About the Great Books Foundation

The Great Books Foundation is an independent, nonprofit educational organization whose mission is to empower readers of all ages to become more reflective and responsible thinkers. To accomplish this, we teach the art of civil discourse through the Shared Inquiry™ method and publish enduring works across the disciplines.

The Great Books Foundation was established in 1947 to promote the reading and discussion of great literature by the general public. In 1962 the Foundation extended its mission to children with the introduction of Junior Great Books. Since its inception, the Foundation has helped hundreds of thousands of people throughout the United States and in other countries begin their own discussion groups in schools, libraries, and community centers. Today, Foundation instructors conduct hundreds of professional development courses each year in which educators and parents learn to lead Shared Inquiry discussion as well as a variety of classroom activities that improve students' critical thinking, reading comprehension, vocabulary, and writing skills.

The Great Books foundation's courses in Shared Inquiry help people get the most from discussion. Participants learn how to read actively, pose fruitful questions, and listen and respond to others effectively in discussion. All participants also practive leading a discussion and have an opportunity to reflect on the process with others. For more information about Great Books materials and course, call 800-222-5870 or visit www.greatbooks.org