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Aurelius Scholars of the Great Books

A collection of great books on a table with bookshelves behind.

Living the Examined Life Together

Named after Aurelius Stehle, O.S.B, renowned classicist and archabbot of Saint Vincent Archabbey from 1920-1930, the Aurelius Scholars of the Great Books connect thousands of years of great ideas across time and place to ask and discuss the fundamental questions of human life. Aurelius Scholars seek the truth by investigating—and debating—Plato’s Republic, Thomas Aquinas’ Summa Theologica, Shakespeare’s Macbeth, and countless other texts that have shaped Western civilization and beyond. They pursue this inquiry through a challenging academic curriculum and by participating in reading groups, attending lectures by great scholars from around the country, and taking trips to places where ideas have made a permanent impact on history.

If you like reading, thinking, and building strong friendships in a supportive and faith-focused community, you will feel right at home as a Saint Vincent College Aurelius Scholar!

Structure of the Aurelius Scholars Pathway

Aurelius Scholars of the Great Books is one of four Pathways that make up SVC Honors.

Before beginning the Aurelius Pathway, all SVC Honors students share a common first year of coursework, lectures, service opportunities, and social celebrations. This shared foundation promotes meaningful relationships and a strong sense of community with other SVC Honors students, while fostering a collegial friendship among Aurelius students.

As you dive deeper into the exploration of the great ideas in the Western intellectual tradition, you will focus more on Aurelius-specific courses, events, and projects. You will take courses that deepen your understanding of the classical, medieval, and modern intellectual traditions, and you will take the Great Books Seminar, a deep dive into a great text, like Machiavelli’s The Prince, Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, or St. Augustine’s Confessions, guided by a faculty expert in the great books.

The pathway culminates in the Aurelius Capstone Seminar, in which students fully enter into dialogue with the great books by creating an original research project on one or more primary texts that results in an academic thesis essay, a public lecture, or a more creative product like a play or other audiovisual work.

For more information, please contact the Aurelius Scholars pathway director, Dr. Jacob Boros.

SVC Honors

Signature Academic Experiences

Academic Travel Courses

Would you like to discuss the meaning of justice with Socrates and his friends—in Athens? Would you like to spend a week pondering Alexis de Tocqueville’s thoughts on the future of democracy—in his native Normandy in northern France? Would you like to study how Christianity challenged the political philosophy of ancient Rome—in the Eternal City itself? Aurelius Scholars have opportunities such as these to see how ideas they study have affected the history of our art, politics, and culture.

Closer to home, Aurelius Scholars also can take trips to see Shakespeare performed in Pittsburgh’s great public parks, contemplate America’s bloody debate over human freedom at Civil War landmarks like Harper’s Ferry and Gettysburg, and encounter incredible visual “texts” at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC.

Program Highlights

Three people in a classroom: one holding a book, one reading, and one writing at desks.

Challenging Inquiry Through the Great Books

The Intercollegiate Studies Institute sponsors one-day seminars at which a Saint Vincent faculty member leads students in discussing a book on campus and then at an off-campus dinner. In the 2024-25 academic year, we hosted forums on two books, Dan Mahoney’s The Statesman as Thinker and Aldo Leopold’s A Sand County Almanac.

Panel discussion with six speakers on stage, backdrop reads 'KEEP OUR REPUBLIC,' audience seated in front.

Making Connections Across Time and Place

Aurelius Scholars are invited to lectures and dinners with leading scholars, fostering intellectual community through moral, political, and cultural discussions. These events are sponsored by, among others, the Center for Catholic Thought and Culture, the Institute for Humane Studies, the James and Margaret Tseng Loe China Studies Center, and campus chapters of the Thomistic Institute and the Intercollegiate Studies Institute.

Two people sitting on a bench outdoors, looking at an open book together.

Rich Conversations in a Community of Scholars

Aurelius Scholars participate in reading groups that allow informal, friendly conversation about works like C. S. Lewis’ The Screwtape Letters or the short stories of Flannery O’Connor. Reading groups meet weekly over the course of the semester, often at one of Latrobe’s cozy coffee shops. Embrace a vibrant intellectual and social life rooted in shared inquiry and reflection.

Person reading an illustrated book to children seated on the floor, with others observing in a decorated indoor space.

Thoughtful Service to Share the Love of Learning

Aurelius Scholars’ service projects emphasize sharing the great books with everyone! Help raise money to purchase literary classics for local libraries or spend an afternoon reading Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland or Charlotte’s Web with schoolchildren.

Student Spotlights

Portrait of Alicia Boretti
“As a student at Saint Vincent, I have had the joy of being immersed in many of the great works of Western civilization. Both inside and outside the classroom there have been multiple opportunities to interact with thought provoking material. From reading groups to scholarly lectures, to intellectually edifying trips, I can confidently say that I am better equipped to engage with our modern world."

Alicia Boretti, C’26


“As a student with a deep interest in history and politics, the Aurelius Scholars program has enriched my Saint Vincent experience. Aurelius Scholars focus on the study of western civilization, from ancient times to modern day, through exploring the great texts from history and taking trips to local historical sites. From reading books of classical Greeks and Romans to visiting pivotal sites in the lives of Washington and Lincoln, the knowledge and opportunities in the Aurelius Scholars program combine for a worthy pursuit.”

Benjamin Poole, C’28

Anticipated Courses and Events

  • Anticipated Courses and Events

    Academic Requirements

    Aurelius Core Curriculum

    Take 6 Honors courses in disciplines where great texts are central and electives that explore influential texts in ancient, medieval, and modern thought:

    • Theology
    • Philosophy
    • Political Science
    • Literature
    • History

    Aurelius Scholars Seminar

    Dive into a single author or text with close readings and discussion for deeper understanding in a seminar offered with a different focus each semester.

    Aurelius Capstone

    Conduct a close reading project and share your interpretation through:

    • Writing
    • Leading a reading group
    • Public presentation or defense
    • Outreach to local schools or libraries

    Enrichment Opportunities

    • Special trips
    • Reading groups
    • Academic events
    • Social gatherings

    These experiences build community and extend learning beyond the classroom.

  • Key Courses

    Classical Political Thought: This course introduces students to the fundamental questions of political life: What is justice? How should it be pursued in practical politics? What gives one person authority over another? Plato’s Republic and Apology and Aristotle’s Politics are among the texts students in this course will investigate.

    Medieval Philosophy: This is a deep dive into the medieval period of philosophy, in which the classical Greco-Roman tradition and Abrahamic religions were brought into dialogue by authors such as St. Augustine, Moses Maimonides, Averroes, St. Thomas Aquinas, and Duns Scotus.

    Shakespeare’s Greatest Hits: Study and discuss Shakespeare’s great comedies, tragedies, and historical plays.

Application and Contact Information

If you are interested in applying to SVC Honors, first apply for admission to Saint Vincent College: Apply to Saint Vincent College.

If your application meets the criteria, you will be invited to apply for SVC Honors. To be considered, you must submit a separate Honors application by February 15.

An interview is also required. Once your application is submitted, someone will reach out to schedule a brief interview.

If you have any questions or would like more information on SVC Honors, please contact our Director of Honors, Dr. Jerome Foss. He can be reached at: jerome.foss@stvincent.edu or 724-805-2652

Students interested in learning more specifically about the Aurelius Scholars pathway should contact Dr. Jacob Boros at jacob.boros@stvincent.edu

Explore other SVC Honors Pathways

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    Faith, Science, and Technology Scholars

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SVC Honors
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