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.
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