伟大的著作 & 库
Created with both a mind 和 a will, human beings have the ability to seek out the truth 和, 一旦找到了, the duty to act in accord with that truth. 托马斯·阿奎那 College exists to aid students in this search, in the sure knowledge that all truth points ultimately to Christ, the Eternal Word Who is 真理 itself.
At the heart of the 托马斯·阿奎那 College curriculum are the 伟大的著作, the original works that have, for good or for ill, animated Western civilization. These are the enduring works of great thinkers, 古今皆有, the best minds in each of the disciplines. Although students are strongly encouraged to first approach original works directly — unprejudiced by the writings of other scholars — related readings, 参考书, 期刊, 和 scholarly journals are available in St. 锡耶纳的伯纳丁 和 Dolben 库. 另外, the 库 shelve noteworthy fiction, 精神上的阅读, 和 works of general interest for those times when students desire a relaxing break from the rigors of the program.
讨论,评估 & 讲座
引导讨论 is is the lifeblood of the 托马斯·阿奎那 College education. 教员 begin each class by asking students an opening question that directs them to discover the meaning of the text at h和. The discussion unfolds naturally 和 vigorously, in a spirit of charity 和 friendship. Successful classes depend on the students’ careful preparation 和 thoughtful consideration of the reading beforeh和. Then, with the help of a tutor, students work together in class to deepen their underst和ing.
It is primarily through these classroom conversations that tutors measure students’ progress in the academic program. By observing contributions to the daily conversations, tutors can monitor students’ development 和 make sure that they are mastering the coursework to a degree sufficient to move on to subsequent classes. Yet the tutors also rely on other forms of 评估，包括偶尔 考试，文件，和 唐的破布.
Likewise, the College also offers the St. Vincent de Paul 讲座 和 演唱会 in order to provide students with an opportunity to listen to 和 comprehend an extended argument or presentation. The lecture series is an integral part of the College’s curriculum. 除了, 古典音乐会, 歌剧, or sacred music are performed two or three times a year in order to encourage students to develop a love of great music 和 to recognize 和 appreciate the beauty 和 inherent order in these great works.
写作教师的
During their first week in the College, all freshmen write diagnostic essays. Those freshmen judged by tutors to need additional work in grammar 和 rhetoric attend the writing preceptorial, a weekly class discussion led by a tutor on the principles of grammar 和 rhetoric.
For the duration of the preceptorial, which runs through most of the first semester, students write no papers for their regular classes; but they do write short essays each week 和 then meet individually with tutors to discuss them. By the end of the preceptorial, students must achieve a satisfactory level of writing ability.
代数能力考试
The Junior 数学 Tutorial makes use of algebra. Each student must demonstrate a basic proficiency in algebraic operations by passing the 代数能力考试ination by the end of the Sophomore Sear; no student will be allowed to continue to the Junior Year without passing the Enabling Examination. The exam is given twice in the Freshman Year 和 twice in the Sophomore Year.
An optional Algebra Preceptorial is available for students who have difficulty with this examination.