Lyceum Scholars Program
Scholarship Sponsored by Clemson Institute for the Study of Capitalism
Program Overview
The Lyceum Scholars Program at Clemson University is a cohort-based academic program for incoming freshmen focused on the study of original works of Western political thought. Scholars engage with foundational questions such as the nature of justice and the meaning of freedom in a democratic society. The program emphasizes close textual analysis and sustained intellectual inquiry within a small, structured community.
Description: A freshman cohort program centered on canonical texts and foundational political questions.
Eligibility: Open to incoming freshmen at Clemson University.
- Freshman-only cohort model
- Primary focus on Western political thought
- Emphasis on close reading and critical discussion
Program Features
The program pairs rigorous academic work with recurring mentorship and a range of community activities. Mentorship is delivered through regular Socratic Tutor Sessions led by Lyceum faculty, providing moral, professional, and intellectual guidance. Scholars also participate in shared classes, social events, reading groups, public lectures, and a student speaker series that reinforces peer learning and public engagement.
Mentorship: Bi-weekly Socratic Tutor Sessions with Lyceum faculty offering sustained academic and professional guidance.
Intellectual Community: Cohort-based courses, regular social and reading events, public lectures, and a student speaker series.
- Structured faculty mentorship through Socratic sessions
- Multiple forums for discussion and public engagement
- Cohort activities that strengthen peer networks
Curriculum & Credential
The Lyceum curriculum comprises eight courses that form an integrated program of study in political and legal theory. Upon completion, scholars earn a certificate and satisfy Clemson University's requirements for a minor in Political Science, specifically the "Political and Legal Theory" pathway. The curriculum is designed to provide both breadth across canonical works and depth in critical analysis.
Political Science Minor: Completion of the eight-course Lyceum curriculum awards a certificate and fulfills the university minor requirements in Political and Legal Theory.
- Eight-course integrated curriculum
- Certificate awarded on completion
- Counts toward the Political and Legal Theory minor