What Do Students Learn at the JOhn Jay Institute?

From its inception, the John Jay Institute’s academic program focuses on classical texts in the areas of theology, philosophy, politics, culture, and history. Our program is quite rigorous, with Fellows reading an average of 150 pages each night, followed by a three-hour seminar where the Fellows discuss and debate the texts. The goal of our academic program is multi-layered. We seek to ensure that our Fellows have a solid foundation in understanding the seminal texts, that they understand the arguments, and that they are prepared to engage others about these works. We also strive to strengthen and fortify the Fellows so that they can make strong, compelling and persuasive defense of their beliefs.  

The John Jay semester is divided into five, three-week thematic divisions. Our major themes are: Christian Worldview/Christian Engagement with culture; the Natural Law; Christianity and Politics from the Patristic Age through the Reformation; The American Founding and Constitution; and finally, Modern Political Theory and Christian Thought.  

In this Learning Together series, we offer a glimpse into the five modules of the John Jay Institute’s academic programs. If you like what you read below, you may also enjoy reading our Life Together and Leading Together series, which highlight the five key components of the John Jay Fellows/Saratoga Fellows programs and five alumni in positions of leadership, respectively.

If you like what you read here, you may also enjoy reading our Life Together and Leading Together series, which highlight the five key components of the John Jay Fellows/Saratoga Fellows programs and five alumni in positions of leadership, respectively.