Thomas Aquinas College
Thomas Aquinas, TAC, Thomas Aquinas College, Aquinas College, Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, SeniorThomas Aquinas College is a Catholic liberal arts college founded in 1971 in Santa Paula, California, with a second campus in Northfield, Massachusetts, opened in 2019. Every student follows the same four-year curriculum, which has no majors, electives, or textbooks: all classes are discussions of primary sources, led by tutors using the Socratic method, and the whole program is ordered toward theology as the highest science, with the works of Aristotle and St. Thomas Aquinas as its backbone. The curriculum consists of a four-year Seminar in literature, history, and philosophy, plus tutorials in theology (four years), philosophy (three years), mathematics (four years), natural science (four years), language (two years of Latin), and music (one year). The list below gives the Seminar readings for each year first, followed by the theology, philosophy, and principal mathematics and natural science readings, each marked in the note. Laboratory manuals, grammar primers, and collections of scientific papers are omitted.
- Works
- 152
- Free to read
- 97 of them →
- Years
- 4
- Official list
- thomasaquinas.edu
- Source
How this list was checked
Thomas Aquinas College Syllabus (list of works read in whole or in part), current curriculum, checked 2026-09-21
Freshman
Sophomore
Junior
Senior
156 works, spine out. Take one down to see its cover.Tap one to take it down.
Freshman
Greeks
Greek epic, drama, history and philosophy, and Euclid's geometry done at the board. Plato and Aristotle are read as the first attempts to answer the questions the poets raised, and the Bible is begun in the theology tutorial.
Browse these 32 →- 1The IliadRichmond Lattimore translationAmazon: The Iliad, Richmond Lattimore translation, opens in a new tabDemanding
- 2The OdysseyRichmond Lattimore translationDemanding
- 3IonPaul Woodruff, in the volume edited by John M. Cooper translationAmazon: Ion, Paul Woodruff, in the volume edited by John M. Cooper translation, opens in a new tabApproachable
- 4SymposiumAlexander Nehamas and Paul Woodruff translationAmazon: Symposium, Alexander Nehamas and Paul Woodruff translation, opens in a new tabModerate
- 5The RepublicAllan Bloom translationAmazon: The Republic, Allan Bloom translation, opens in a new tabDifficult
- 6The OresteiaRobert Fagles translationAmazon: The Oresteia, Robert Fagles translation, opens in a new tabDemanding
- 7Oedipus the KingRobert Fagles translationAmazon: Oedipus the King, Robert Fagles translation, opens in a new tabModerate
- 8Oedipus at ColonusRobert Fagles translationAmazon: Oedipus at Colonus, Robert Fagles translation, opens in a new tabModerate
- 9AntigoneRobert Fagles translationAmazon: Antigone, Robert Fagles translation, opens in a new tabModerate
- 10The HistoriesAndrea L. Purvis translationAmazon: The Histories, Andrea L. Purvis translation, opens in a new tabDemanding
- 11Lives of the Noble Grecians and RomansJohn Dryden, revised by Arthur Hugh Clough translationModerate
- 12PoeticsMalcolm Heath translationAmazon: Poetics, Malcolm Heath translation, opens in a new tabModerate
- 13RhetoricGeorge A. Kennedy translationAmazon: Rhetoric, George A. Kennedy translation, opens in a new tabDemanding
- 14HippolytusDavid Grene translationAmazon: Hippolytus, David Grene translation, opens in a new tabDemanding
- 15History of the Peloponnesian WarRichard Crawley, edited by Robert B. Strassler translationAmazon: History of the Peloponnesian War, Richard Crawley, edited by Robert B. Strassler translation, opens in a new tabDemanding
- 16The BirdsDavid Barrett and Alan H. Sommerstein translationAmazon: The Birds, David Barrett and Alan H. Sommerstein translation, opens in a new tabDemanding
