Study with Us
Our courses are open to adults 16 years or older from all educational backgrounds and walks of life. We charge no tuition or fees. In reviewing applications to study with us, we look for enthusiasm and fit for an independent and collaborative style of learning.
In accordance with our principles, we read books of richness, depth, and lasting value that bear repeated re-readings. Such books teach readers at all levels of preparation. Readers do not choose tutors, tutors do not choose readers, and members of reading groups do not choose one another: readers choose a book to read or a subject to study.
Bear in mind that we have many more readers who are interested in studying with us than we have the capacity to serve. Please consider studying with us only if you are confident that you can commit to the regular meetings, readings, etc.
Registration for our Summer offerings is closed.
Registration for our Fall offerings will open in late July, and courses will begin in early September. To be notified when our next registration period opens, please sign up for our mailing list here.
A Note on Enrollment
When applying to study with us, please keep the following in mind:
- To identify the courses you would like to participate in, please note the Course ID listed with each course on our Offerings page or course catalog.
- In-person courses are not hybrid, unless otherwise noted.
- It may be helpful to note that each Course ID includes a 2-3 letter code that identifies the course type:
- TUT=Tutorial
- RG=Reading group
- ST=Subject tutorial
- We use a ranked preference system in processing applications.
- Please identify the top 5 courses in which you would like to participate. We will consider you carefully for your first preference course: if we are not able to place you in that course, we will consider you for your second preference, etc.
- In reviewing applications to study with us, we largely use two criteria in determining placement:
- The statement of interest: This is the most important part of your application. If you are finding it difficult to express your desire to study with us in writing, please let us know by emailing study@catherineproject.org.
- Past participation in the Project: We seek to facilitate the continued learning of those making good use of the opportunities the Project affords. Readers who were previously admitted to courses and were largely absent or withdrew without communicating may not be re-admitted. If you fear that your past participation may count against you and would like to offer context for your situation, you are welcome to write to us.
- Interest in our courses far outstrips available space.
- Out of consideration for the facilitators, readers, and those we are unable to include due to lack of space, we ask that readers consider carefully whether they are able to fully commit to the courses they’ve applied to.
- Please do not apply to a course unless you are able to commit fully to the course. This includes attending the weekly meetings, completing the readings, writing the weekly reflection papers (in tutorials), investing sufficient time outside of meetings studying the language (subject tutorials), etc.
- Our tutorials and subject tutorials are especially oversubscribed. Participating in a reading group is often a good way for both parties to discern whether the fit is right before joining a tutorial. We highly encourage all readers to identify at least one reading group that fits their schedule and interests.
