Classics for Classics 

A Brief History…  

The idea of Classics for Classics has been to provide a week of serious study of some work of philosophy, theology, or literature - a work that is great and that could be meaningfully discussed in a week of class sessions. We study the classics from Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, Boethius, and so on; see the list below. And we intend this for our classics, that is, our alumni and friends of the University who, like the books themselves, only improve with age. The word "serious" in the first sentence needs a comment. CFC is intended for anyone who seriously wants to learn what the great classical authors have to offer and is willing to put some effort (by reading) into this, but "serious" might be misleading for the mood of our annual sessions, which are friendly, humorous, and easy-going. (I do my best each year to repress the humour by providing frequent examples of bad jokes, but the cheerful good nature of the participants always prevails against me.) 

The format each year is the same. In the mornings I lecture for two hours on an assigned reading from the text. The lectures are informal, and questions are always encouraged. I do have a set agenda, and I stick to it. Participants every year are respectful and consulent, and the questions are always excellent and help us all to understand the common text. We allow a civilized two hours for lunch, and participants generally extend the morning's discussion over their meals. In the afternoons, my university colleagues provide lectures on related topics. These lectures might be on philosophical antecedents or developments of our work, on a related theological problem, on the historical context, on contemporaneous literary works, on relevant art history, and so forth. The afternoon lectures are 45-50 minutes, followed by questions. See the links below for details on what we have done each year. 

There are concerts and plays every year that we can attend on some evenings of the week (in order to keep us from preparing too much), and we have a banquet on Thursday evening of the week to celebrate our accomplishments. 

The academic arrangements are made autocratically, even despotically, by me every year, and my colleagues (and even some from other universities) have been extremely generous contributors. The Alumni Office (especially Shanna Hopkins and Lianne Campbell) do everything else, and that is a lot. 

Classics for Classics is an instance each year of the joy of learning. There are no exams, essays, credits, or marking; such academic devices exist in order to force students to learn. That sort of coercion is completely foreign to CFC, where everyone comes out of a desire to learn, a shared desire that becomes obvious within five minutes of any of our sessions. From my point of view, and from that of my colleagues (who ask me every year whether they might give lectures), Classics for Classics is all the pleasure of teaching and none of the pain. 

- Steven Baldner  

What's Happening This Year?

Classics for Classics | July 6-10, 2026

This year’s Classics for Classics explores the remarkable story of Peter Abelard and Heloise d'Argenteuil—one of the most famous intellectual and romantic partnerships of the Middle Ages. Abelard, a renowned logician and ethicist, and Heloise, a gifted scholar and writer, shared a relationship marked by romance, tragedy, and deep intellectual exchange. Their letters provide a vivid glimpse into life in the 12th century and offer the perfect background to Abelard’s influential ethical writings.

Led by Dr. Steve Baldner, the program combines engaging lectures and discussion with a relaxed and collegial atmosphere. Participants will meet each morning at 9:30 a.m. for a lecture and discussion of the assigned text and reconvene at 1:30 p.m. for an afternoon lecture exploring related themes and topics.

Readings will focus primarily on Abelard’s Ethical Writings, along with selections from The Letters and Other Writings, offering a rich blend of philosophy, history, and human drama.

Classics for Classics takes place July 6–10, 2026. As in past years, there is no cost for alumni to attend, and the fee is $100 for non-alumni.

To reserve a spot, please contact the Alumni Office: Lianne Campbell – @email 

Details for booking on-campus accommodations are available through the university. 

If you have questions about the program, please contact Dr. Steve Baldner – @email