Monticello College announces our one-of-a-kind Masters Degree in Natural Law available for enrollment beginning in 2016.
We want to kick off the Masters Degree in Natural Law with full enrollment in 2016 so we are offering a One-Time 50% Tuition Discount, but first let me tell you about the degree itself.
Click Here to start the application process.
NATURAL LAW DEFINED
Western philosophical and theological doctrines, both political and legal, find their roots in the concept that there are certain unchanging universal laws determined by nature, which pertain to man’s nature, which can be discovered by reason, and to which man-made laws should conform, even must conform for happy outcomes of positive law. Many of these natural laws have been discovered in sacred writings.
The philosophical doctrine that the authority of the legal system or of certain laws, is derived from their justifiability by reason, and indeed that a legal system which cannot be so justified has no authority.
The doctrine that human affairs should be governed by ethical principles that are part of the very nature of things that can be understood by reason. Classically, natural law refers to the use of reason to analyze human nature — both social and personal — and deduce binding rules of moral behavior from it.
Natural Law and the concept of the consent of the governed (John Locke) are the foundation of the American Declaration of Independence, Constitution and Bill of Rights.
Universal forces or laws of growth, formation, and motion impressed or infused on or into bodies or beings determined by nature. The invariable tendency or determination of any species of matter to a particular form with definite properties, and the determination of a body to certain motions, changes, and relations, which uniformly take place in the same circumstances.
Sir William Blackstone*, the grandfather of modern Anglo-American law, said, “[T]he law of nature . . . is binding over all the globe, in all countries at all times. No human laws are of any validity, if contrary to this.” This statement—an echo of great philosophers and statesmen such as Joshua, Plato, Aristotle, Cicero, Augustine, Aquinas, Cervantes, Turnbull, and Montesquieu—is the foundation of western and all other civilization.
Their collective point is that there are laws that are higher than manmade laws. Such laws are called natural law, and they are the basis of all freedom and all success. This is what Jefferson was referring to when he wrote, “We hold these truths to be self-evident . . .” When we violate natural law—as individuals, organizations, governments, or nations—there are always negative consequences.
As a people, we have lost this understanding in modern times, and this loss is also our biggest challenge as only the application of true principles can fix our nation and lead to real progress.
Monticello College is thrilled to offer this wholly unique and foundational degree, which is a response to the challenges facing our nation today. Learn from the same sources the American founders studied. This degree covers the great discussion about law and government from ancient times down to the American founding era, and beyond.
Reading these great works is like getting the kind of education young Thomas Jefferson or James Madison got, in the rich tradition of the greatest books on freedom throughout history. This course of readings forms the underpinning of greatest education about government, politics, law, and freedom available anywhere and provides applicable solutions for America’s problems today.
OBJECTIVES
The objectives for this program are as follows:
- Increase the student’s capacity to make decisions based on a through understanding of human nature that will enhance productivity and effectiveness in the workplace as well as family life and the community at large.
- Develop a deep understanding of the historic/contemporary and practical application of natural law in the areas of wealth development, familial and community relations, business, governance, diplomacy, and international relations.
- Develop the ability to read and write legislation and constitutions at the local, state, and nation levels that correspond and are in harmony with universal natural law.
- Increase the student’s ability to read and understand difficult or antiquated text, distilling principles and truths for modern application.
Program Structure
This program is structured to follow the seminar format. Each major topic consists of intense required readings for several weeks at a time with annotated summaries and commentary, colloquia on required readings (colloquia are deep discussions from required readings that can last up to 8 hours), and a publishable article or research paper. Each semester will end with a written (essay) and oral examination.
This will occur in each of the first four semesters, the last two semesters are dedicated to publishable articles regarding modern application of natural law in two of the following topics; the institution of the family, business, jurisprudence, economy, culture/religion, governance, innovation, international relations, and the completion of the thesis.
What Can I Do With This Degree?
There are a multitude of occupational or employment advantages for a student in this program. This program, through the study of natural law, will necessarily delve deeply into Praxeology, Political Economy, Human Nature, and socio-historical patterns. A study of these fields greatly enhances reading comprehension, writing, problem solving, and decision-making skills—skills demanded by employers and entrepreneurs to meet the many challenges in our rapidly morphing business world today.
