The Integration of Curriculum and Student Life at Thomas More College of Liberal Arts

At Thomas More College of Liberal Arts, the integration of curriculum and student life is paramount. The college’s mission is to cultivate wisdom and virtue in its students through a cohesive academic program deeply rooted in classical and Christian intellectual traditions.

This integration is evident in every aspect of the college experience, from the rigorous academic courses to the vibrant communal life, with special opportunities such as the Rome Semester enriching the educational journey.

A Unified Academic Program

The core curriculum at Thomas More College is designed to provide a comprehensive liberal arts education. Unlike many institutions where students choose specific majors, Thomas More College offers a unified program where all students engage in the same sequence of courses.

This curriculum spans a wide range of disciplines, including philosophy, theology, humanities, mathematics, and natural sciences. The goal is to foster a holistic understanding of human culture and divine wisdom, equipping students with the intellectual tools to navigate complex contemporary issues.

Living the Curriculum

The academic rigor of Thomas More College is complemented by a vibrant student life that reinforces the lessons learned in the classroom. The college’s residential setting fosters a close-knit community where students and faculty interact formally and informally regularly.

This environment encourages ongoing dialogue about the great ideas and texts studied in class, allowing students to deepen their understanding through discussion and reflection.

Daily life at Thomas More College is structured to support the academic program. Students participate in communal meals, attend daily Mass, and engage in various cultural and social activities integrated into the curriculum.

For instance, the “Way of Beauty” program teaches students to appreciate and create art, reinforcing the aesthetic dimensions of their studies. Similarly, the college’s emphasis on classical languages enhances students’ reading of ancient texts and enriches their appreciation of linguistic beauty and precision.

The Rome Semester

One of the distinctive features of the Thomas More College experience is the Rome Semester. This program allows students to spend a term in Rome, immersing themselves in the historical and cultural heart of the Catholic Church.

The Rome Semester is a transformative experience, providing students with firsthand exposure to the art, architecture, and history they study in their courses.

The Rome Semester is a highlight of the Thomas More College experience, but not the sole focus. The program is designed to complement the broader educational goals of the college.

In Rome, students continue their studies in philosophy, theology, and the humanities, using the city as a living classroom. Visits to historical sites, churches, and museums are integrated into the curriculum, allowing students to engage directly with the subjects they are studying.

A Holistic Education

Integrating curriculum and student life at Thomas More College extends beyond the classroom and the Rome Semester. For example, the college’s Guild Program offers students training in various crafts and trades, emphasizing the dignity of manual labor and the importance of useful skills. This program reflects the college’s commitment to educating the whole person, fostering intellectual growth, practical competence, and ethical integrity.

Moreover, the college’s commitment to communal living and shared experiences helps students develop strong interpersonal skills and a sense of responsibility toward others. The honor code, which all students pledge to uphold, reinforces a culture of trust and mutual respect. Students are encouraged to participate actively in the college community through student government, campus ministry, or various clubs and organizations.

Activating Natural Potential

Ultimately, Thomas More College’s integrated approach to education is designed to activate each student’s natural potential and guide them toward the fullness of their humanity.

The college’s mission emphasizes the formation of young men and women who are intellectually capable, morally grounded, and spiritually mature. By uniting rigorous academics with a supportive and enriching community life, Thomas More College seeks to produce graduates who are knowledgeable, wise, compassionate, and committed to the common good.

Through this integrated curriculum, students are encouraged to achieve the fullness of their humanity in terms of virtue, wisdom, knowledge of God, and knowledge of the world. The Rome Semester exemplifies this mission, offering students a unique opportunity to deepen their faith and broaden their cultural horizons.

However, the daily integration of curriculum and student life on the New Hampshire campus truly defines the Thomas More College experience. Here, students learn to see the world through the lens of faith and reason, preparing them to navigate the complexities of modern life with clarity, confidence, and a commitment to truth.

In conclusion, integrating curriculum and student life at Thomas More College of Liberal Arts creates a distinctive educational environment. The college fulfills its mission to educate the whole person through a unified academic program, vibrant community life, and transformative experiences like the Rome Semester.

This holistic approach ensures that graduates are well-prepared to lead lives of wisdom, virtue, and service, achieving their full potential in a world that desperately needs both.

About Dr. Michael Taylor

Dr. Michael Taylor grew up in rural Connecticut, where he was an active outdoorsman. He has served as a missionary in Lima, Peru, with the Catholic Society of Apostolic Life, earned a B.A. from the Pontifical Gregorian University, has a Master’s degree in Bioethics, and completed his doctoral studies while working as Executive Secretary of the Laudato Si’ Institute. Dr. Taylor is married to Cassandra and loves sailing, hiking, camping, farmers’ markets, and good conversation.