OUR MISSION: To explore, evaluate, and pass on the good found in the great books, art, and music of Western Civilization, by way of a Christian view of life and the world.
What is tutorial education?
Our tutorial approach is a pedagogy that includes a combination of small group meetings and one-on-one time with your professors. Each week the students attend a lecture by one of the Center faculty, meet with their assigned tutors, and also attend a group discussion time for all students and faculty. During tutorials, assignments are discussed, papers are prepared and presented, and the tutor makes evaluations about what would be good for that specific student to address next. It might mean that one student is investigating questions that the others are not. Each individual student is given work that touches his specific interests within the framework of the group’s readings.
The beauty of this way of study is manifold:
- affords a student one-on-one time with a college professor every week
- affords a student experience with college level work without pressure for grades
- affords tailoring of academic direction toward the student’s interests
- builds a love for learning, since connections are constantly being made between the student’s love for God and the subject at hand
- encourages life-long learning
- follows the Socratic method that argues truth is discovered in the interaction between two people rather than only through the textbook or didactic teaching (lecture).
It is one thing to be bombarded with information on "old" things and quite another to garner a deep understanding of and appreciation for your heritage. However, even further beyond these is to be so saturated in and illuminated by the light of Christ shining through the various facets of the past that you transcend mere knowledge and appreciation into love---love of the truth, of beauty, of the One who is Beautiful and True. This is the only goal the Center has, and it pursues it with authority and passion.
Center faculty member, Jonathan Vowell
What's Happening:
Had our closing dinner on Saturday, May 27, sending Macy, Seth, Steven, and Andrew Off on their respective paths! Still Interviewing Students for the Fall, please contact us if you are interested in Applying for a great gap year!
Student Interviews
The Center's Video Lecture Series features a closer look at the philosophy, concepts, and ideas which are foundational to the teaching at The Center for Western Studies. You can discuss your thoughts about the video here on the Facebook Forum with other thoughtful members.
Get Connected!
Start by "liking" The Center for Western Studies on Facebook and join our forum discussion group.
You can also follow us on Twitter and Instagram by searching @centerws for updates on The Center, thoughtful quotes and questions, and even fun pictures as our Gap Year continues.
THE CENTER FOR WESTERN STUDIES
932 HARBOR VIEW DRIVE
MEMPHIS, TN 38103
email: director@centerws.com