Marc Fusco – Shakespeare: Still the One”

Is Shakespeare is still relevant in today’s world?  Shakespeare was an unparalleled genius who ushered in modern literature.  He created dozens of works that spoke to the essence of human nature, anticipated modern psychology, and explored what it is to live the good life.  While Shakespeare was not necessarily writing for all time, he created timeless characters and universal situations that can help us navigate through the challenges and vicissitudes of our lives.  He speaks to us from 400 years ago, and his voice is a beacon for hope.

Jim Ranieri – “Re-enchant the World”

If we are to re-enchant the world, we must re-Catholicize the world. Why and how ought we to do this after 500 years of post-Reformation division, and why does this matter for classical educators? We must let Tolkien be our guide. As Tolkien writes, “The Lord of the Rings is of course a fundamentally religious and Catholic work; unconsciously so at first, but consciously in the revision. That is why I have not put in, or have cut out practically all references to anything like ‘religion,’ to cults or practices, in the imaginary world. For the religious element is absorbed into the story and symbolism.” The Lord of the Rings serves as the cultural epic we need to restore the enchanted world, and it must be studied in every classical education.

Kristen Rudd – “Stop Leaving Your Students in Hell”

Many classically educated high school students read Dante’s Inferno. However, very few schools put the rest of the Comedy on the syllabus. Arguments abound that we need the space for other important works or that the students will go on to read the rest by themselves (spoiler: they will not). In this talk, Kristen Rudd will explain the biggest problem with stopping at Inferno and why it’s a symptom of a larger issue. She will present a compelling case for reading the entire Comedy and what you should knock off your reading lists to make room. After all, your students were made for the stars.