Valor Institute College Student Retreat: Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales

The Valor Institute’s College Program offers collegiate Juniors and Seniors the opportunity to spend a week in Austin, TX immersed in study, friendship, and the natural world. Students will explore Chaucer’s famous collection of tales with Dr. Benedict Whalen of Hillsdale College.

About the Leader

Dr. Benedict Whalen is associate professor of English at Hillsdale College. He completed his bachelor’s degree at the University of Dallas, and earned his PhD at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. 

Much of Dr. Whalen's teaching is in Renaissance literature, especially the works of Shakespeare and his fellow playwrights. He also regularly teaches courses on English Renaissance lyric poetry, including the metaphysical poets. In 2022-23, Dr. Whalen served as the Kingfisher Fellow in Residence for the Valor Institute, where he lead and organized over twenty academic retreats, ranging from Ovid and Dante to Shakespeare and Hemingway. The Institute is excited to welcome him back for this Undergraduate Retreat!

About the Retreat

Upon acceptance, you will enjoy an academic retreat that includes:

• Seminar discussions and lectures led by Dr. Ben Whalen

• Intentional meals and social time to build friendship and community

• Time with teachers and leaders from the Valor schools in Austin

• Room and board provided ($200 retreat fee and transportation expenses to be covered by the participant)

Application Deadline: March 31, 2025