- 17The CloudsThomas G. West and Grace Starry West translationAmazon: The Clouds, Thomas G. West and Grace Starry West translation, opens in a new tabDemanding
- 18The BibleOxford University Press editionDemanding
- 19MenoG. M. A. Grube, revised by John M. Cooper translationAmazon: Meno, G. M. A. Grube, revised by John M. Cooper translation, opens in a new tabModerate
- 20ProtagorasStanley Lombardo and Karen Bell translationAmazon: Protagoras, Stanley Lombardo and Karen Bell translation, opens in a new tabModerate
- 21GorgiasDonald J. Zeyl translationAmazon: Gorgias, Donald J. Zeyl translation, opens in a new tabDemanding
- 22ApologyG. M. A. Grube, revised by John M. Cooper translationAmazon: Apology, G. M. A. Grube, revised by John M. Cooper translation, opens in a new tabApproachable
- 23CritoG. M. A. Grube translationAmazon: Crito, G. M. A. Grube translation, opens in a new tabApproachable
- 24PhaedoG. M. A. Grube, revised by John M. Cooper translationAmazon: Phaedo, G. M. A. Grube, revised by John M. Cooper translation, opens in a new tabDemanding
- 25IsagogeJonathan Barnes translationDemanding
- 26OrganonJonathan Barnes editionAmazon: Organon, Jonathan Barnes edition, opens in a new tabFormidable
- 27Commentary on the Posterior AnalyticsRichard Berquist translationAmazon: Commentary on the Posterior Analytics, Richard Berquist translation, opens in a new tabDifficult
- 28ElementsThomas L. Heath translationAmazon: Elements, Thomas L. Heath translation, opens in a new tabDemanding
- 29Parts of AnimalsJonathan Barnes editionAmazon: Parts of Animals, Jonathan Barnes edition, opens in a new tabDemanding
- 30On the Natural FacultiesArthur John Brock translationDifficult
- 31On the Motion of the Heart and Blood in AnimalsKenneth J. Franklin translationDemanding
- 32On Floating BodiesT. L. Heath translationDifficult
Sophomore
Romans and the Middle Ages
Rome and the Middle Ages: Virgil, Lucretius, Augustine, Boethius, and Aristotle read again, this time with Aquinas as guide. The year moves from pagan Rome to the Christian synthesis that the college is named for.
Browse these 30 →- 1The AeneidRobert Fagles translationAmazon: The Aeneid, Robert Fagles translation, opens in a new tabDemanding
- 2On the Nature of ThingsA. E. Stallings translationAmazon: On the Nature of Things, A. E. Stallings translation, opens in a new tabDifficult
- 3History of RomeAubrey de Sélincourt translationAmazon: History of Rome, Aubrey de Sélincourt translation, opens in a new tabModerate
- 4Lives of the Noble Grecians and RomansJohn Dryden, revised by Arthur Hugh Clough translationModerate
- 5On DutiesM. T. Griffin and E. M. Atkins translationAmazon: On Duties, M. T. Griffin and E. M. Atkins translation, opens in a new tabModerate
- 6AnnalsMichael Grant translationAmazon: Annals, Michael Grant translation, opens in a new tabDemanding
- 7EnchiridionRobert Dobbin translationAmazon: Enchiridion, Robert Dobbin translation, opens in a new tabApproachable
- 8ConfessionsHenry Chadwick translationAmazon: Confessions, Henry Chadwick translation, opens in a new tabDemanding
- 9On the TeacherPeter King translationAmazon: On the Teacher, Peter King translation, opens in a new tabDemanding
- 10The Consolation of PhilosophyP. G. Walsh translationAmazon: The Consolation of Philosophy, P. G. Walsh translation, opens in a new tabModerate
- 11The Divine ComedyAllen Mandelbaum translationAmazon: The Divine Comedy, Allen Mandelbaum translation, opens in a new tabDifficult
- 12The Canterbury TalesNevill Coghill translationAmazon: The Canterbury Tales, Nevill Coghill translation, opens in a new tabDemanding
- 13Sir Gawain and the Green KnightSimon Armitage translationAmazon: Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Simon Armitage translation, opens in a new tabModerate
- 14The Faerie QueenePenguin Classics editionAmazon: The Faerie Queene, Penguin Classics edition, opens in a new tabDifficult
