The Shimer Great Books School at North Central College provides and preserves education centered on discussion of enduring questions and issues. Here, the pedagogy is anything but conventional. There are no lectures. No textbooks in place of primary texts. No tests. Classes follow the Socratic Method – professors ask questions that challenge students to articulate and support their ideas. Shimer students are voracious readers – they view reading not as a passive activity but as a way of actively engaging the world and understanding themselves.

At the Shimer Great Books School, you will immerse yourself in reading, discussion and writing. Learning is a constant dialogue where every opinion, every position is questioned and analyzed. You’ll discuss your ideas in a class with people who will push you to think more deeply about fundamental questions than you ever have before. Simply put, the Shimer Great Books School challenges you to delve deeply into the diverse and endlessly fascinating areas of thought and creativity in the company of similarly-inclined students and teachers.

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Supporting the Shimer Great Books School at North Central College

Since the acquisition, graduates and friends of Shimer College have continued their faithful support of the Great Books through their annual financial contributions. Those interested in supporting the Shimer Great Books School at North Central College or who would like to make a gift in memory or honor of a member of the Shimer community are encouraged to contact Adrian Aldrich ’02, executive director of development and alumni affairs at 800-611-1861 or amaldrich@noctrl.edu to discuss different giving options available.