* Latin and Greek: These were absolutely fundamental, forming the basis of all other learning. Students spent considerable time mastering grammar, rhetoric, and literature in these languages.
* Logic: A crucial element of the curriculum, teaching students how to reason and argue effectively, vital for theological debate and leadership.
* Rhetoric: The art of persuasive speaking and writing, also essential for ministers and public figures.
* Mathematics: This was generally limited to arithmetic and basic geometry, primarily useful for surveying and other practical applications.
* Ethics and Moral Philosophy: Rooted in classical and biblical texts, these courses emphasized virtue and proper conduct, aligned with Puritan values.
* Biblical Hebrew: This was gradually introduced, important for understanding the original scriptures.
* Theology and Divinity: This became increasingly central as students progressed, focusing on systematic theology, biblical interpretation, and church history. Sermon preparation and delivery were key components.
It's important to note that the curriculum was quite rigorous and demanding. The focus was less on empirical science and more on mastering the established intellectual traditions of the time, predominantly classical and religious. Scientific inquiry, while not entirely absent, was far less prominent than the humanities and theology. Over time, some aspects shifted but the foundational emphasis remained largely the same throughout the 17th century.