St. John's College is a private liberal arts college with campuses in Annapolis, Maryland, and Santa Fe, New Mexico. Established in 1696 as King William's School, it is one of the oldest institutions of higher education in the United States. The college adopted its current name in 1784. St. John's is known for its distinctive Great Books curriculum, which emphasizes the study of primary texts and classics in the Western intellectual tradition.
Campus:
The Annapolis campus of St. John's College is located on 36 acres in the heart of Annapolis, Maryland's historic district. The campus features a mix of historic and modern architecture, with academic buildings, residence halls, and recreational facilities. Its proximity to the United States Naval Academy, the Chesapeake Bay, and the Maryland State House provides a unique and vibrant atmosphere for the college community.
Academics:
St. John's College offers a unique academic experience through its Great Books curriculum. The curriculum is focused on the study of original texts and classics across various fields, including literature, philosophy, theology, political science, mathematics, and natural sciences. Students engage in seminar-style classes, tutorials, and preceptorials, where they discuss and analyze the texts in depth. The college offers both undergraduate (Bachelor of Arts) and graduate (Master of Arts in Liberal Arts) programs.
Some key aspects of the St. John's College academic experience include:
- Reading and discussing original texts by authors such as Plato, Aristotle, Shakespeare, Descartes, and Einstein.
- Engaging in small, seminar-style classes led by faculty members called "tutors" who serve as guides in the learning process rather than traditional lecturers.
- Participating in tutorials and preceptorials to explore specific subjects and texts in greater detail.
- Completing a senior essay or project as a capstone to the undergraduate experience.
Student life:
St. John's College offers a close-knit campus community with various clubs, organizations, and activities that cater to a wide range of interests. Students can participate in intramural sports, music and art groups, language clubs, and community service initiatives. The college also hosts various events and traditions, such as the annual croquet match against the United States Naval Academy, the St. John's vs. Santa Fe softball game, and the waltz parties.
Athletics:
St. John's College Annapolis is a member of the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA). The college's athletic teams, known as the Johnnies, compete in sports such as basketball, fencing, sailing, and crew. However, the college's focus on academics and the Great Books curriculum means that athletics are not a major emphasis on campus.
Notable alumni:
St. John's College has produced many notable graduates who have made significant contributions in various fields. Some of these alumni include:
- Francis Scott Key, lawyer and author of "The Star-Spangled Banner"
- Roger Brooke Taney, Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court
- Joseph Ellis, Pulitzer Prize-winning historian
- William Gaddis, National Book Award-winning novelist
- Alex Ross, music critic and author
St. John's College is a unique and respected institution known for its Great Books curriculum and commitment to the study of the Western intellectual tradition. The college provides students with a challenging and engaging environment that fosters critical thinking, intellectual curiosity, and lifelong learning.
