Great Books STUdents Selected for Rigorous Humanities at Hertog Seminar
Great Books STUdents joined peers and professors from around the world to explore classic texts and sharpen their critical thinking and communication skills through the Humanities at Hertog seminar.
Grace Cunningham and Kensea Aaron earned spots in the fall and winter cohorts, while Kiran Hollmann-Prichard and Alexis Pye will complete the seminar this spring.
Dr. Matt Dinan, who teaches in the Great Books program and this year’s Hertog seminar, highlighted the advantages of this unique experience.
"This program helps our students recognize that their work is comparable to that of peers from some of the most prestigious institutions in the world," he said.
"They collaborate with outstanding professors, engage in meaningful dialogue, and, most importantly, read truly great books."
An Enriching STUdent Experience
Third-year STUdent Grace Cunningham credited her success in the program to her Great Books classes at STU.
“Experience in Great Books was essential for performing well even in the interview,” she said.
"Thanks to the seminar-style classes at STU, I felt confident and prepared to actively contribute alongside peers, including graduate students and working professionals.”
During the Hertog seminar, Cunningham studied Shakespeare's Hamlet through an interdisciplinary lens.
"Exploring Hamlet through the lens of political philosophy, theology, and themes like paganism versus Christianity and diplomacy greatly enriched our discussions," she said.
Second-year STUdent Kiran Hollmann-Prichard is preparing to study the works of Booker T. Washington in the summer seminar, which will give him a deeper understanding of American history.
"I am looking forward to working with and learning from new instructors and classmates while broadening my academic connections," he said.
Fourth-year STUdent Alexis Pye, who will study Thucydides, is excited about the challenge.
“I'm excited to revisit a text I've always wanted to explore more deeply, and I'm confident that engaging with new perspectives and challenges will greatly enhance my understanding,” she said.
STU’s Great Books program is one of the few in Canada—and one of the only programs offering students the opportunity to complete a major or honours in the field.
“Studying great thinkers has sharpened my ability to analyze ideas, communicate clearly, and think critically. The program pushes me out of my comfort zone while providing the support I need to become more confident, inquisitive, and collaborative,” said Hollmann-Prichard.
"When I took the introductory course in my first year, I had no idea what to expect, but it turned out to be one of the best decisions I have ever made," he said.