Fiat

"Let it be done unto me according to Your word."

Short Course

Lecturers

Experience the wonder of the great Christian writers, Eliot, Waugh, Lewis, and Tolkien, in a short course co-taught by two Catholic scholars, Father Dwight Longenecker and Joseph Pearce. These Rosary College Professors will guide you on a journey as you develop wisdom in pursuit of truth, beauty, and goodness.

Fr. Dwight Longenecker, Board of Trustees
Father Dwight Longenecker
Joseph Pearce
Professor Joseph Pearce

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Fiat Short Course!

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Why Fiat?

For the Catholic Church

Fiat refers to the Latin word meaning "let it be done". It gained significance through Gospel of Luke (1:38), where Mary, the mother of Jesus, in humility, responds to the angel Gabriel's announcement of her divine pregnancy by saying, "Fiat mihi secundum verbum tuum" ("Let it be done to me according to your word").

For Rosary College

Like the Blessed Virgin Mary, Rosary College strives to imitate her "Fiat", and seek the fulfillment of God's will. Our short course provide an opportunity to receive a glimpse of liberal arts education from some Catholic scholars who are teaching Rosary College classes.

Into the Four Great Christian Writers

of the 20th Century

Explore the rich tapestry of thought, faith, and imagination woven by these iconic authors—T.S. Eliot, Evelyn Waugh, C.S. Lewis, and J.R.R. Tolkien as you embark on a journey through their timeless works that continue to inspire and shape contemporary Christian thought.

T.S. Eliot

Evelyn Waugh

C.S. Lewis

J.R.R. Tolkien

Sample Short Course

J.R.R. Tolkien Short Course
Approx. 2 hours and 48 mins. of content

 In his discussion of Tolkien’s mythology, Joseph Pearce explains how myths reflect divine reality and transmit important truths. He analyzes The Hobbit, emphasizing its themes of adventure, bravery, and the moral growth of the characters. Pearce also examines The Lord of the Rings, emphasizing the work’s intricate mythology, the conflict between good and evil, and the profound influence of Tolkien’s Catholic faith. Here’s the list of the discussion per week:

1. Tolkien’s Philosophy of Myth
2. The Hobbit
3. The Lord of the Rings

Testimonials

Rosary College hosted a 12-week Short Course on The Four Great Christian Writers of the 20th Century co-taught by Father Longenecker and Professor Joseph Pearce and attended by 50 people in Greenville, SC. Their survey responses are in!

Tommy S.
"[The topics I found most interesting were] connecting the author's life to his writing. Joy of understanding."
Madelyn A.
"[The topic I found most interesting was] Lord of the Rings"
Anonymous
"Tolkien on Fairy Stories. C.S. Lewis - all was excellent."
Anonymous
"The focus on the lives of the author brought new life to the literature. Additionally, the readings were accessible, which helped in development."
Anonymous
" [The topics covered in this course that I found most interesting were] Salvation, redemptive suffering, grace."
Anonymous
"[The topic I found most interesting was] The discussion of The Hobbit and The Silmarillion."
Anonymous
"[The topic I found most interesting was] how the authors' lives intersect with their work."
Anonymous
"Tolkien on Fairy Stories. C.S. Lewis - all was excellent."
Patricia B.
I enjoyed the connections to other literary movements and the literary context fo each writer and his work. I enjoyed learning about their life and how that fit into their writing.
Anonymous
"I loved seeing Catholic themes in the Lord of the Rings."

Student Satisfaction

4.7/5

Thomas Stearn (T.S.) Eliot

Discover the life, works, and impact of T.S. Eliot, an icon of modern literature, celebrated as a poet, essayist, publisher, playwright, literary critic, and editor. Dive into his enduring legacy and influence by studying our dedicated course on his remarkable contributions to English-language Modernist poetry.

Eliot, Fanny Butcher and Arthur Meeker on a meeting.
T.S. Eliot (left), Fanny Butcher (middle) and Arthur Meeker (right) on a gathering.
Richard Plunket Greene, first from the left, Olivia Plunket Greene, second from left, David Plunket Greene, holding the dog, Terence Greenidge, smoking, second from right, Elizabeth Frances Russell, first from the right, Evelyn Waugh, sitting down
Known as the "Vile bodies". Evelyn Waugh is seen sitting down.

Arthur Evelyn St. John Waugh

Evelyn Waugh is an English writer celebrated for his novels, biographies, and travel books, as well as his prolific work as a journalist and book reviewer. Join our course dedicated to exploring the depth of Waugh’s literary influence and captivating narratives.

Clive Staples (C.S.) Lewis

Get to know about Clive Staples Lewis FBA, renowned as a British author, literary expert, and Anglican lay theologian. Delve deeper into his intriguing life and impactful writings through our specialized course.

The undergraduates of University College, Trinity Term 1917. C. S. Lewis is standing on the right-hand side of the back row. The college don in the centre of the photograph is John Behan, Stowell Law Fellow from 1909–1918, whose contract of employment was “continued for the emergency period.”
C. S. Lewis is standing on the right-hand side of the back row.

John Ronald Reuel (J.R.R.)Tolkien

Study John Ronald Reuel Tolkien, an English writer and philologist renowned for his imaginative skill. Join our course to delve deeper into Tolkien’s enchanting works, including The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, and uncover the profound influence of his narratives on literature and culture.

A frequent guest at the house in the 1950s was J.R.R. Tolkien who was inspired by the Burren landscape.
A frequent guest at the house in the 1950s was J.R.R. Tolkien who was inspired by the Burren landscape.

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