Intellectual and ethical education of university students through core texts seminars: The case of the Great Books Program at the University of Navarra

• Published in: Church, communication and culture communication and culture, 2024-10, Vol.9 (2), p.345-360
• Main Authors: Sánchez-Ostiz, Álvaro, Torralba, José M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Core texts; great books; education; Ethics; Students; university
• ISSN: 2375-3234; 2375-3242
• DOI: 10.1080/23753234.2024.2388509

This article examines how the Great Books Program at the University of Navarra in Spain was implemented during the period 2014 to 2023. Its teaching principles and educational aims are presented. The four main educational aims are (a) to develop reading comprehension, informed dialogue, and written argumentation skills; (b) to develop an interdisciplinary framework for understanding reality in which students can locate what they learn in their degree program; (c) to develop critical thinking and cultivate an interest in the truth; (d) to promote ethical thinking and the connection between thought and life. Three main conclusions can be drawn from the experience of the Program. First, it is possible to introduce cross-disciplinary courses in degree programs oriented towards professional qualification. Second, students adapt well to the new methodology and show interest in this educational program. Third, this is an educational approach that seems to develop certain intellectual and ethical qualities in students that are not usually cultivated in other kinds of courses, or at least not as effectively.