About the Opus College of Business

The Great Books Seminar: Great Thinkers who Shaped Western 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 in graduate programs other than UST MBA are encouraged to apply, but should check with their program advisors as to whether it meets their program qualifications. 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.

View a sample syllabus »

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, with no exceptions to this policy.

August 2013 Session

August 11-16

Moderators: T. Dean Maines and Nona Mason

Mandatory orientation: 4-5:30 p.m., May 9, Terrence Murphy Hall (room TBA), Minneapolis

Orientation scheduled by appointment for those who register after May 9, 2013. Registration closed after July 1, 2013. Orientation is considered the first day of class. Refund schedules on tuition start on May 9.

Closure meeting for August session: 4-5:30 p.m., September 5, Terrence Murphy Hall (room TBA), Minneapolis

January 2014 Session

January 5-10 (10 spaces for Law Students)

Moderators: Kenneth Goodpaster and Charles Reid

January 12-17

Moderators: Michael Naughton and Jeanne Buckeye

Mandatory orientation: 4-5:30 p.m., November 14, Terrence Murphy Hall (room TBA), Minneapolis

Orientation scheduled by appointment for those who register after November 14, 2013. Registration closed after December 1, 2013. Orientation is considered the first day of class. Refund schedules on tuition start on November 14th.

Closure meeting for August session: 4-5:30 p.m., February 13, Terrence Murphy Hall (room TBA), Minneapolis

Seminar Cost 2013

Tuition: Current cost of 3 credits

Lodging & meals: $1,000

Deposit: $400 (Nonrefundable; covers Aspen books/materials, etc. and is seperate fee from the lodging and meals)

The $400 nonrefundable deposit will be incurred one week following the orientation session. You may make your nonrefundable deposit at the orientation session. Cancellation rates for tuition, room and board will be imposed on a rolling basis. Room and board contracts and royalty fees require this policy.