Until the twentieth century, a fundamental component of Western education was a study of the Trivium (from the Latin tri-viae, three ways), which is comprised of three liberal arts: grammar, logic, and rhetoric. Taken together, these arts help us develop good intellectual habits with respect to reasoning and communication. In short, a study of the Trivium is a study of the fundamentals of language itself—and, indeed, the basis of human reasoning.
Though many are either ignorant of the Trivium or consider it to be an outdated pedagogical approach, we at the Lyceum consider the Trivium to be the cornerstone of a truly “liberal” education. It is not exaggerative to suggest that, without a proper study of these arts, one cannot make a legitimate claim to be able to think and communicate well.
As such, the Lyceum Institute offers eight (8) courses in grammar, logic, and rhetoric; each art is studied primarily in the context of the English language. Though these arts are presented in separate courses, key is our conviction that the arts of the Trivium have an integral connection and that they must be studied as a unified whole. Only in this manner can one gain an adequate command of each art and, in turn, not only an adequate command of language but the means to truly human flourishing.
Two courses for each art of the Trivium are offered over a two-year period. In these courses, participants do not merely learn the theoretical rules and principles of each art; they also develop a familiarity with the practice of each art through the completion of regular exercises, assignments, recitations, and exams.
Trivium Schedule [2024]
Art of Grammar I: Foundations [January 8 – March 7].
Art of Logic I: Basics of Argumentation [May 27 – August 8].
Art of Rhetoric I: Discovery of Arguments [September 9 – November 7].
All Trivium courses are taught Monday (6pm ET) and Thursday (12pm ET).
RECOMMENDED SEQUENCE
ART OF GRAMMAR I: FOUNDATIONS
[SYLLABUS] [GRAMMAR]
ART OF LOGIC I: BASICS OF ARGUMENTATION
[SYLLABUS] [LOGIC]
ART OF RHETORIC I: DISCOVERY OF ARGUMENTS
[SYLLABUS] [RHETORIC]
ART OF GRAMMAR II: COMPOSITION
[SYLLABUS] [GRAMMAR]
ART OF LOGIC II: ADVANCED ARGUMENTATION
[SYLLABUS] [LOGIC]
ART OF RHETORIC II: STYLES OF PERSUASION
[SYLLABUS] [RHETORIC]
GRAMMAR & RHETORIC: LITERATURE AND PHILOSOPHY
[COMING 2025]
PHILOSOPHY OF LOGIC (doubles as a philosophy seminar).
[COMING 2025]
FAQ
Is there a fee to enroll in Trivium courses?
All eight core Trivium courses are included for all Lyceum members (i.e., those who have signed up for any of our membership plans). These courses form an integral part of our study and are strongly encouraged for all members.
What is the structure of Trivium courses?
All Trivium courses are between 8 and 10 weeks long, with one or two weekly discussion sessions; each session focuses on an assigned reading and lecture. Discussion sessions are complemented by completion and review of weekly exercises/assignments and participation in weekly discussion threads.
Must I take the Trivium courses in order?
It is encouraged but not necessary to begin the Trivium courses in order (i.e., first grammar, logic second, and rhetoric third). If you miss a course—or need a break—it will be offered again the following year (and the year after that… and the year after that…). There are, however, certain pre-requisites to advanced courses, which are listed on their respective syllabi.
May I retake a Trivium course?
Participants may retake any Trivium course any number of times, either for remedial purposes or for further developing one’s proficiency in these arts. The flexibility of our program allows for members to revisit topics as many times as needed.
Will you offer more advanced Trivium Courses?
Yes. No one can perfectly master all three arts of the Trivium; all of us have room for improvement in these arts. Future advanced courses, beyond the core, will be offered on an ad hoc basis.
Because communication involves the simultaneous exercise of logic, grammar, and rhetoric, these three arts are the fundamental arts of education, of teaching, and of being taught. Accordingly, they must be practiced simultaneously by both teacher and pupil. The pupil must cooperate with the teacher; he must be active, not passive.
Sr. Miriam Joseph, 1948: The Trivium: The Liberal Arts of Logic, Grammar, and Rhetoric: Understanding the Nature and Function of Language.