George Wythe College - Academics

Academics

As a classical liberal arts school, curriculum is based on the Great Books of the Western Tradition but with an additional emphasis on developing the attributes necessary for statesmanship. The purpose "is two-fold: 1) to provide a comprehensive, quality liberal arts education, and 2) to train students to be skilled, principled, and effective leaders who will perpetuate the cause of liberty in the twenty-first century." Class sizes are relatively small with as little as a 7:1 student/faculty ratio. Subjects are studied primarily through original sources and include philosophy, history, mathematics, science, literature, political science, political economy and art. Coursework requirements center on extensive reading of and problem solving from the classics in each discipline, writing, simulations, oral and written examinations and practica.

To build men and women of virtue, wisdom, diplomacy, and courage who inspire greatness in others and move the cause of liberty.

GWU uses a liberal arts methodology based on the Socratic seminar and the Oxford tutorial models. Derived from these models, the school refers to five pillars education that comprise a pattern of learning that has produced leaders throughout history. These elements consist of:

• Classics: GWU uses this term to mean "original works of depth and substance--writing, painting, sculpture, philosophy, music, theory, law, etc.--that engage the student in the great questions of life" and is sometimes used interchangeably with the term Great Books.
• Mentors: Faculty with topical expertise who lead discussion, offer lectures, and meet with students regularly to offer guidance. Courses are taught seminar style with students discussing texts around a table and the mentor using the Socratic method of asking questions to invite the students to think deeply and reflect about the subject.
• Simulations: Introduced into American education by law professor George Wythe as the moot court. Simulations give students an opportunity to practice what they have learned in a fictional setting and "consist of mock congresses, moot courts, model UN and various other fictional and real scenarios where students take on roles and work individually and in teams to identify and solve problems."
• Field Experience: A type of internship used to help students implement their learning in real situations. Students are required to perform three field-experiences in order to graduate. Practica must be approved by the Graduation Committee and followed up by a comprehensive written report detailing what was learned. "Field Experience practica may include substantive jobs, internships, volunteer work, etc."
• God: As a non-denominational institution, students are encouraged to respect the various religious backgrounds of all students and faculty. Mentors refer to religious texts from various cultures and the Judeo-Christian Bible is a notable classic in the curriculum. The main purpose of this pillar is to establish a respect for moral and natural law, and as a counterweight to hubris in leaders.