No. While we strongly encourage students interested in the program to take as many of the courses as possible, the program is voluntary and there is no formal requirement that you take all of the Great Works courses.

Classes are limited to 25 students or fewer. These small classes allow students an opportunity to develop a close relationship with a faculty member and also allow for extensive discussion.

Yes. Even if you have AP credit that will exempt you from one or more of the HAP or HSC requirements under Emory’s GER requirements, you can still take any of the other courses and receive Emory credit towards graduation.

Yes. Many Great Works courses will count towards completion of a major in their respective departments. Please verify the requirements for your major with your major department.

These courses are designed for first years, or for sophomores who have already taken at least one (and preferably two) as freshmen. Priority enrollment is given to first year students.

Some courses will be offered once each semester; others may only be offered once a year.

As part of the Voluntary Core program, each semester we will have five to six guest lectures in the late afternoons (usually on Wednesdays), featuring distinguished and provocative speakers who will address one or more of the books or issues covered in the courses. Students will also have opportunities to engage in conversation and discussion with our guest lecturers and faculty at small dinners, which will be held after each Emory Williams lecture. The lectures will be also recorded and posted on this website.

Attendance at the guest lectures is required. If other university-related obligations conflict with attending a lecture, students may request to fulfill this requirement by watching a lecture online and writing a brief summary.