B.A. Classical Liberal Arts
Overview
DEVELOPING WISDOM. ESTABLISHING CONVICTIONS. PRODUCING LEADERS.
B.A. in Classical Liberal Arts
The B.A. in Classical Liberal Arts is the first undergraduate program of its kind in the United States. The program is explicitly designed to train students in both the content and pedagogy of the classical liberal arts to prepare them for teaching positions in the rapidly growing Classical Christian Education movement, and to pursue graduate work in the humanities.
Be trained in the content of the Western Classical heritage beginning with Greece and Rome, the Middle Ages, Renaissance and Enlightenment — and continuing to the present day in history, literature, art, philosophy, and theology. This curriculum is augmented with continual training in Socratic pedagogy, providing intensive practice in leading rich and invigorating discussions instead of lecturing on an academic topic. Students study the classical languages and master the classical arts of grammar, logic, and rhetoric while pursuing the studia humanitatis (‘study of the human things’).
Sample Courses
View Sample 4-Year PlanSocratic Pedagogy I
The course begins with a historical survey of varying theories of teaching throughout history, culminating in the modernist, materialist, naturalist, and behaviorist models of the late 19th and 20th centuries, which began in Prussia and moving across Europe and the United States. This is contrasted with the ancient method of group dialectic as exemplified by Socrates, which is then considered by deploying a theological critique of Plato’s pagan theories of the Eternal Forms, the formation of virtue through knowledge, and the doctrine of recollection in reincarnated souls. The course is built around Paul’s description in Romans: quia, quod noscibile est Dei, manifestum est in illis (‘For that which may be known of God is made manifest clearly in them’).
Art History of the Western World
Built on the foundation of 14 three-hour-long art slide programs ranging from Neolithic stonework and cave painting to ancient Greek sculpture to the Middle Ages to the masterpieces of the Renaissance to 20th-century art, the course surveys the major periods, media, and styles. Strong emphasis on the Italian Renaissance and somewhat greater emphasis on painting than on architecture and sculpture. Format is viewing, discussion, and writing, with a comprehensive final and several short papers. A major goal is to establish a historical and cultural “canon” in Western art history as seen from a theological aesthetic. Currently only offered through TMU Italy.
Essentials of Philosophy
A survey of the field of philosophy: its vocabulary, aims, and purposes; the great systems of speculative thought; and the leading thinkers.
Ethics
A survey of the main approaches to ethics; issues in personal ethics, such as moral responsibility, decision making, honesty, and conscience; and topics in special ethics such as war, abortion, euthanasia, genetic engineering, and church state relations.
Minors in addition to Biblical Studies
Most students will complete a minor in Biblical Studies by default by completing the 24 units in their GE classes and upper-division requirements across 4 years at TMU. In addition to their major, students can also complete a minor in any of these programs by completing the required 15-27 units, depending on the minor: Accounting, Biblical Studies, Biology, Business Administration, Communication, Computer Science, Education, English, History, Global Studies, Kinesiology & Physical Education, Mathematics, Music, and/or Political Studies.
Prof Publications
An overview of Classical Christian Education
Why get a Classical Education?
The Dorothy Sayers essay that started it all
What can a Classical Education do?
Recovering the Lost Tools of Learning
Recovering the Lost Tools of Learning
An Introduction to Classical Education
John Milton: Classical Learning and the Progress of Virtue
Wisdom and Eloquence: A Christian Paradigm for Classical Learning
Wisdom and Eloquence: A Christian Paradigm for Classical Learning
Classical Education: The Movement Sweeping America
The Devil Knows Latin: Why America Needs the Classical Tradition
The best cultural critics should be Christians.
Dr. Grant Horner, Program Director
Next Steps: Applying
Since 1927, the mission of The Master’s University is to empower students for a life of enduring commitment to Christ, biblical fidelity, moral integrity, intellectual growth, and lasting contribution to the Kingdom of God worldwide.
Requirements:
- Required statement of faith and pastoral recommendation
- 3.6 GPA average for new applications
Faculty Profiles
All faculty share in the commitment to empower students for a life of enduring commitment to Christ, biblical fidelity, moral integrity, intellectual growth, and lasting contribution to the Kingdom of God worldwide.
Study & Serve Abroad - IBEX
Study the Bible for a full semester in the land where the Bible was written.
GO! Global Outreach
Opportunities for students to serve overseas through short-term mission trips. We connect them with our Missionary Alumni and other agencies.