In our unique approach to liberal education at Magdalen College, we read both the Book of Nature and the Book of Revelation as complementary sources of wisdom, undertaking a sustained enquiry animated by both faith and reason (fides et ratio), what Pope Saint John Paul II called the “two wings on which the human spirit rises to the contemplation of truth.” Through this enquiry we open ourselves to natural, cultural and divine realities through our direct experience, the books we read, the encounters with beauty that we enjoy, and our liturgical life. Through all of these, we take up questions about the nature and telos of the human person, the purpose of political life, first and final things, the deepest structures of reality, and our capacities for knowledge, goodness, and imaginative creation.
In all of this, we take our orientation from Pope Saint John Paul II’s encyclical Fides et Ratio one of the most important sources for our mission as a college. In this encyclical, John Paul II spoke eloquently of the fundamental questions that animate our search for wisdom. He spoke of how reason can help purify faith of encroaching superstition while faith can expand the limited horizons of enquiry in which reason tends to limit itself. And he emphasized how by approaching the whole of reality with both faith and reason, those who seek wisdom will not be disappointed. Instead, Wisdom will come out to meet us on the way and spread a feast before us. Rather than limiting the possibilities of human experience, the integration of the faith and reason will us beyond what reason alone could achieve.
Students will have the opportunity to earn one college credit by taking one of the following courses offered at Magdalen College. Taught in Socratic-style seminar discussions, each course enables students to explore a particular interest and discover if it could lead to a college major or area of focus. Students will spend 3.5-4 hours in class each day, have some assigned homework, and spend the remaining time in prayer liturgy, and sacred music, relaxation with new friends, and a wide range of extra-curricular activities.
Myth in Philosophy: Seeking Wisdom through Poetry and Story (1 credit) – Dr. Erik van Versendaal
What is the relationship between poetry and philosophy? Why does speaking about ultimate things lead philosophers into the realms of poem and story? This course considers philosophical works that are undertaken in a poetic mode alongside poems that express philosophic truth.
Physics: Understanding Boomerangs, Billiard Balls, and Balance Beam Routines (1 credit) – Mr. John Klucinec
This course explores the laws of motion as described by Galileo and Newton, by reading and discussing these authors and through classroom experiments. Students will gain an understanding of physics in concrete phenomena: through the aerodynamics of the boomerang, the motion of billiard balls, fluid dynamics, air flight and the physics of gymnastics and diving.
Theology of the Body: The Deeper Meaning of Love, Sex, and Marriage (1 credit) – Dr. Ryan Messmore
When it comes to romantic relationships and marriage, today’s culture is awash in confusion. The Church calls people to see a deeper meaning to sexual desire and marriage. But what is that, and how can it be pursued in modern times?
$325.00 USD
Students will experience the joy of learning in a variety of liberal arts fields, including courses in literature, philosophy, theology, and politics. Taught primarily in Socratic-style seminar discussions, these courses allow students to read classic texts and wrestle with big questions across a range of disciplines. Students will spend 3.5-4 hours in class each day, have some assigned homework, and spend the remaining time in prayer, liturgy, and sacred music, relaxation with new friends, and a wide range of extra-curricular activities.
$125.00 USD
Saturday October 30, 2021
10:00 am | Brunch |
11:30 am | “Favorite Authors in the Curriculum” led by Dr. Ryan Messmore, Dr. Mary Mumbach, and Dr. Erik van Versendaal |
12:30 pm | “Word and Truth” seminar led by Dr. Erik van Versendaal |
1:30 pm | “Life after Magdalen” Career Pathways/Alumni Panel led by Dr. Eric Buck |
2:30 pm | Refreshments in President’s office for Prospective Students and Parents |
2:30-5:00 pm | Enjoy our beautiful campus and surrounding town of Warner
|
5:00-6:00 pm | Dinner |
6:30 pm | Jeopardy featuring faculty and alumni guests |
7:00-10:00 pm | Bonfire and Swing Dance with the East Bay Jazz Band |
Sunday October 31, 2021
10:30 am | Mass |
11:30 am | Brunch |
1:00 pm | Consecrating Ourselves to The Blessed Trinity |
Saturday October 30, 2021
10:00 am | Brunch |
11:30 am | “Life After Magdalen” Career Pathways/Alumni Panel led by Dr. Eric Buck |
12:30 pm | “Nature of Man” seminar led by Mr. John Klucinec and Dr. Eric Buck
or “Word and Truth” seminar led by Dr. Erik van Versendaal |
1:30 pm | “Favorite Authors in the Curriculum” led by Dr. Ryan Messmore, Dr. Mary Mumbach, and Dr. Erik van Versendaal |
2:30 pm | Refreshments in Dining Room for Current Parents |
2:30-5:00 pm | Enjoy our beautiful campus and surrounding town of Warner
|
5:00-6:00 pm | Dinner |
6:30 pm | Jeopardy featuring faculty and alumni guests |
7:00-10:00 pm | Bonfire and Swing Dance with the East Bay Jazz Band |
Sunday October 31, 2021
10:30 am | Mass |
11:30 am | Brunch |
1:00 pm | Consecrating Ourselves to The Blessed Trinity |
Saturday October 30, 2021
9:30 am | Coffee with the President |
10:00 am | Brunch |
11:30 am | “Life After Magdalen” Career Pathways/Alumni Panel led by Dr. Eric Buck |
12:30 pm | “Nature of Man” seminar led by Mr. John Klucinec and Dr. Eric Buck |
1:30 pm | “Favorite Authors in the Curriculum” led by Dr. Ryan Messmore, Dr. Mary Mumbach, and Dr. Erik van Versendaal |
2:30 pm | Refreshments in Dining Room for Alumni |
2:30-5:00 pm | Enjoy our beautiful campus and surrounding town of Warner
|
5:00-6:00 pm | Dinner |
6:30 pm | Jeopardy featuring faculty and alumni guests |
7:00-10:00 pm | Bonfire and Swing Dance with the East Bay Jazz Band |
Sunday October 31, 2021
10:30 am | Mass |
11:30 am | Brunch |
1:00 pm | Consecrating Ourselves to The Blessed Trinity |
Baby-sitting will be available for children of Alumni from 11:00-2:00, please register.