This refers to a reading list championed by the late Dr. John Senior, a professor at the University of Kansas and co-founder of the Integrated Humanities Program. The list, comprising approximately 1,000 titles, emphasizes classic works of literature, philosophy, and theology, spanning from ancient epics to modern poetry. Its purpose is to provide a foundation in Western civilization and cultivate a love for enduring literary masterpieces. An example would be Homer’s Iliad or Dostoevsky’s The Brothers Karamazov.
The significance of this curated collection lies in its potential to foster critical thinking, enhance intellectual depth, and develop an appreciation for beauty and truth. By engaging with these carefully selected works, readers are exposed to diverse perspectives, profound ideas, and timeless narratives that have shaped human thought and culture for centuries. The list’s historical context stems from a desire to counter a perceived decline in traditional liberal arts education and offer a more holistic and integrated approach to learning.
