The Place of Core Texts

The focus of this book is on the theme of liberal education. Some contributors explore our common humanity, particularly the humanity of our teachers and students. Others explore the dialogue of ideas, the conversation that takes place across texts, cultures, and time. Perhaps most importantly, there is in these pages the primary conversation between the text and the student, which teachers attempt to aid and cultivate. Where it is the good life, good artwork, or the goodness of science, all of the papers argue the criteria of inclusion for works in curricula, as well as the purposes and means of core text programs. Thus, administrators, scholars from all walks of academic life, and dedicated teachers in the liberal arts will find themselves in the conversations of this book. Whether one honors the ancients, honors the moderns and postmoderns, or honors the conversation between the three, this is a must-read for all college and university professors seriously concerned with liberal arts educations and its texts.