- 15On the TeacherJames V. McGlynn translationDemanding
- 16On Christian DoctrineR. P. H. Green translationDemanding
- 17The City of GodHenry Bettenson translationAmazon: The City of God, Henry Bettenson translation, opens in a new tabDifficult
- 18On the IncarnationSt Vladimir's Seminary Press editionAmazon: On the Incarnation, St Vladimir's Seminary Press edition, opens in a new tabModerate
- 19ProslogionOxford University Press editionAmazon: Proslogion, Oxford University Press edition, opens in a new tabDemanding
- 20An Exact Exposition of the Orthodox FaithFrederic H. Chase translationDifficult
- 21FragmentsJonathan Barnes translationAmazon: Fragments, Jonathan Barnes translation, opens in a new tabDemanding
- 22PhysicsJoe Sachs translationAmazon: Physics, Joe Sachs translation, opens in a new tabDifficult
- 23On the SoulJoe Sachs translationAmazon: On the Soul, Joe Sachs translation, opens in a new tabDifficult
- 24TimaeusDonald J. Zeyl translationAmazon: Timaeus, Donald J. Zeyl translation, opens in a new tabDifficult
- 25AlmagestG. J. Toomer translationAmazon: Almagest, G. J. Toomer translation, opens in a new tabFormidable
- 26On the Revolutions of the Heavenly SpheresEdward Rosen translationFormidable
- 27On Conic SectionsR. Catesby Taliaferro translationFormidable
- 28Epitome of Copernican AstronomyCharles Glenn Wallis translationAmazon: Epitome of Copernican Astronomy, Charles Glenn Wallis translation, opens in a new tabFormidable
- 29On Generation and CorruptionJonathan Barnes editionAmazon: On Generation and Corruption, Jonathan Barnes edition, opens in a new tabDifficult
- 30Elements of ChemistryRobert Kerr translationAmazon: Elements of Chemistry, Robert Kerr translation, opens in a new tabDemanding
Junior
Renaissance and Early Modern
Renaissance and early modern: Dante, Chaucer, Shakespeare, Cervantes and Milton in seminar; Descartes, Pascal, Hobbes, Locke and Rousseau in the philosophy and politics tutorials; Newton in the laboratory.
Browse these 46 →- 1Don QuixoteEdith Grossman translationAmazon: Don Quixote, Edith Grossman translation, opens in a new tabDemanding
- 2On KingshipGerald B. Phelan and I. Th. Eschmann translationAmazon: On Kingship, Gerald B. Phelan and I. Th. Eschmann translation, opens in a new tabDemanding
- 3The PrinceHarvey C. Mansfield translationAmazon: The Prince, Harvey C. Mansfield translation, opens in a new tabModerate
- 4Discourses on the First Ten Books of LivyHarvey C. Mansfield and Nathan Tarcov translationAmazon: Discourses on the First Ten Books of Livy, Harvey C. Mansfield and Nathan Tarcov translation, opens in a new tabDemanding
- 5Julius CaesarFolger Shakespeare Library (Simon and Schuster) editionAmazon: Julius Caesar, Folger Shakespeare Library (Simon and Schuster) edition, opens in a new tabModerate
- 6Richard IIFolger Shakespeare Library (Simon and Schuster) editionAmazon: Richard II, Folger Shakespeare Library (Simon and Schuster) edition, opens in a new tabDemanding
- 7Henry IV, Part 1Folger Shakespeare Library (Simon and Schuster) editionAmazon: Henry IV, Part 1, Folger Shakespeare Library (Simon and Schuster) edition, opens in a new tabDemanding
- 8HamletFolger Shakespeare Library (Simon and Schuster) editionAmazon: Hamlet, Folger Shakespeare Library (Simon and Schuster) edition, opens in a new tabDemanding
- 9King LearFolger Shakespeare Library (Simon and Schuster) editionAmazon: King Lear, Folger Shakespeare Library (Simon and Schuster) edition, opens in a new tabDifficult
- 10OthelloFolger Shakespeare Library (Simon and Schuster) editionAmazon: Othello, Folger Shakespeare Library (Simon and Schuster) edition, opens in a new tabDemanding
- 11MacbethFolger Shakespeare Library (Simon and Schuster) editionAmazon: Macbeth, Folger Shakespeare Library (Simon and Schuster) edition, opens in a new tabDemanding
