conversation, bringing ideas to the table whether they have familiarity with the topic or not. Listening is just as important as speaking, as connections among ideas make for stimulating conversation. No previous knowledge of the author, text, or subject is required; participants should refer only to works the group studies together. Our conversations are not debates. Challenging others’ ideas or offering alternative thinking is encouraged as long as the goal is insight, not didacticism.

These week-long seminars take place in July, and are limited to 16 participants each. Groups are led by two members of the St. John’s College faculty, or occasionally, guests from other institutions.

Tuition covers one seminar (either one morning or one afternoon topic) in a given week. You may register for both one morning seminar and one afternoon seminar each week. Participants are welcome to register for more than one week of seminars.

When not reading or in class, participants reserve time to explore the vibrancy of historic Santa Fe and attend cultural events such as the Spanish Market, the Eight Northern Indian Pueblo Arts and Crafts show or musical performances such as Music on the Hill™ at St. John’s College, the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival and the world renowned Santa Fe Opera.