BETH706 - Great Books
The Great Books Seminar: Great Thinkers who Shaped Business Civilization
http://www.stthomas.edu/business/about/ethics/greatbooks.html
This one-week, three-credit course is based on the world-renowned Aspen Institute Executive Seminar. It uses selected writings of great classic and contemporary thinkers as a beginning point for an intensive, focused discussion with peers on the enduring ideas and ideals of world civilization, the problems and opportunities of today and the issues to be faced in the years ahead. In a sense, the readings function as case studies in leadership and leadership values.
The readings revolve around such universal human concerns as justice, rights, liberty, equality, power, leadership, democracy, and community. Discussion and debate are spirited as students get to know one another in a retreat-like environment.
The Great Books Seminar is coordinated by Dr. Kenneth Goodpaster.
Course Format
A one-hour orientation is held about six weeks prior to each seminar and a one-hour closure session is held about six weeks subsequent to each seminar. Past instructors have included Dr. Kenneth Goodpaster, Dr. Nona Mason, Dr. Patricia Hedberg, Professor Charles Reid, Doug Baker, Dean Maines and Merritt Marquardt.
The nature of the discussion and study topics requires that participants be at or near the completion of their MBA degree. Designed to serve as the culmination of the degree program, the Great Books Seminar will provide participants with unique insight and perspective that will last long after they receive their diplomas.
This seminar qualifies as a three-credit management concentration course for MBA students. It may qualify as an elective for other St. Thomas graduate business programs; students should first seek approval from their advisors. The seminar is limited to 20 participants, with priority given on a first-come, first-served basis to current students. If space is available, the seminar will be open to alumni. We are able to offer alumni reduced tuition.
Seminar Dates and Cost
The week-long Great Books Seminar will be held at the Gainey Conference Center. Participants stay at the site during the week to make the most of the learning experience (no exceptions).
August 2009 Sessions
August 9-14, 2009: Law and MBA
Moderators: TBA
Mandatory Orientation for August Session: May 14th, 2009*,
4 - 5:30 p.m. Minneapolis Campus- Terrence Murphy Hall, room TBA
*Orientation scheduled by appointment for those who register after May 14. Registration closed after June 14. Orientation is considered the first day of class, refund schedules on tuition start on May 14.
Closure meeting for August session: September 10, 2009, 4-5:30 p.m. Minneapolis Campus
August 16-21, 2009: MBA
Moderators: T. Dean Maines and Dr. Nona Mason
Mandatory Orientation for August Session: May 14, 2009*,
4 - 5:30 p.m. Minneapolis Campus- Terrence Murphy Hall, room TBA
*Orientation scheduled by appointment for those who register after May 14. Registration closed after June 14. Orientation is considered the first day of class, refund schedules on tuition start on May 14.
Closure meeting for August session: September 10, 2009, 4-5:30 pm Minneapolis Campus
January 2010Sessions
January 3-8, 2010: Law and MBA (10 spaces available for MBA students.)
Moderators: TBA
Mandatory Orientation for January Session: November 19, 2009*,
4 - 5:30 p.m. Minneapolis Campus- Terrence Murphy Hall, room TBA
*Orientation scheduled by appointment for those who register late.
Closure meeting for January session: February 11, 2010, 4-5:30 p.m. Minneapolis Campus
January 10-15, 2010: MBA
Moderators: TBA
Mandatory Orientation for JanuarySession: November 19, 2009*
4 - 5:30 p.m. Minneapolis Campus- Terrence Murphy Hall, room TBA
*Orientation scheduled by appointment for those who register late.
Closure meeting for January session: February 11, 2010, 4-5:30 p.m. Minneapolis Campus
Seminar Cost 2009
Tuition (Current cost of 3 credits)
Lodging & meals: $ 975
Deposit (nonrefundable- covers Aspen books/materials, etc*): $ 400
*The $400 nonrefundable deposit will be incurred one week following the orientation session. You may deposit at the orientation session. Cancellation rates will be imposed on a rolling basis. Room and board contracts and royalty fees require this policy.
For more information, please call (651) 962-4211 or jmerolin@stthomas.edu.