Description

Arete engages the questions of excellence and the noble life. We focus on the ancient Greek philosophical and literary traditions: primarily Plato, Aristotle, and Sophocles. We then move on to the Medieval and Renaissance tradition: Sir Gawain and the Green Knight and a few Shakespeare plays. We close with modern poetry and stories: Keats, Wilbur, Faulkner, and Flannery O'Connor. With a broad perspective of the Western tradition, our students see the trajectory of how ancient ideas continue to shape and inform contemporary thought.

Arete II takes the foundation gained in Arete I and expands it to include a detailed discussion of the private and public spheres, the oikos and polis. Also addressing Greek plays by Sophocles, Euripides, and Aeschylus, works by Shakespeare and Enlightenment thinkers, pieces by modernist and contemporary poets and authors, and writings on urban planning, Arete II functions at a more graduated level than Arete I.

Students in both programs share morning lectures, films, and group activities. In addition to their intense reading, writing, and discussing, Arete I and II students attend museums in Fort Worth and a Shakespeare production in Dallas. At that time, they are also given the opportunity to explore these cities on foot.

The continued interest in our program has seen students from Arete I request the inception of Arete II such that we were able to inaugurate this program for the first time in 2011. This interest was renewed by recent 2011 members of Arete I, and Arete II will be offered again at UD for 2012. This new program suggests that the students understand the benefits themselves of the discussions and friendships they enkindle at Arete.

In addition, students comment on their newfound or strengthened ability to speak articulately, defend their positions and ideas, and write capably and clearly. Not only does Arete shape them intellectually and professionally, it shapes them socially. Having lived for two weeks in a dorm environment, students become well-adapted to college life and circumstances. They learn respect for others’ space and time, live in community with others, and attend class on a regular schedule without the supervision of parents. Such skills, hard for many college-aged students to master, are quickly gained by Arete students.

Arete, founded by Dr. Louise Cowan, exhibits the integrity of its founder in its staff. The lecturing staff is comprised of full-time UD faculty from the Philosophy, Theology, Classics, History, Politics, Art, English, and Comparative Literature departments. The seminar leaders are PhD students in the Institute of Philosophic Studies. Dr. Joan Arbery, the director of the program, is a UD alum and Notre Dame PhD who teaches both at UD and SMU. Ms. Liz Reyes, an additional advisor and mentor to the program, is a future UD PhD and professor at Thomas Aquinas College in California. Arete’s RAs are college-aged or recently graduated college students who have gone to UD or are affiliated with the program in some meaningful way.

Highlights

Arete provides an enriching educational experience to rising high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors through the introduction of UD's nationally recognized Core Curriculum. In Arete in Irving students will initiate their journey to freedom by exploring the essential texts of Western Civilization and reflecting on works of fine art, film, and music. The program features ten lectures by University of Dallas professors, six or seven film viewings, discussion groups and small seminars directed by doctoral candidates in our Institute of Philosophic Studies, as well as recreational activities. Students will study with UD faculty from varying departments and will enjoy living on our Irving campus. Participants will write papers, which are read, edited, and returned to them and they will participate in a final panel, in which they deliver their papers orally. The program features trips to the Kimbell Art Museum, Dallas Museum of Art and a performance of Shakespeare in the Park in Dallas. The program runs for two weeks from July 8-21, 2012 and costs approximately USD1,200.

This 2-week college preparation program is a great opportunity for high school students to experience some of the most important classical texts of Western Civilization while improving their reading and writing skills to a level that is expected by colleges. We would love to have you come discuss the noble life with us as we read passages from Plato's Republic, Sophocles' Oedipus Rex, Shakespeare's Hamlet and more.

Type of Programs

• Student Tours

Languages

• English

Cost in US$:

USD1,200

Program Fees Include:

The USD1,200 program cost covers classroom materials, tuition, room and board on the Irving Campus and activities fees.

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups of 5

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Transcript
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Essay

Typically The Application Process Time is

4 weeks

University of Dallas's Mission Statement

The University of Dallas is a Catholic institution that seeks to educate its students, to develop intellectual and moral virtues, to prepare themselves for life and work, and to become leaders in the community. Through intensive teaching, interactive discourse, and critical analysis, the university pursues truth, virtue, and wisdom in the liberal arts and professional studies.

Year Founded

1956