The TMC Great Books Programs:A Collegiate Summer Program Unlike Any Other | Thomas More College

The TMC Great Books Programs:
A Collegiate Summer Program Unlike Any Other

Each summer, after the brief respite that follows Commencement, the familiar sounds of students fill the Caf. once more—only this time, it is high school students come to Merrimack to enjoy the College’s two Great Books Summer Programs. The Great Books Programs are a microcosm of the TMC experience, bringing a diverse array of participants together for each of the two-week sessions. The first is dedicated to honing students’ skills in debate and rhetoric; the second to crafting a production of one of Shakespeare’s beloved works: this year, a charming performance of the Bard’s Much Ado About Nothing. The 2022 Great Books Programs were organized by Elizabeth Puncer ’22 with the support of a team of dedicated counselors.

“Our Great Books Programs are a beautiful and unique experience where one can truly live the life of a Thomas More student,” remarked Admissions Counselor Torrey Culbertson ’22, who attended one herself before enrolling in the College. She continued, “I was amazed at the care, intelligence, and kindness displayed by the high school students. Their enthusiasm to know and understand the truth as well as their remarkable abilities either in debate or theater were an honor and a joy to witness.”


 
Participants dove into Aristotle’s Rhetoric, George Orwell’s Animal Farm, St. Thomas More’s Utopia, and Machiavelli’s The Prince under the guidance of College faculty. Peter Greninger ’24 commented, “For those interested in the liberal arts, the Great Books Programs are an excellent opportunity, since they allow students to experience the way we study at TMC. The classes are in the same format with the same teachers that we have during the semester. As a result, attending a Great Books Program really gives potential liberal arts students a feel for the College’s approach to academics.”

In between classes, students took in history in Boston and nature in the White Mountains, sang folk songs and learned swing dance, explored the Crane Estate and the Nubble Lighthouse, and came together in prayer. “Daily Mass, grace before meals, the Angelus, the Rosary, and Compline were such an attraction to the participants and showed them just how integrated the faith is in the day-to-day life at TMC,” observed Grace Richert ’23. “Similarly—and stirred on by what I saw in the students—my time as a counselor fostered in me a better appreciation for TMC and our way of life here.”


 
“I would encourage any high school student, even if he or she is not necessarily interested in attending TMC, to come to a Great Books Program because I believe that it gives a good introduction to the curriculum while still being an indescribably enjoyable two weeks,” said Mr. Greninger. “TMC’s Great Books Programs are unlike other summer programs because they allow for the development of academic and personal maturity as the students engage in classes and live on campus for two weeks. This time is packed with a variety of different opportunities and experiences, but ultimately, I believe the best part of the Great Books Programs to be the community that quickly develops among the students. This sort of community-in-miniature is what makes a TMC Great Books Program truly amazing.”

To learn more about our Great Books Summer Programs, click here.

 

For further reading:

College Hosts Largest-Ever Summer Programs

Life at TMC

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