The St. Ignatius Institute (SII) is a Great Books
program offering a curriculum founded in the Western intellectual
tradition, focusing on texts in Philosophy, Literature, Classics, and
Theology that include those by such thinkers and writers as Homer,
Dante, Austen, and Nietzsche. Students who complete the SII
curriculum are awarded certificates with their diplomas. The SII
curriculum largely replaces the University's Core Curriculum
requirements with smaller, often seminar-style, courses on a variety
of subjects in the Liberal Arts.
Courses offered include, among others, Ancient Greek
and Roman Literature, Medieval Thought, Modern Philosophy, and Music
and Art. Class sizes in the SII are typically half of the size of
standard Core classes. Students of any major can complete the SII
requirements. Many SII students spend time studying abroad,
including in a program of study at Oxford University, UK, available
only to SII students. All SII courses incorporate primary sources as
much as possible. The SII is an academically challenging course of
study geared towards students who want a rigorous academic college
experience while having the opportunity to live and study in a
community of like-minded individuals. The Institute also sponsors
lectures for the wider University community on topics of contemporary
importance.
In addition to a rigorous
academic program, SII students have the option of participating in a vibrant
SII-only residence hall community as well as regular community activities that
include opportunities for service, foreign travel, and spirituality. For more information, call 415-422-2427 or
email Barbara St. Marie, Assistant
Director, at stmarie@usfca.edu.
