College of Arts & Sciences: Shimer Great Books School

Here you will study the thoughts and findings of the world's first scientists, composers, and philosophers, and gain a more holistic view of the world through their many lenses. By studying original sources, you will learn not only from the conclusions of these authors, but from their journey of discovery. 

At Shimer, every class is a conversation. The entire curriculum follows the Socratic Method; because we know that active learning thrives in small-class discussions. Professors do not lecture from a podium. Rather, they sit with the students at the table, serving as facilitators, encouraging discussion and posing thought-provoking questions. They recognize that some of the greatest teachers you could ever learn from are the authors of books that have proven valuable to countless generations of thinkers.

Here you will find a community of those who question and seek deeper understanding - people who are not intimidated by controversy but invigorated by fresh perspectives; who see each other as fellow learners and teachers, each equipped with valuable insights and unique opinions. Within this community, you will complete a curriculum that covers both broad and specialized knowledge. 

Join the great conversation

Does beauty exist? What is light? Is the world becoming a better place?

Questions like these—that demand to be asked but seem to defy final answers—are the living heart of traditions of study and debate as old as recorded history. These traditions form the unique curriculum at the Shimer Great Books School. The “books” are the products of humanity’s search for answers—and sharper questions. Certainly, as a great books program, we read many books. But we also study paintings and sculptures, listen to symphonies and songs, watch films and explore buildings, and perform experiments that have led to new discoveries.

We arrange these inquiries into four majors: humanities, natural sciences, social sciences and liberal studies. Regardless of which major you choose you will take courses that span disciplines and learn to integrate questions and insights from multiple areas of classical liberal arts.