Study at the Lyceum
Trivium
Details on Trivium courses offered at the Lyceum Institute—discover the classical roots of Western learning in a contemporary context!
Essence of Humanity
The Ways of Language
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Though many are either ignorant of the Trivium or consider it to be an outdated pedagogical approach, we at the Lyceum consider the Trivium to be the cornerstone of a truly “liberal” education.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 (2026)
| Art of Grammar I: Fundamentals of Language | Art of Logic I: Basics of Argumentation | Art of Rhetoric I: Discovery of Arguments |
| Jan. 12/13 – Mar. 9/10 | Jun. 1/2 – Aug. 10/11 | Sep. 21/22 – Nov. 16/17 |
Trivium Schedule (2027)
| Art of Grammar II: Composition | Art of Logic II: Advanced Argumentation | Art of Rhetoric II: Styles of Persuasion |
| Jan. 11/12 – Mar. 8/9 | Jun. 7/8 – Aug. 2/3 | Sep. 13/14 – Nov. 8/9 |
Dates and Times
All Trivium courses have live discussions on Monday and Tuesday.
Curriculum
Sequence of Courses
Though one may begin the Trivium at any stage, a recommended sequence (taught over 2+ years) will give students a thorough grounding in the liberal arts.
1) Art of Grammar I: Foundations
This course introduces students to deep understanding of the parts and introductory analysis of the English language.
2) Art of Logic I: Basics of Argumentation
Students learn terms, propositions, and basic categorical and hypothetical argumentations.
3) Art of Rhetoric I: Discovery of Arguments
Students focus on discovering the methods of appeal and topical division in identifying arguments.
4) Art of Grammar II: Composition
Combining the previous courses, students focus on effective communication of their own thinking.
5) Art of Logic II: Advanced Argumentation
A close examination of inductive methodology, modality, complex argumentation, and other advanced topics.
6) Art of Rhetoric II: Styles of Persuasion
Given refinement through previous courses, students work to develop their own talents at persuasion in written and oral forms.
Grammar & Rhetoric: Literature and Philosophy
2027 – Milton’s Paradise Lost
Philosophy of Logic
2025 – Steps Towards a Dialectical Logic
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
What Is the Structure of Trivium Courses?
All Trivium courses are between 8 and 12 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.
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.