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Areas of Study

Areas of Study

Philosophy and Humanities

Through the Philosophy and Humanities sequence, the collegiate community reads together the greatest works of the imagination and the intellect in a spirit animated by joy that flows from the classroom to animate all that we do as a college.

Theology

Through six semesters of sustained reflection, students engage with the fundamental themes of theology:  God, prayer, the sacraments, Sacred Scripture, first and final things, love, human action, and the hope of heaven.

The Classic Books

Writing Workshop

Deeply integrated with the Humanities sequence, these four courses lead students through an odyssey into the nature of language, writing, and the substance of reality.

Latin and Greek

Students immerse themselves in the languages of Greece or Rome, choosing the path that leads to Troy or the Eternal City.

Arts of the Beautiful

Music and Art

Through our unique “Arts of the Beautiful” Program, students can integrate the practices of music, visual art—including iconography—and drama with sustained reflections on aesthetics, all while experiencing these arts in the museums and concert halls of New England.

Math and Science

Math and Science

In our pursuit of wisdom, we seek the visible and hidden orders of creation. Here the Book of Nature, through which Euclid and the greatest scientific minds serve as our guides, becomes indispensable.

Nature of Man

Nature of Man Seminar

“What does it mean to be a human person?” is one of the most important questions we can ask, and the implications of our answers become the central themes taken up by freshmen in this seminar.

Magdalen Scores in Top 1% Nationwide for Comprehensive Curriculum

Magdalen got a report card. The American Council of Trustees and Alumni (ACTA) examined 1,135 major colleges and universities in the country. Institutions earn a grade based on the degree to which they require students to take academic courses covering the broad sweep of the arts and sciences. Magdalen College was one of only seven...

Writing the Light:
Studying Iconography in Greece

The Orthodox tradition speaks of “writing” rather than “painting” icons. Several Magdalen students and graduates recently enjoyed a fascinating opportunity to “Write the Light” in Greece. The occasion was the Summer Iconography School taught by renowned master iconographer Dr. George Kordis. Mrs. Keri Weidersphan, who teaches iconography at Magdalen, helped organize and run the event....

Cardinal Newman Society Features Prof. Anthony Esolen & President Ryan Messmore

“Magdalen is for those who have an inkling that the world is enchanted with beauty and meaning and want an education that will help them explore it at a deeper level.” So argue Prof. Anthony Esolen and Pres. Ryan Messmore in a recent interview with the Cardinal Newman Society. When asked about the special value...

Anthony Esolen Featured in Podcast:
Poetry and the Music of Language

Magdalen Professor Anthony Esolen argues that we need to tune our ears to what he calls “the music of language.” Such music enables poetry to do things that other forms of written communication cannot do. Listen to Dr. Esolen explain what has gone wrong with poetry in the modern age, and hear him discuss some...

Collegiate Summer Program Session II Concludes on a High Note

Magdalen College recently wrapped up an engaging two weeks of our Collegiate Summer Program: Session II. Arriving on campus just days in the wake of Session I, an energetic group of high schoolers ascended our mountain campus to experience all aspects of Magdalen collegiate life. Between the two sessions, participants hailed from all over the...

National Catholic Register Interviews President Ryan Messmore

National Catholic Register, a leading news source for faithful Catholics, recently interviewed Magdalen College’s new president, Dr. Ryan Messmore. Since Dr. Messmore began his tenure as the college’s fifth president in July, his zeal for Magdalen’s intentional, Christ-centered approach to liberal education has rippled through the community. The full interview explores his background, highlights what...