- 12Twelfth NightFolger Shakespeare Library (Simon and Schuster) editionAmazon: Twelfth Night, Folger Shakespeare Library (Simon and Schuster) edition, opens in a new tabModerate
- 13The TempestFolger Shakespeare Library editionAmazon: The Tempest, Folger Shakespeare Library edition, opens in a new tabDemanding
- 14SonnetsFolger Shakespeare Library (Simon and Schuster) editionAmazon: Sonnets, Folger Shakespeare Library (Simon and Schuster) edition, opens in a new tabDemanding
- 15On the Freedom of a ChristianFortress Press editionAmazon: On the Freedom of a Christian, Fortress Press edition, opens in a new tabModerate
- 16Novum OrganumLisa Jardine and Michael Silverthorne translationAmazon: Novum Organum, Lisa Jardine and Michael Silverthorne translation, opens in a new tabDemanding
- 17Discourse on MethodDonald A. Cress translationAmazon: Discourse on Method, Donald A. Cress translation, opens in a new tabModerate
- 18Rules for the Direction of the MindJohn Cottingham, Robert Stoothoff and Dugald Murdoch translationAmazon: Rules for the Direction of the Mind, John Cottingham, Robert Stoothoff and Dugald Murdoch translation, opens in a new tabDemanding
- 19Meditations on First PhilosophyJohn Cottingham translationAmazon: Meditations on First Philosophy, John Cottingham translation, opens in a new tabDemanding
- 20PenséesA. J. Krailsheimer translationAmazon: Pensées, A. J. Krailsheimer translation, opens in a new tabDemanding
- 21LeviathanEdwin Curley editionAmazon: Leviathan, Edwin Curley edition, opens in a new tabDemanding
- 22Theologico-Political TreatiseMichael Silverthorne and Jonathan Israel translationAmazon: Theologico-Political Treatise, Michael Silverthorne and Jonathan Israel translation, opens in a new tabDifficult
- 23Paradise LostW. W. Norton, Norton Critical Editions editionAmazon: Paradise Lost, W. W. Norton, Norton Critical Editions edition, opens in a new tabDifficult
- 24Le CidJohn Cairncross translationAmazon: Le Cid, John Cairncross translation, opens in a new tabModerate
- 25PhaedraTed Hughes translationAmazon: Phaedra, Ted Hughes translation, opens in a new tabModerate
- 26An Essay Concerning Human UnderstandingOxford University Press editionDemanding
- 27Second Treatise of GovernmentHackett editionAmazon: Second Treatise of Government, Hackett edition, opens in a new tabModerate
- 28Principles of Human KnowledgeOxford University Press editionAmazon: Principles of Human Knowledge, Oxford University Press edition, opens in a new tabDemanding
- 29An Enquiry Concerning Human UnderstandingEric Steinberg editionAmazon: An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding, Eric Steinberg edition, opens in a new tabDemanding
- 30Gulliver's TravelsPenguin Classics editionAmazon: Gulliver's Travels, Penguin Classics edition, opens in a new tabModerate
- 31The Decline and Fall of the Roman EmpirePenguin Classics editionAmazon: The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, Penguin Classics edition, opens in a new tabDemanding
- 32Discourse on MetaphysicsDaniel Garber and Roger Ariew translationAmazon: Discourse on Metaphysics, Daniel Garber and Roger Ariew translation, opens in a new tabDifficult
- 33The Social ContractDonald A. Cress translationAmazon: The Social Contract, Donald A. Cress translation, opens in a new tabDemanding
- 34Discourse on the Origin of InequalityDonald A. Cress translationAmazon: Discourse on the Origin of Inequality, Donald A. Cress translation, opens in a new tabModerate
- 35Critique of Pure ReasonPaul Guyer and Allen W. Wood translationAmazon: Critique of Pure Reason, Paul Guyer and Allen W. Wood translation, opens in a new tabFormidable
- 36The Declaration of IndependencePenguin Civic Classics editionApproachable
- 37The Constitution of the United StatesPenguin Civic Classics editionAmazon: The Constitution of the United States, Penguin Civic Classics edition, opens in a new tabModerate
