Organizing Statement

The Association for Core Texts and Courses brings together colleges and universities that promote the integrated and common study of world classics and other texts of major cultural significance. Members of ACTC advocate the growth of such programs in order to strengthen undergraduate education in the United States and Canada. ACTC challenges both aimless curricular choice and the current dominance of vocational, professional and specialized curricula. ACTC is committed to the education of free citizens, equipped to conduct their public and private lives informed by the best that has been thought and expressed in Western and other traditions.

ACTC advocates core text programs at all undergraduate institutions. ACTC helps initiate such programs and develops networks to support existing programs. ACTC addresses such issues as the status of core text programs within their curriculum, the recognition of and professional conditions for faculty who teach these courses, the development of materials appropriate for liberal education, the establishment of networks to encourage core text faculty to share their expertise, and the representation in the public media of this concept for interdisciplinary education based in foundational texts.

At stake, we believe, is the soul of higher education in a democratic society. An educated person should be equipped to live a disciplined and examined life, rich in the fullest expressions of our humanity and dedicated to civic and social service to others and to the exploration of the mystery and glory of our existence. As citizens of an increasingly interdependent world, our graduates must acquire the ability to exercise critical judgment in order to free themselves from instant truths and local passions. Integrated core text courses and programs introduce students to questions which are at once timeless in their philosophical significance and timely in their relevance for us.

Members and member institutions are invited to participate in annual ACTC conferences, publications, informational exchanges, staffing networks, public media presentations, and the organizing and leadership of the association. We welcome your inquiries, suggestions and support.