Schwickerath, Robert
"Jesuit education" by Robert Schwickerath is a historical and pedagogical treatise written in the early 20th century. It examines the history and guiding principles of Jesuit schooling—especially the Ratio Studiorum—against contemporary debates about electives, the value of the classics, and moral-religious formation. Drawing heavily on primary sources, it aims to correct common misconceptions and show how Jesuit methods can address modern educational problems.The opening of the book explains the author’s purpose: to present Jesuit education from original documents and reliable witnesses, to answer persistent misrepresentations, and to relate the system to current issues like the elective craze, the place of Greek and Latin, and moral training. He acknowledges a polemical tone, justifies copious citations, and outlines a two-part plan (history, then principles and practice). The introduction portrays contemporary schooling as unsettled, critiques sweeping reforms led by prominent American universities, and challenges claims that Jesuit curricula are rigid or obsolete—arguing critics often lack sympathy and first-hand knowledge. The historical survey then begins by showing that robust Church-led education predated the Jesuits (from parish schools to monasteries and universities), highlights Renaissance influences (e.g., Vittorino da Feltre, the Brethren of the Common Life, Louvain, Salamanca, Alcala, Paris), contrasts humane classical learning with excesses of paganizing human…
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