About the Opus College of Business
The Great Books Seminar: Great Thinkers who Shaped Business Civilization
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 Professor Kenneth Goodpaster, Dr. Nona Mason, Professor 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 M.B.A. 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 UST 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).
January 2010 Sessions
January 3-8, 2010: Law and MBA
Moderators: Ken Goodpaster and Charles Reid
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 after November 19. Registration closed after December 19. Orientation is considered the first day of class. Refund schedules on tuition start on November 19.
Closure meeting for January session: February 11, 2010, 4-5:30 p.m. Minneapolis Campus- Terrence Murphy Hall, room TBA
January 10-15, 2010: MBA
Moderators: Michael Naughton and Jeanne Buckeye
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 after November 19. Registration closed after December 19. Orientation is considered the first day of class. Refund schedules on tuition start on November 19.Closure meeting for January session: February 11, 2010, 4-5:30 p.m. Minneapolis Campus-Terrence Murphy Hall, room TBA
Seminar Cost '09
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.
Contact Us
For more information, please call (651) 962-4211 or e-mail jmerolin@stthomas.edu.
