[aerostable_slug]

> memorization for test taking purposes

Outside of quizzes in Greek classes, there really aren't that many tests to take. The emphasis is on participation in seminar-type classes, projects, and many, many papers. The one place I recall memorization coming into the picture was with Euclid, and that really depended upon the tutor's style (mine was a closed-book, hit the chalkboard and prove proposition I.47 kind of guy, while other cohorts had an easier time).

As a good test-taker, I found it more difficult than the lecture/test paradigm. One could not slack off for a while and then bang through a test — you had to be "on" every day.

St. John's offers an "adult" Master's program which is really pretty cool. That said, it can't replace going through the program as a young person. Re: contextualizing, one can return to the texts throughout life and reflect upon how one's understanding has changed with experience.