- 38The Lincoln-Douglas DebatesFordham University Press editionDemanding
- 39Summa TheologicaFathers of the English Dominican Province translationAmazon: Summa Theologica, Fathers of the English Dominican Province translation, opens in a new tabDifficult
- 40Nicomachean EthicsTerence Irwin translationAmazon: Nicomachean Ethics, Terence Irwin translation, opens in a new tabDemanding
- 41PoliticsCarnes Lord translationAmazon: Politics, Carnes Lord translation, opens in a new tabDemanding
- 42Principles of PhilosophyValentine Rodger Miller and Reese P. Miller translationDifficult
- 43Dialogues Concerning Two New SciencesHenry Crew and Alfonso de Salvio translationAmazon: Dialogues Concerning Two New Sciences, Henry Crew and Alfonso de Salvio translation, opens in a new tabDifficult
- 44Mathematical Principles of Natural PhilosophyI. Bernard Cohen and Anne Whitman translationAmazon: Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy, I. Bernard Cohen and Anne Whitman translation, opens in a new tabFormidable
- 45GeometryDavid Eugene Smith and Marcia L. Latham translationFormidable
- 46On MusicCalvin M. Bower translationAmazon: On Music, Calvin M. Bower translation, opens in a new tabDifficult
Senior
Modern
The modern world, argued with: Kant, Hegel, Marx, Tocqueville, Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, Nietzsche, Freud and the twentieth century, read against the Aristotelian and Thomistic account built up over the first three years.
Browse these 48 →- 1War and PeaceRichard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonsky translationAmazon: War and Peace, Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonsky translation, opens in a new tabDemanding
- 2The Wealth of NationsLiberty Fund editionAmazon: The Wealth of Nations, Liberty Fund edition, opens in a new tabDemanding
- 3Critique of Pure ReasonPaul Guyer and Allen W. Wood translationAmazon: Critique of Pure Reason, Paul Guyer and Allen W. Wood translation, opens in a new tabFormidable
- 4Groundwork of the Metaphysics of MoralsMary Gregor and Jens Timmermann translationAmazon: Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals, Mary Gregor and Jens Timmermann translation, opens in a new tabDifficult
- 5FaustDavid Luke translationAmazon: Faust, David Luke translation, opens in a new tabDifficult
- 6Lectures on the Philosophy of HistoryJ. Sibree translationDifficult
- 7Phenomenology of SpiritA. V. Miller translationAmazon: Phenomenology of Spirit, A. V. Miller translation, opens in a new tabFormidable
- 8The Essence of ChristianityGeorge Eliot translationAmazon: The Essence of Christianity, George Eliot translation, opens in a new tabDifficult
- 9EmmaPenguin Classics editionAmazon: Emma, Penguin Classics edition, opens in a new tabModerate
- 10Democracy in AmericaHarvey C. Mansfield and Delba Winthrop translationAmazon: Democracy in America, Harvey C. Mansfield and Delba Winthrop translation, opens in a new tabDemanding
- 11The Old Regime and the RevolutionAlan S. Kahan translationAmazon: The Old Regime and the Revolution, Alan S. Kahan translation, opens in a new tabDemanding
- 12Adventures of Huckleberry FinnPenguin Classics editionAmazon: Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Penguin Classics edition, opens in a new tabModerate
- 13CapitalBen Fowkes translationAmazon: Capital, Ben Fowkes translation, opens in a new tabDifficult
- 14The Communist ManifestoSamuel Moore translationAmazon: The Communist Manifesto, Samuel Moore translation, opens in a new tabApproachable
- 15Economic and Philosophic Manuscripts of 1844Martin Milligan translationAmazon: Economic and Philosophic Manuscripts of 1844, Martin Milligan translation, opens in a new tabDifficult
- 16The German IdeologyPrometheus Books editionDemanding
- 17A Doll's HouseJames McFarlane and Jens Arup translationApproachable
