Sheridan Center for Classical Studies: M.A. in Classical Education
The Master of Arts in Classical Education degree program provides educators with a strong philosophical foundation in classical education through instruction in the great works of the Western intellectual tradition as well as explicit instruction in pedagogy and curricular integration. The flexible course delivery during the school year as well as the affordable tuition make this program unique and well-suited for educators who are working full-time. As part of Benedictine College’s vision for transforming culture in America, the Sheridan Center for Classical Studies offers this graduate degree in classical education to support those engaged in the renewal of liberal arts education.
The Master of Arts in Classical Education is a 36-credit degree program offered in six (6) consecutive semesters starting each summer. This program includes six (6) credits in the foundational principles and history of classical education, 12 credits in reading the great works of the Western intellectual tradition, six (6) credits in general education, and 12 credits in classical methods for specific subject areas. In addition, all candidates will create a portfolio of professional work displaying their understanding of classical education and its pedagogical methods as a requirement for successful completion of the degree program.
Goals
- Graduates will understand the faculties of the human person within a Catholic Christian anthropology and articulate how this understanding serves as a foundational principle in classical education.
- Graduates will demonstrate how anthropology determines pedagogy through evaluation of educational philosophies and their efficacy for educating the whole person.
- Graduates will apply foundational principles of classical education to pedagogical practices across disciplines and grade levels.
- Graduates will demonstrate effective practice of classical pedagogical methods across various disciplines and grade levels.
- Graduates will develop the intellectual habits of curiosity, seminar discussion, and logical reasoning by engaging with and reflecting upon the outstanding classical works of the Western tradition.
Outcomes
- The teacher understands the nature of the human person, particularly the faculties of memory, intellect, and will, that are perfected through intellectual and moral virtues whose formation constitute the core of education.
- The teacher articulates the importance and nobility of teaching as a professional vocation resulting from a Catholic Christian anthropology of the human person.
- The teacher understands the principles of classical education and how they emerged historically.
- The teacher evaluates other educational models and theories considering the anthropology of the human person to determine continuity or rupture with principles of classical education.
- The teacher applies principles of classical education in a variety of subject areas and grade levels, making use of pedagogical tools appropriate to a given lesson or context.
- The teacher demonstrates the ability to implement various tools of classical pedagogy in a variety of subject areas and grade levels.
- The teacher applies an understanding of the dignity of the human person and its manifestation in a great diversity of learners in classroom practice and lesson planning.
- The teacher engages in meaningful study of and reflection on the outstanding works in the Western tradition to exercise and develop the intellectual and moral virtues that constitute the core of education.
- The teacher facilitates meaningful, text-based discussion on works within the Western tradition to bring a diverse group of students toward greater understanding of truth.
Admission
The Master of Arts in Classical Education program seeks to form candidates in the foundational principles of classical education, to introduce them to the enduring questions of humanity through reading and discussing the great works of the Western tradition, and to instruct them in pedagogical methods of the classical education movement.
New cohorts begin each summer. Applications open on September 1 and close on April 1 for the upcoming summer.
Admission Eligibility and Criteria
Candidates seeking admission to this program must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Candidate holds an undergraduate or graduate degree from an accredited institution;
- Candidate maintained a minimum GPA of 2.75 for the most recent degree earned; and
- Candidate demonstrates sufficient analytical and written skills through completion of application essay prompt.
Degree Requirements
- Students must complete 36 credit hours of course work within six (6) calendar years from the date of initial enrollment.
- A cumulative GPA of 3.0 must be attained in all graduate work.
- Degree candidates must successfully complete portfolio requirements under the supervision of the program director.
Course Format and Delivery
Most courses are delivered online through Benedictine College’s course management system. Online courses include a blend of synchronous and asynchronous work. Two courses are delivered ONLY in-person during the summer institute that occurs in July for the first summer of the program and late June for the second summer. Housing for the summer institute is available through Benedictine College.
Required Courses
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Summer 1 | ||
| CLST-5010 | Education & the Human Person | 3 |
| EDUC-5570 | Classroom Management for Practicing Tchr | 3 |
| Fall 1 | ||
| CLST-5115 | Classical Methods of Reading | 3 |
| CLST-6110 | Classical Tradition in the Ancient World | 3 |
| Spring 1 | ||
| CLST-5125 | Classical Methods for Mathematics | 3 |
| CLST-6120 | Classical Tradition in the Medieval Worl | 3 |
| Summer 2 | ||
| CLST-5020 | History & Theory Classical Education | 3 |
| EDUC-5571 | Meet Needs of Learners - Practicing Tchr | 3 |
| Fall 2 | ||
| CLST-5135 | Classical Methods for Sciences | 2 |
| CLST-5215 | Classical Method Teach Catholic Faith | 2 |
| or CLST-5225 | Classical Methods for Language Instructi | |
| CLST-6130 | Classical Traditn in the Renaissance Wrl | 3 |
| Spring 2 | ||
| CLST-5145 | Classical Methods Geography & History | 2 |
| CLST-6140 | Classical Tradition in the Modern World | 3 |
| CLST-6688 | Portfolio | NULL |
| Total Hours | 36 | |
Portfolio Requirements
Each student creates a portfolio to serve as evidence of his or her mastery of the program's goals and learning objectives. Moreover, this portfolio provides each student with clear documentation of his or her understanding of the foundational principles and pedagogy of the classical, liberal arts tradition.
Students will take only 5 credit hours in their last semester in order to have sufficient time for completing portfolio requirements prior to graduation.