The Catherine Project is dedicated to fostering serious, discussion-based learning grounded in the “great books” tradition. Its mission centers on learning for its own sake, emphasizing community, hospitality, and genuine intellectual curiosity rather than grades, credentials, or academic requirements. All programs revolve around close engagement with primary texts and thoughtful conversation.
The Catherine Project offers two main types of programs:
Core Program:
The Core Program offers a way into the study of great books and introduces readers to our approach to learning through discussion. Consisting of four 12-week courses, the Core Program begins with an introductory and intensive Life of the Mind Seminar followed by three courses in which we read great books at a more leisurely pace. In these latter courses, the switch to generally shorter readings, single authors or texts, and required writing assignments gives readers the chance to focus their thinking and go deep. All Core Program courses meet weekly for two hours on Zoom.
- Core I: Life of the Mind Seminar
- Core II: Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey
- Core III: Plato’s Republic
- Core IV: Readings from Aristotle
General Offerings:
We offer a variety of courses focused on particular great books, ancient languages, and other related subjects. These courses offer opportunities to focus one’s learning in a welcoming intellectual community. Offerings include Reading Groups, Intensive Reading Groups, and Subject Tutorials in math, ancient languages, and the art of writing. See the full list of offerings here.
Location(s)
- Remote
Schedule
- Core Program: Four 12-week courses offered from Fall through Spring
- General Courses: Meet weekly for between 1-2 hours for 4-34 weeks, depending on offering
Cost/Compensation
- Free
Eligibility Requirements
- Open to people 16 years or older from all educational backgrounds and walks of life
Deadline
- Spring 2026 deadline: November 28, 2025
- Fall 2026 deadline: August 7, 2026
Application or Entry Requirements
- Completed online application
- Statement of Interest
Notifications of Decisions
- Placement decisions are announced approximately 6 weeks after the application deadline
Financial Aid Details
Other Dates to Keep in Mind
Have other questions?
The Catherine Project is a nonprofit educational organization that offers free, discussion-based courses centered on primary texts in the humanities, languages, mathematics, and related fields. Founded in 2020, it provides online seminars, reading groups, and a structured Core Program designed to support sustained, rigorous study outside traditional academic institutions. Courses are led mostly by volunteer tutors, rely on close reading and conversation, and do not award grades or credentials.
