The CLAA Studium is a specialized live-online educational program offered by the Classical Liberal Arts Academy. Its purpose is to bring students together to study classical texts using a traditional, disciplined method of learning that emphasizes humility, close reading, and active engagement. In the Studium, the text is primary, and the tutor serves as a guide rather than a lecturer.
Key Features of the Studium
1. Text-Centered Learning
The Studium is built around the careful reading and discussion of classical works in theology, philosophy, literature, and related subjects. Students are taught to engage directly with the text, rather than relying on secondary summaries or lectures.
2. Seven-Step Methodology
The Studium follows a structured seven-step method of classical learning:
- Praelectio (introduction of the lesson)
- Oratio (prayer before study)
- Lectio (reading the lesson)
- Divisio (analyzing structure)
- Interpretatio (offering proposed meaning)
- Comprehensio (student assimilation)
- Demonstratio (student mastery and demonstration)
3. Shared Discovery and Humility
Both tutor and students enter the text together. The tutor offers guidance and interpretation, but students are invited to participate actively, ask questions, and offer their own analysis. The goal is shared understanding, not one-way teaching.
4. Active Student Role
Students are not passive listeners. They are expected to:
- Read the assigned text carefully
- Analyze its structure
- Engage in discussion and disputation
- Take notes or prepare written work
- Demonstrate mastery through recitation, disputation, or written response
Purpose and Educational Aim
The Studium revives the classical Catholic method of study in which students are trained to think carefully, grasp meaning accurately, and speak clearly. It is intended to form the intellect and character, not simply to deliver information. The emphasis on humility and shared discovery mirrors the method used in medieval universities and religious schools.
How It Works
- Students meet online in scheduled live sessions focused on specific texts or topics.
- The tutor presents the text but does not pre-interpret it.
- The class reads, analyzes, interprets, and discusses the text together.
- Students complete comprehension and demonstration exercises after each session.
- Assignments may include essays, recitations, disputations, or tests.
Why Choose the Studium
- It offers a classical Catholic style of learning rather than modern lecture-based instruction.
- It provides real-time interaction with a tutor and fellow students.
- It develops intellectual skills: clear reading, analysis, reasoning, and argumentation.
- It cultivates humility, discipline, and a love for truth.
Learn More
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Summary
- The Studium is a live-online classical program.
- It is built on the seven-step classical method.
- Students actively engage with the text and demonstrate mastery.
- The tutor guides; students participate.
- The goal is the formation of intellect and character, not passive learning.