Teaching Augustine’s Confessions in the Context of Mercer’s Great Books Program

Abstract

Students in Mercer University’s Great Books program read Augustine’s Confessions in the third semester of a seven-semester sequence. Their previous reading of Greek and Roman epics and philosophical treatises as well as Biblical material equips them with a solid foundation for reading and discussing Augustine. This essay reflects on that preparation and models ways that instructors can use opening discussion questions related to those earlier readings to guide students into substantive reflection on the Confessions.

Keywords

• Augustine
• pedagogy
• Core Texts/Great Books programs
• History of Christianity