- 18The Brothers KaramazovRichard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonsky translationAmazon: The Brothers Karamazov, Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonsky translation, opens in a new tabDifficult
- 19On the Use and Disadvantage of History for LifeR. J. Hollingdale translationAmazon: On the Use and Disadvantage of History for Life, R. J. Hollingdale translation, opens in a new tabDemanding
- 20Beyond Good and EvilWalter Kaufmann translationAmazon: Beyond Good and Evil, Walter Kaufmann translation, opens in a new tabDifficult
- 21Fear and TremblingAlastair Hannay translationAmazon: Fear and Trembling, Alastair Hannay translation, opens in a new tabDifficult
- 22Philosophical FragmentsHoward V. Hong and Edna H. Hong translationAmazon: Philosophical Fragments, Howard V. Hong and Edna H. Hong translation, opens in a new tabDifficult
- 23My ÁntoniaHoughton Mifflin editionModerate
- 24Three StoriesRoger Whitehouse translationAmazon: Three Stories, Roger Whitehouse translation, opens in a new tabModerate
- 25An Essay on the Development of Christian DoctrineUniversity of Notre Dame Press editionAmazon: An Essay on the Development of Christian Doctrine, University of Notre Dame Press edition, opens in a new tabDifficult
- 26Heart of DarknessPenguin Classics editionAmazon: Heart of Darkness, Penguin Classics edition, opens in a new tabDemanding
- 27PoemsPenguin Classics editionDemanding
- 28The Waste LandFaber and Faber editionAmazon: The Waste Land, Faber and Faber edition, opens in a new tabFormidable
- 29DublinersPenguin Classics editionAmazon: Dubliners, Penguin Classics edition, opens in a new tabModerate
- 30Introductory Lectures on PsychoanalysisJames Strachey translationModerate
- 31Analytical PsychologyRoutledge editionDemanding
- 32Introduction to MetaphysicsGregory Fried and Richard Polt translationAmazon: Introduction to Metaphysics, Gregory Fried and Richard Polt translation, opens in a new tabFormidable
- 33The BearVintage International editionAmazon: The Bear, Vintage International edition, opens in a new tabDifficult
- 34The Division and Methods of the SciencesArmand Maurer translationDifficult
- 35Pascendi Dominici GregisHoly See editionDemanding
- 36Aeterni PatrisLibreria Editrice Vaticana editionDemanding
- 37Rerum NovarumLibreria Editrice Vaticana editionModerate
- 38A Good Man Is Hard to FindFarrar, Straus and Giroux editionAmazon: A Good Man Is Hard to Find, Farrar, Straus and Giroux edition, opens in a new tabModerate
- 39PhaedrusAlexander Nehamas and Paul Woodruff translationAmazon: Phaedrus, Alexander Nehamas and Paul Woodruff translation, opens in a new tabDemanding
- 40Veritatis SplendorPauline Books and Media editionAmazon: Veritatis Splendor, Pauline Books and Media edition, opens in a new tabDemanding
- 41Summa TheologicaFathers of the English Dominican Province translationAmazon: Summa Theologica, Fathers of the English Dominican Province translation, opens in a new tabDifficult
- 42PhysicsJoe Sachs translationAmazon: Physics, Joe Sachs translation, opens in a new tabDifficult
- 43MetaphysicsJoe Sachs translationFormidable
- 44On Being and EssenceArmand Maurer translationAmazon: On Being and Essence, Armand Maurer translation, opens in a new tabDifficult
- 45OpticksDover editionAmazon: Opticks, Dover edition, opens in a new tabDemanding
- 46Experimental Researches in ElectricityDover editionAmazon: Experimental Researches in Electricity, Dover edition, opens in a new tabDemanding
- 47On the Origin of SpeciesPenguin Classics editionAmazon: On the Origin of Species, Penguin Classics edition, opens in a new tabDemanding
- 48Relativity: The Special and the General TheoryRobert W. Lawson translationAmazon: Relativity: The Special and the General Theory, Robert W. Lawson translation, opens in a new tabDemanding
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