This past week, I met daily with a group to discuss two books. We were one of 11 different groups, all meeting up daily on the U of T campus to discuss different books, and in some instances art and music. About 100 people -- mostly from the US and Canada -- attend this program every year.
Welcome to Classical Pursuits -- a learning vacation that I have now added to my list of annual must-dos.
I was not a total stranger to the group. They have a travel component -- Travel Pursuits -- and I've taken 3 of their trips and plan to take more. (I'm thinking of Savannah next spring....)
So what's this about learning to read?
The discussions at Classical Pursuits are based on the Shared Inquiry method of the Great Books Foundation in Chicago, which attempts to get to the truth of a book through leader-led questions that invite debate. (A gross oversimplification, but I don't want to take up too much of your time. Check out their website and read what participants have to say.)
You don't necessarily walk away from these discussions feeling you now understand the book. Most of the time, I walk away feeling I know less than when I walked in. But it's exhilarating to have these discussions, to hear different interpretations and, in some instances, to given the opportunity to complete change your point of view!
If you love books and are looking for a vacation with a difference, this could be what you're looking for.
(And did I mention the afternoon opera discussions? The plays? The cocktails? The art walks? The time off if you want it?)
Welcome to Classical Pursuits -- a learning vacation that I have now added to my list of annual must-dos.
I was not a total stranger to the group. They have a travel component -- Travel Pursuits -- and I've taken 3 of their trips and plan to take more. (I'm thinking of Savannah next spring....)
So what's this about learning to read?
The discussions at Classical Pursuits are based on the Shared Inquiry method of the Great Books Foundation in Chicago, which attempts to get to the truth of a book through leader-led questions that invite debate. (A gross oversimplification, but I don't want to take up too much of your time. Check out their website and read what participants have to say.)
You don't necessarily walk away from these discussions feeling you now understand the book. Most of the time, I walk away feeling I know less than when I walked in. But it's exhilarating to have these discussions, to hear different interpretations and, in some instances, to given the opportunity to complete change your point of view!
If you love books and are looking for a vacation with a difference, this could be what you're looking for.
(And did I mention the afternoon opera discussions? The plays? The cocktails? The art walks? The time off if you want it?)
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