Program Overview
The Great Books Honors program at Faulkner University is an interdisciplinary honors track that integrates with undergraduate degrees. It features a five-course sequence exploring classic works of literature, philosophy, religion, and political thought, fostering critical thinking, faith development, and intellectual growth. Students engage in rigorous reading, writing, and discussion, culminating in a senior thesis. The program prepares graduates for diverse careers and graduate study.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
Overview:
The Great Books Honors program at Faulkner University is an uncommon honors program that offers a specific "Honors track" that integrates with each of the University's undergraduate degree programs. The core of this track is a five-course sequence that features a number of the Great Books of Western culture and engages students in serious, reflective reading. In addition to the Great Books Honors core, each major has a version of two upper-division courses within that major that have been adapted to function within the Honors track requirements (Honors contracted courses). The student must also complete a senior thesis.
Objectives:
The objectives of the Great Books Honors program are to:
- Encourage students to develop high intellectual standards
- Engage in Christian, community-shaped thought
- Strengthen their critical-thinking skills
- Grow in their faith toward God
Program Description:
The Great Books Honors program is a co-enrollment program in which students from all colleges at Faulkner University may participate. The course of study is designed to help students develop the skills necessary for a lifetime of fruitful, reflective thinking and reading. Students are encouraged to develop analytical abilities so that they may kindly critique their culture and bring the love of God to bear upon it.
Outline:
Content:
The Great Books Honors program covers a wide range of topics, including:
- Literature
- Philosophy
- Religion
- Political thought
Structure:
The Great Books Honors program is a five-course sequence, with each course building on the previous one. The courses are typically taken in the following order:
- GB 1300 Introduction to Great Books
- GB 1301 Great Books I
- GB 1302 Great Books II
- GB 2301 Great Books III
- GB 2302 Great Books IV
- GB 3301 Great Books V
- GB 3302 Senior Thesis
Course Schedule:
The Great Books Honors program is offered on a semester basis. The courses are typically offered in the following sequence:
- Fall semester: GB 1300 Introduction to Great Books, GB 1301 Great Books I, GB 2301 Great Books III
- Spring semester: GB 1302 Great Books II, GB 2302 Great Books IV, GB 3301 Great Books V
- Summer semester: GB 3302 Senior Thesis
Individual Modules:
GB 1300 Introduction to Great Books:
This course explores works of literature, philosophy, religion, and political thought from the ancient world to the modern. Extensive reading, writing, and verbal participation are required.
GB 1301 Great Books I:
This course explores works of literature, philosophy, religion, and political thought of the ancient world. Authors include, but are not limited to, Homer, Plato, Aristotle, Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides, Aristophanes, Virgil, and Augustine. The course requires intensive work in reading, writing, and civil discourse.
GB 1302 Great Books II:
This course explores works of literature, philosophy, religion, and political thought of the Middle Ages and Renaissance. Authors include, but are not limited to, Aquinas, Dante, Machiavelli, More, Luther, Calvin, and Shakespeare. The course requires intensive work in reading, writing, and civil discourse.
GB 2301 Great Books III:
This course explores works of literature, philosophy, religion, and political thought of the Enlightenment and Romantic era. Authors include, but are not limited to, Descartes, Milton, Locke, Voltaire, Rousseau, Kant, Wordsworth, and Austen. The course requires intensive work in reading, writing, and civil discourse.
GB 2302 Great Books IV:
This course explores works of literature, philosophy, religion, and political thought of the modern world. Authors include, but are not limited to, Kierkegaard, Marx, Dostoevsky, Sartre, Camus, Brecht, Auden, Eliot, Nietzsche, and Solzhenitsyn. The course requires intensive work in reading, writing, and civil discourse.
GB 3301 Great Books V:
This course explores works of Christian formation through the centuries. Authors include, but are not limited to, Ireneaus, Polycarp, Athanasius, Ignatius, Gregory of Nazianzus, Basil the Great, Ambrose, Gregory the Great, St. Benedict, St. John of the Cross, St. Teresa of Avila, The Cloud of Unknowing, Ignatius of Loyola, and Thomas a Kempis. The course requires intensive work in reading, writing, and civil discourse.
