The Great Conversation is a longstanding dialogue about universal experiences, historical events, and philosophical ideas. Contained in what are known as the Great Books, this dialogue encapsulates the questions that have been asked and answered since the beginning of time and has shaped every aspect of Western civilization. In The Great Conversation courses, we engage the dialogue using a chronological and integrated approach to benefit from the context that each genre (literature, history, theology and philosophy) provides for the others. We do not study these writings from a supposedly neutral perspective, but rather from the context of the biblical worldview. The ultimate goal is that, as students learn to love what is good, true, and beautiful in these works, they will grow in their love of God and neighbor.

The Great Books are delightful, but also demanding. The Great Conversation courses aim to provide a foundation for life-long study of these works. School of Logic students become familiar with the great stories, events and ideas of the time through close reading. As they grow in their knowledge of the works, students will have the opportunity to examine and engage the ideas they encounter from a biblical perspective. School of Rhetoric students continue the habit of close reading and examination of the main ideas while cultivating deeper skills of thinking, integration, and expression. As they grow in their ability to express a topic with eloquence and relevance, students will become more effective in impacting the broader culture for Christ by speaking the truth in love for God and neighbor.