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Though many are either ignorant of the Trivium or consider it to be an outdated pedagogical approach, we at the Lyceum consider the Trivium to be the cornerstone of a truly “liberal” education.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.
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.
Trivium Schedule
2026
Art of Grammar I:
Fundamentals of language
Jan. 12/13 – Mar. 9/10
art of logic I:
Basics of argumentation
Jun. 1/2 – Aug. 10/11
art of Rhetoric I:
Discovery of Arguments
Sep. 21/22 – Nov. 16/17
dates and times
All Trivium courses are taught Monday (6pm ET) and Tuesday (12pm ET).
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.
Grammar & Rhetoric: Literature and Philosophy
Coming Soon
Philosophy of Logic
2025 – Steps Towards a Dialectical Logic
F.A.Q.
practical issues
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