GB 3302 Senior Thesis:
This course is only for those who are in good standing in the Great Books Honors Program and shall culminate in the student's thesis or final project.
Assessment:
Students in the Great Books Honors program are assessed on their ability to:
- Read and understand complex texts
- Think critically and creatively
- Write clearly and persuasively
- Communicate effectively orally Students are assessed through a variety of methods, including:
- Exams
- Papers
- Presentations
- Participation in class discussions
Teaching:
The Great Books Honors program is taught by a team of experienced faculty members who are passionate about teaching. The faculty use a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Lectures
- Discussions
- Socratic questioning
- Group projects The faculty are committed to providing students with a supportive and challenging learning environment.
Careers:
Graduates of the Great Books Honors program are well-prepared for a variety of careers, including:
- Teaching
- Law
- Medicine
- Business
- Government
- Non-profit organizations Graduates of the program are also well-prepared for graduate study.
Faulkner University
Overview:
Faulkner University is a private, Christian liberal arts university located in Montgomery, Alabama. It is known for its small campus size, family-like atmosphere, and dedicated professors. The university emphasizes a holistic education that focuses on intellect, character, and service.
Services Offered:
Faulkner University offers a wide range of services to its students, including:
Academic advising:
Students receive personalized guidance and support in choosing their academic path.Career services:
The university provides resources and assistance to help students find internships, jobs, and career opportunities.Financial aid:
Faulkner offers various financial aid options to help students afford their education.Student life:
The university provides a vibrant campus experience with clubs, organizations, and events.Online learning:
Faulkner offers a variety of online degree programs for students who prefer flexible learning options.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Faulkner University prides itself on its close-knit community and family-like atmosphere. Students can expect:
Small class sizes:
This allows for personalized attention from professors and fosters a strong sense of community.Dedicated faculty:
Professors are known for their commitment to student success and their willingness to go the extra mile.A variety of student organizations:
Students can join clubs and organizations that align with their interests and passions.A vibrant campus culture:
Faulkner hosts various events and activities throughout the year, creating a lively and engaging campus experience.Key Reasons to Study There:
Christian worldview:
Faulkner University integrates faith into its curriculum and campus culture, providing a supportive and values-based environment for students.Holistic education:
The university focuses on developing the whole person, emphasizing intellectual growth, character development, and service to others.Small campus size:
This fosters a close-knit community and allows for personalized attention from faculty and staff.Flexible learning options:
Faulkner offers both on-campus and online degree programs, providing students with a variety of learning choices.Academic Programs:
Faulkner University offers over 60 on-campus majors and over 23 online majors. It also offers master's, law, and doctoral degrees in various formats, including on-campus, online, and hybrid. The university's academic strengths include:
Business:
Faulkner's business programs are highly regarded and prepare students for successful careers in various industries.Nursing:
The university's nursing program is accredited and provides students with the skills and knowledge needed to become registered nurses.Education:
Faulkner's education programs prepare students to become effective teachers and leaders in various educational settings.Theology:
The university's theology programs provide students with a deep understanding of Christian faith and practice.Other:
Entry Requirements:
New, prospective students require:
- Complete a short application and interview,
- Have a high school GPA of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale),
- Score at least a 27 on the English component of the ACT or at least a 580 on the verbal component of the SAT,
- Receive written confirmation of acceptance via e-mail or postal mail. Continuing Honors student requirements:
- Establish a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 during the freshman year and maintain a GPA of at least 3.0 until graduation.
- Comply with the University handbook regarding conduct and behavior. Prospective graduate requirements:
- Complete the five core courses with a 3.0 or greater GPA.
- Complete the two contract courses related to the major.
Additional Notes:
Students who do not fully qualify for the Great Books Honors program may still apply for admission to the GB 1300 Introduction to Great Books course. To participate in GB 1300 students must:
- Complete a short application and interview,
- Have a high school GPA of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale),
- Score at least a 23 on the English component of the ACT and an overall composite of 25 (or the SAT equivalent),
- Receive written confirmation of acceptance via e-mail or postal mail.
