User:Visviva/Great Books
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Great Books is an umbrella concept that, in its broadest sense, refers to a specified set of books that are believed to constitute an essential foundation in the literature of Western culture. In its more specific sense, it relates to a predominantly American educational movement that arose in the early 20th century, rose to national prominence in the postwar era, and continues in certain forms to the present day. Originating in the university, this movement has had ramifications not only for higher education, but also for K-12 education, adult education, and publishing.
In the educational context, "Great Books" can more specifically denote an approach combining a curriculum based on a set of canonical texts with a classroom methodology emphasizing open discussion with limited guidance by the instructor. Today there are a large number of undergraduate programs that continue to follow some aspects of the Great Books approach, but only four small colleges have remained entirely dedicated to the Great Books method: St. John's, Shimer, Gutenberg, and Thomas Aquinas.