Due to the intense academic nature of this program, students will greatly expand their ability to take-in and sift through large amounts of data and communicate both verbally and in writing at a level far above the modern corporate career expectation.
As many historians have often acknowledged and as was so well stated by Santayana, “Those who do not know history are doomed to repeat it.” We could have easily titled this degree, MA in Leadership. The study of natural law is a study of humanity and civilization sometimes getting it right and sometimes getting it wrong in relation to human legislation and positive law, family and other human relations, business and trade, and the general laws of the Universe. To truly become a leader, requires the student to study the failures and successes of the past, particularly regarding law, governance, and human nature. This degree meets all of these conditions.
The employers I have relationships with—to a person—tell me that graduates from this kind of degree will greatly enhance their businesses. We desire to offer this degree for all of the above reasons, but also because although it was a common course of study in 18th and 19th centuries America, today we are unable to find other institutions where it is being taught beyond an occasional class here and there. The knowledge of natural law is vital for true honorable success, but virtually lost in America today. The offering of this degree is our effort to restore America back to her destiny of a beacon of freedom for the whole world.
First Cohort Tuition Discount
This is a 3-year program of study with a tuition cost of $18,000. But we want to have 20 students enrolled by the end of February 2016 so we are offering a 50% tuition discount locked-in for life for the first 20 accepted and enrolled applicants.
The first 20 students enrolled by February 25, 2016 will enjoy the First Cohort 50% tuition discount with total program tuition of $9,000:
Year One – $2,000
Year Two – $3,000
Year Three – $4,000
First Cohort – $9,000
Click Here to start the application process or call me directly to discuss your application questions: (435) 590-1661.
MA NATURAL LAW
COURSES
Introduction to Natural Law Concepts
Natural Law in the Greek Tradition
Natural Law in the Hebrew Tradition I
Natural Law in the Hebrew Tradition II
Natural Law in Roman Institutions
Historical Contexts of Natural Law: Plutarch
Natural Law in the Medieval Tradition
Natural Law in European Traditions
Natural Law in British Traditions I
Natural Law in British Traditions II
Natural Law Philosophers I: Montesquieu
Natural Law Philosophers II: Locke
Natural Law Philosophers III: Coke and Grotius
Natural Law Philosophers IV: Pufendorf
Natural Law Philosophers V: Blackstone
Natural Law Philosophers VI: Enlightenment and Beyond
Natural Law and the American Founding I
Natural Law and the American Founding II
Natural Law and the American Founding III
Natural Law and the Federalist Papers
Natural Law and European Institutions
Natural Law and American Institutions I
Natural Law and American Institutions II
Modern Issues and Current Events in Natural Law I
Modern Issues and Current Events in Natural Law II
* A strong case can be made that the first written legal foundation for western culture’s “Judea-Christian Ethic” and the basis of law and jurisprudence in English Law and subsequently, American Law is the 1766 2-volume set of Commentaries on the Laws of England by Sir William Blackstone. Blackstone makes it very clear that honorably practicing law requires an understanding of the creation and execution of man made laws in harmony with Natural Law as the bedrock of all human freedom.
This is in sharp contrasted with the modern philosophy of disregarding Natural Law in favor of Positive Law. But Blackstone is merely continuing the admonition of the ancient voices of Aristotle, Cicero, Polybius, Aurelius, Augustine, Aquinas, Luther, Calvin, Locke, Pufendorf, Culverwell, Grotius, Lord Kames, Hutcheson, and Turnbull to mention only a handful of the hundreds of authors and writings on the forgotten subject Natural Law.
To question the importance and role of natural law today is evidence of a weak and shallow education system that has lead to a disturbing decline in America’s stature in the world. Current cultural trends that contradict the natural law on many fronts highlight the need once again for Americans to understand and accurately apply natural law in our families, churches, businesses, and government.
Click Here to start the application process or call me directly to discuss your application questions: (435) 590-1661.
