I'm considering St. John's College for my undergrad and potentially graduate studies. I heard they have a solid humanities program with a lot of grad students enrolled. Is this true? What's their humanities graduate program like?
St. John's College is indeed well-regarded for its humanities program, particularly because of its unique "Great Books" curriculum. An integral part of the St. John's experience is the discussion-based seminars where students engage directly with primary texts from some of civilization's most influential thinkers. This emphasis on inquiry and critical analysis is nurtured at both undergraduate and graduate levels.
However, it’s worth noting that while their humanities program is strong, the program is relatively small compared to peers. The total enrollment at St. John's College is lesser compared to larger research universities with extensive graduate school offerings.
While it is true that a proportion of their small student body consists of graduate students, St. John's College doesn't stand out for having the highest number of graduate students in humanities compared to larger universities, simply due to its size.
In terms of their graduate program, St. John’s offers Master of Arts in Liberal Arts and Master of Arts in Eastern Classics. Both programs follow the Socratic seminar method similar to the undergrad curriculum where discussions are fostered over lectures. The Graduate Institute curriculum would hence offer you the opportunity to continue studying great works of literature, philosophy, political theory, psychology, history, religion, economics, and sociology in a systematic and disciplined manner.
However, as with all programs, visiting the campus (if possible), reaching out to current students or alumni, or directly contacting the admissions office can provide a more personal understanding of their graduate programs.
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