Shimer Great Books Blog
The Shimer perspective and contribution to the Great Conversation
Does evil exist? What is light? Is the world becoming a better place? Questions like these—that demand to be asked but seem to defy final answers—are the living heart of traditions of study and debate as old as recorded history. These traditions form the unique curriculum at the Shimer Great Books School, which we want to share with you in the form of our blog. Here we will pose questions, offer challenging insight, and give you a glimpse behind the curtain. Join the Great Conversation with us!
The Great Books Challenge
What makes a “great book” has been the most contentious issue for the Shimer Great Books School since its distinction as a “great books school” in the 1950s. Is it a classic? A primary material? And who decides what those are, anyway?
The life-long impact of a Great Books college education: An interview with Chris Vaughan
Tell us about how you ended up at Shimer Great Books School.
Shimer Great Books School: A homeschool friendly college
Preparation is underway for our first two-week summer camp: the Shimer Great Books School “Big Ideas” camp. The first big idea will focus on nature, June 18 – 22, and our second idea is technology, June 25 – 29.
An Alternative College Education: A Hub for Democracy and Diversity
I think it's fair to say that the development of democracy and our awareness of diversity developed hand in hand. Let me explain…
The Joys of Discussion: From a Great Books Program Alum
The year before I enrolled in the Shimer Great Books program, I was part of a student group at Wright College, my local community college in Chicago, that met weekly to discuss current political developments. I awaited our meetings with a lot of excitement.