UChicago Seminar for Lifelong Learners
Philosophical Reflections on Leadership: From Machiavelli’s Prince to Dr. King’s Drum Major
September 8-13, 2024
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Explore Leadership Philosophies on UChicago’s Storied Hyde Park Campus
Take a journey of intellectual and life enrichment by immersing yourself in the great debates.
Spend a week immersed in the vibrant intellectual atmosphere of the University of Chicago, delving into essential questions of leadership: What secures someone the status of leader, and how do they maintain it? What are they owed, given such status? And what do they owe others in return?
Philosophers to be discussed range from Machiavelli, whose Prince had provocative powers and an extended legacy, to Martin Luther King, Jr., who was himself the kind of “drum major” he also theorized, with Spinoza, Hegel, and others between them.
Experience UChicago’s Unparalleled Classroom
When you attend this residential seminar, you’ll enjoy the historic buildings, intellectual atmosphere, and cultural richness of UChicago’s beautiful campus firsthand. You’ll have ample opportunities to build meaningful relationships with your peers as well as explore the diverse and historic Hyde Park neighborhood. Most importantly, you’ll have illuminating conversations and discover valuable insights in an immersive one-week course.
Each day, there will be both morning and afternoon class sessions. These classes follow the same Socratic seminar format, emphasizing open, respectful dialogue in response to assigned texts.
Co-curricular Experiences
Alongside the core seminar, you will enjoy:
- Lunch and learns with guest speakers who are respected experts in a range of fields.
- Guided campus tours to enjoy our beautiful architecture and botanic garden.
- Dinner groups to socialize, network, and build community with fellow classmates.
Faculty member
Jason Maurice Yonover holds Ph.D.s from the Department of Philosophy and the Department of Modern Languages & Literatures at Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree, summa cum laude, from Cornell University . He is co-editor of the volume Spinoza in Germany: Political and Religious Thought Across the Long Nineteenth Century, forthcoming with Oxford University Press. He is also author of articles or chapters in the European Journal of Philosophy, the British Journal for the History of Philosophy, the Oxford Handbook of Jewish Philosophy, and other venues. His research on issues concerning freedom, power, and right engages with several traditions in the history of philosophy and political philosophy.
Philosophical Reflections on Leadership Info Session
For further information about this program, please watch our information session featuring program leader Jason Maurice Yonder and Dean Seth Green.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are scholarships available for those interested in the seminar?
We are committed to reducing financial barriers for those looking to explore these conversations with us. Scholarships are available, please contact us to request financial assistance.
What is the cost of the seminar?
We offer the Residential Seminar as a non-credit course for $2,495. Scholarships are available for those who need financial support. We have also arranged a discounted rate for learners who desire to reside on campus at the Study Hotel.
Registration for the program requires a deposit of $500. Balances will be due by August 15, 2024.
Can this seminar be taken for credit?
Students in UChicago’s Master of Liberal Arts may complete this seminar as a for-credit course (with assignments and grades). Reach out to Tim Murphy, MLA Program Director, at timmurphy@uchicago.edu to learn more.
Is this seminar offered online, or in-person?
This is a weeklong, immersive, in-person-only experience that takes place on UChicago’s Hyde Park campus in Chicago.
Are accommodations available?
Learners wishing to stay in Hyde Park are encouraged to consider The Study at the University of Chicago which is adjacent to campus. A discount code for reservations at the Study will be provided to learners after registration to the seminar.
Do I need to submit an application?
No. The Residential Seminar is open to lifelong learners seeking a rigorous learning experience, including Graham School students, UChicago alumni, and friends of the University. You are free to register for the course now.
When does the seminar start?
The seminar will begin with an opening dinner gathering on the evening on Sunday, September 8, and continue through midday on Friday, September 13.
What is the cancellation and refund policy?
A $500 per person, nonrefundable deposit is required upon acceptance of your application. The balance of the fee is due no later than August 15, 2024. All cancellations and requests for refunds must be submitted in writing and will be subject to the loss of the deposit. No refunds will be given for cancellations received after August 15, 2024. In the event of the cancellation of the program by the University of Chicago Graham School of Continuing Liberal and Professional Studies, a full refund of tuition will be given.
The University of Chicago and the University of Chicago Graham School of Continuing Liberal and Professional Studies have no responsibility in whole or in part for any loss, death, damage, or injury to person or property or accident, mechanical defect, failure or negligence of any nature howsoever caused in connection with any accommodation, transportation, or other services. The right is retained to decline to accept or retain any person as a Seminar member should such person’s health, mental condition, physical infirmity, or attitude jeopardize the operation of the Seminar or the rights, welfare, or enjoyment of other participants.
About the University of Chicago
For more than 125 years, the University of Chicago has forged its own path. This has led to new schools of thought and a transformative education for students, and laid the groundwork for breakthroughs across the sciences, medicine, economics, law, business, history, culture, the arts, and humanistic inquiry.
We shape and define fields
UChicago scholars are driven by intellectual debate and a search for new evidence.
We believe freedom of expression is fundamental
Free and open discourse is the foundation of a transformative education and world-changing research.
We tackle the world’s most pressing issues
Through research, discovery, and community partnerships, UChicago scholars and students are tackling complex problems—from solving crime at scale to combating climate change.
About the Graham School of Continuing Liberal and Professional Studies
The Graham School brings the best of what the University of Chicago offers together in one place for accomplished professionals and ambitious lifelong learners. We offer a seamless learning experience that combines flexibility with rigor. The programs and courses engage learners from all walks of life and from all around the world in UChicago’s distinctive educational experience.