UK magazine compares Campion to mainstream Australian universities

In April, Campion President Dr Morrissey sat down for an interview with The Modern Conservative's Nick Holt about how Western Civilisation is treated in Australia's universities.

UK's Flux magazine has featured the discussion in an article by Al Woods. Below are excerpts from the article:

In recent times, there has been a significant shift in the perception of western culture. Such changes have therefore altered the way it is treated in society and schools, universities in particular. Campion College president, Dr Paul Morrissey, joined Nick Holt on The Modern Conservative podcast to discuss these differences.

 

In the podcast, the two drew comparisons between the approach taken by Campion and major Australian universities. They emphasised how students at the college are less restricted in their thinking with more encouragement to engage with the West’s great ideas, thinkers and debaters. In contrast, Nick refers to an IPA study conducted in several universities that demonstrates how the humanities are affected now that they are more often observed through the lens of identity politics and critical race theory.

 

Dr Morrissey expounded on how teaching at Campion is more focused on examining events and philosophies as they are, without any lenses to colour the student’s perception. This lack of filtering encourages more robust debate among them. In addition, they have more freedom to draw their own conclusions without the restrictions on speech and discussion placed on learners elsewhere. He was also very clear about the handling of student complaints based on an objection to expressed opinions.

 

According to Dr Morrissey, the culture of debate is welcomed by both faculty and students alike. It is fostered by the diversity of ideological backgrounds present within the college. Students are not restricted to only those opinions and thought patterns that reflect Campion’s mission statement. The only thing that is asked of them is to respect the college’s foundations and backgrounds.

 

As to the concerns expressed about the prevalent ‘politicisation’ of the humanities, Dr Morrissey explained that Campion continues to take a more ‘common sense ’ approach to literature and history. They try to prevent approaching written works, especially with pre-ordained ideologies and specific lenses already in place. He says that it is crucial to consider the source of the work in question before debating it.

Finally, the two discuss what is offered at Campion College: the primary program is a BA degree in liberal arts with four areas of focus, history, literature, philosophy and theology. There are also diploma courses and some post-graduate studies offered.

 

For more information about Campion’s Liberal Arts degree and all other courses of study available, you may listen to the podcast here or here.