The focused calendar. Service learning. Commons courses. The competency program. Unique programs of study. Self governance.

Binding these distinctive features together is an approach to education we call The Civic Arts.

The term liberal arts is so common within higher education these days that we t hought it was almost becoming meaningless.

To recapture the original meaning of the phrase, we recast the original term as the Civic Arts.

We realize the Civic Arts through the interplay of Commons, competencies, calendar , programs of study, and dedicated teaching. Our understanding of the term affects everything we do - from the way we organize classes to the way we greet you on the sidewalk.

At Tusculum College, the term Civic Arts replaces the phrase "liberal arts" and renews its meaning to as it was first used by Cicero, the Roman orator, philosopher, statesman and educator from whose villa Tusculum College takes its name.

Thus, the original meaning of the term Civic Arts referred to those skills, attitudes and abilitites appropriate to citizenship in a democratic society.

The Civic Arts embrace such things as active and empathetic listening, the ability to present one's thoughts clearly in speaking or writing, the ability to analyze situations carefully and solve problems creatively, consistent use of the virtues embodied in the traditions for personal and public decision making, and respect for one's own cultural heritage, as well as those of others.