Practical wisdom and leadership at UChicago’s Storied Hyde Park Campus
Do we navigate life with practical wisdom? Do we truly understand ourselves and the world around us? Moreover, what does it mean to be wise? In ancient philosophy, Aristotle’s phronesis—practical wisdom—was essential to leading a good life, integrating knowledge, ethics, and politics. But in the modern world, wisdom has become an ambiguous concept: is it knowledge, life experience, or emotional intelligence? This course examines how the meaning of wisdom has shifted over time and whether another notion such as emotional intelligence best captures its role today.
Similarly, what does it take to be a leader? Is leadership only relevant to organizations and businesses, or does it begin with the individual learning to lead themselves and motivating change in others? Drawing on Aristotle, Daniel Goleman, and others, we will explore the role of wisdom in leadership, ethics, and decision-making. Through philosophical inquiry, psychological insights, and reflective exercises, we will develop a cross-disciplinary, practical understanding of wisdom—one that helps us navigate our complex world.
During the residential seminar, I was able to go into the classroom and dive deeply into original thinking. We were able to challenge each other as students and learners with great guidance from our professors.
Cara Brennan Allamano, Chief People Officer, Lattice
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, beginning when you meet with your peers for an opening reception dinner, 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:
- A visit to the Smart Museum’s (the campus art museum) Art to Live With collection.
- Lunches with eminent scholars from other disciplines of the University, ranging from social scientists to natural scientists.
- A guided tour of the University.
- Opening and closing dinners.
- Exploration of the diverse and historic Hyde Park neighborhood around the University.
Faculty member
Atiya Singh, PhD, is the Director of the McKeon Center at the University of Chicago. Her teaching at UChicago spans disciplines and has won awards. A former leadership development mentor at the Booth School of Business, Atiya’s recent scholarship and teaching has focused on the intersection of liberal arts and leadership studies.
Practical Wisdom Conversation
For further information about the residential seminar, watch the conversation between Dean Seth Green and Dr. Atiya Singh.
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 May 1, 2025.
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?
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 optional opening dinner gathering on the evening on Sunday, May 11, and continue through midday on Friday, May 16.
What is the cancellation and refund policy?
A $500 per person, nonrefundable deposit is required upon registration to hold your spot. The balance of the fee is due no later than May 1, 2025. 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 May 5, 2025. 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.