10/13/10-alternatives

St. Johns approach differs from John Brown in that it has a strong focus on studying great books as opposed to studying actual textbooks. Their education involves a great deal of "classical thinking" and urges students into deep, philosophical discussions and plunges them into great written works throughout the ages. JBU endeavors to "create" students that can indeed think for themselves, but also form students into well-rounded human beings with a general knowledge of many subjects as well as a focus in a certain area. Personally, I would probably respond very well to this type of schooling. As a literature major, books and I understand each other extremely well and I would, therefore, respond beautifully to a school that focuses solely upon this type of learning. Great authors throughout the ages have done an incredible job of dissecting human nature and presenting it in a way that helps others understand the plight of the subconscious. Cultural themes and era distinctions are hidden within the expansive labyrinth that is literature. This combination of people and culture could not make for a more perfect fit of my majors: Psychology and Literature. Thus, this type of education would grow me in a way that is fitting for my calling and utilizes my gifts and my passions. On that note, I also do not believe that JBU ought to adopt this approach to education. It takes a very...different sort of person to respond well to it. We can't all be book nerds. Liberal arts and JBU go well together; well-rounded students are much more socially accepted than classically trained students. St. Johns certainly has one unique curriculum that a select group of individuals across the nation would be lucky to be a part of.