John Erskine (educator)

John Erskine (April 26, 1879 – June 2, 1951) was an American educator, author, and critic. He is best known for his work promoting the Great Books curriculum and his role in establishing the General Honors Course at Columbia University in 1919, which significantly influenced higher education in the United States.

Erskine earned his B.A. (1900), M.A. (1903), and Ph.D. (1903) from Columbia University. He taught English at Amherst College before returning to Columbia as a professor of English. During World War I, he served overseas with the American Expeditionary Forces, lecturing to soldiers.

His educational philosophy emphasized direct engagement with classic texts rather than relying solely on secondary analyses. He believed that reading the great works of literature, philosophy, and history was essential for developing critical thinking skills and fostering a deeper understanding of Western civilization. The General Honors Course, which he pioneered, facilitated this approach by bringing together students from various disciplines to discuss these texts in small seminar settings.

Beyond his academic pursuits, Erskine was a prolific writer. He published novels, poems, essays, and musical compositions. His novel, The Private Life of Helen of Troy (1925), was a bestseller and is considered a significant work of popular fiction. He explored similar themes of reinterpreting classical myths and figures in other novels.

Erskine held various positions of influence in the arts and literature. He served as president of the Juilliard School of Music and was involved in numerous literary societies and organizations. He received several honorary degrees and awards for his contributions to education and literature.