Here are a couple of letters from employers and former students who understand what we are doing and see the value:
Dr. Brooks,
YES! Please offer this degree in Natural Law! Our nation needs more individuals equipped with the knowledge that this degree will provide. As a parent of three boys, I am training them up to be leaders, statesmen, husbands, fathers, and men of courage. I want degrees of high caliber, like this one, available for my sons and their generation because they have monumental challenges to face. I also know that my husband, who is considering running for office once retired from the military, will benefit greatly from a degree like this and will be better able to serve in office. This degree is a must have! Thank you Monticello College for putting this degree together.
Eli Schultz
722 W. Park, St Guthrie, KY 42234
Dr. Brooks,
As a former chairman of the Arizona State Constitutional Commemoration Committee and board president of Choice Academies, Inc. which is the parent company of Adams Traditional Academy and Jefferson Preparatory High School, this degree is essential to restoring the knowledge of natural law. Natural law is the basis of upon which our Constitution was founded and many of the problems our nation faces is because of a lack of understanding of natural law.
Lisa Fink
Board President Choice Academies, Inc.
2323 W. Parkside Lane Phoenix, AZ 85027
Dr. Brooks,
When I first learned that Monticello College was considering offering a Master’s Degree in Natural Law, my mind started racing. I am so excited to start this program. When I look at the choices our society is making in government, business, education, family, and community, I only wish this degree were more widely available.
We need more Americans who understand cause and effect, choice and consequence, as only natural law can teach. I would not hesitate for a second to hire someone with this degree. It would benefit my business and my community immensely.
Any civilization worth defending and preserving for generations to come must be founded on adherence to Natural Laws; and the better its citizens know and work to uphold those laws, the better our society will be. I can’t wait to enroll in this program as soon as it’s available. Please let me know what I can do to make that offering a reality.
James Malmstrom
Co-founder Eclipse Product Development, Inc.
Salt Lake City, UT
More Support Letters (from more than 50 letters)
From: <woodward.way@gmail.com>
Date: December 31, 2013 10:11:05 AM MST
To: “info@monticellocollege.org” <info@monticellocollege.org>
Subject: Re: Nat Law
Yes, I love this degree! These are the things that need to be studied in our country to maintain freedom and help prevent repeating the mistakes of the past. We need to be more empowered with this kind of knowledge.
Amanda Woodward
California
From: Bonnie Jones <stbjones@msn.com>
Date: December 30, 2013 9:22:38 PM MST
To: “info@monticellocollege.org” <info@monticellocollege.org>
Subject: RE: Nat Law
I love this! You absolutely should offer this. I especially like the literature and biography selections, expanding the philosophical foundation of the degree. Bravo!
Bonnie Jones
Utah
12/30/2013
Dr. Shanon Brooks
Monticello College
PO Box 1174
Monticello, Utah 84535
Dear Dr. Brooks:
I was very excited to learn about the proposed Master’s Degree in Natural Law. As a Computer Scientist at Hill Air Force Base I have been looking for an opportunity to continue my education not only to further my career but also to be a better leader in my community.
I was considering some local MBA programs but they don’t seem to offer the skills I’m interested in, plus I’m looking for something to set myself apart from the crowd.
All civilization are founded on the idea of following Natural Laws, and the more people who know those laws the better for the society. As I have learned the basics about Natural Laws I have been shocked to see how much application they have to every aspect of my life.
Please keep me informed as progress is made on this degree and other opportunities at Monticello College.
Thank You,
Brandon Mitchell
Kaysville, UT
From: Devirl Barfuss <edb@panventures.com>
Date: December 30, 2013 9:52:07 PM MST
To: info@monticellocollege.org
Subject: Re: Nat Law
Dr. Brooks,
I appreciate the effort you are making and the influence you are having on young and old alike. Some of us are promoting agency-based education in our communities. It is well received among the home educators. I understand there are 80,000 children being home educated in Utah and the number is growing. These students should be prime candidates for Monticello even for just a semester or two.
Thank you for making such a huge effort. I know it’s hard.
D. Barfuss
Utah
From: gdanforth@myfairpoint.net
Date: December 30, 2013 7:40:00 PM MST
To: info@monticellocollege.org
Subject: Masters in natural Law
Dr. Brooks
Yes, I feel that a Masters in “Natural Law” would be very valuable to any who held such a degree.
Sincerely
Gene F. Danforth
Danbury, New Hampshire
