The Nature and Art of Teaching in the Catholic Tradition

From its inception, the Church has been concerned with the formation and education of persons. It has, therefore, necessarily been concerned with the question of teaching. Unlike modern pedagogical theory, however, which views teaching as empty method or technique, the Church has always been interested in teaching insofar as it relates to the truth. As Aquinas observes, the teacher must both dwell in the contemplative and active spheres of life.  The questions that this class will ask, then, relate both to the nature and practice of teaching. What is teaching? What is its end? Can one be a good teacher? If so, how? Further, what is the relationship between the craft of teaching and the truth which is taught?  What are the methods and tools that a teacher can use to perfect his craft? These questions make clear that this class will not only think theoretically about teaching but will also look to the practice of it. We will therefore read selections from Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, and Aquinas about the nature of teaching but also look at contemporary texts about the practice of teaching and discern what methods and techniques best fulfill its nature.