Great Books, Socratic Inquiry, and the Odyssey | Mighty Banyans on the Bay

In this episode of **Mighty Banyan on the Bay**, hosts Douglas Estes (Associate Professor of Religion) and Jeffrey Hanson (Associate Professor of Philosophy) sit down with **Professor Andrew Humphries**, co-director of the Odyssey Program and the Socratic Experience at New College of Florida. Together, they explore the transformative power of Great Books education, the pedagogical impact of Socratic discussion, and why foundational texts like Homer's Odyssey continue to shape modern learners. --- Key Discussion Highlights & Video Chapters *00:00 - Introduction & Faculty Backgrounds* Host introductions and an overview of Professor Andrew Humphreys' dual role teaching Economics and Great Books, co-directing the Odyssey Program, and leading the Socratic Experience. *00:52 - What is the Odyssey Program?* An overview of New College of Florida’s required introductory humanities course. Professor Humphreys breaks down how incoming students analyze Homer’s Odyssey in small discussion groups and shared lecture settings. *02:42 - Mortimer Adler’s 3 Columns of Education* Humphreys breaks down Mortimer Adler’s structural model of learning: 1. Acquisition of Organized Knowledge (Lectures & Textbooks) 2. Coached Skills (Habitual Problem-Solving & Writing) 3. Open-Ended Inquiry (Exploration of Nuance, Truth & Values) *04:21 - What Defines a "Great Book"?* Why true classics evade formulaic summaries, AI queries, and quick study guides. Humphreys compares reading a Great Book to an evolving relationship—a living entity rather than a structural skeleton. *06:28 - Textual Annotation & Active Reading* A deep dive into the pedagogical methods used at New College. Learn why students annotate every page, lead classroom discussions, write questions on the board, and complete open-book exams. *08:52 - Why Homer’s Odyssey is the Gateway to Humanities* Discover how Homer’s epics serve as the fountainhead of Western civilization, and why the *Odyssey*—with its themes of home, identity, suffering, and adventure—resonates so deeply with first-year college students. *13:02 - Cultural Resonance, Dissonance, and Ancient Ethics* Exploring the alien aspects of ancient Greek culture, including the sacred duty of guest-friendship (*xenia*) and the philosophical questions raised by Odysseus' encounter with the Cyclops. *17:08 - The Socratic Experience Program* An inside look at the multi-course Socratic sequence at New College of Florida, designed to build cohort unity, foster late-night intellectual debates, and cultivate student-led inquiry. *20:25 - Academic Robes & Formal Disputations* How bi-weekly formal dinners, academic robes, and spontaneous public disputations teach students to think on their feet, define terms under pressure, and build professional confidence. --- Follow & Subscribe *Podcast:* Mighty Banyan on the Bay *Institution:* New College of Florida *Subscribe:* Hit the bell icon to stay updated on future discussions featuring NCF faculty, interdisciplinary research, and academic innovations. /// https://www.ncf.edu/   / newcollegeofflorida     / newcollegeofflorida     / newcollegeoffl      / @newcollegeoffl   New College of Florida is Florida’s public liberal arts honors college, offering a highly personalized, rigorous academic experience on a stunning Sarasota bayfront campus. Our YouTube channel showcases what it’s really like to learn, live, and thrive at NCF through student stories, campus tours, academic spotlights, and behind-the-scenes looks at campus life. Explore our small classes, one-on-one faculty mentorship, and hands-on research opportunities across the sciences, social sciences, and humanities. See how students design their own paths, complete a senior thesis, and build the skills that prepare them for top graduate schools and meaningful careers. You’ll find videos on residence halls and dorm tours, a day in the life of New College students, orientation and commencement highlights, and features on unique programs like marine biology, environmental studies, data science, and more. You can also learn how to apply, what we look for in applicants, and how scholarships and financial aid can make an honors education affordable. Subscribe to connect with our community, get your questions answered about admissions and campus life, and discover whether New College of Florida is the right fit for you.