Outreach

Annapolis, Continuing Education and Fine Arts - Community Seminars - Spring 2008

Spring 2008

The seminar is a discussion led by two St. John's College tutors for 15 to 20 students. Each meeting begins with a question posed by one of the tutors based on the material read for the seminar; the question is meant to begin the conversation, not to elicit a correct answer. The seminar conversation is characterized by openness, reason, clarity, and civility. Every seminar member is encouraged to take part, to candidly state his or her views, and to be attentive to others.

Alexis De Tocqueville: Democracy in America, Volume II CLOSED - CLASS FILLED
Tutors: Anita Kronsberg and Walter Sterling
Wednesday, 7:30 - 9:30 p.m.
February 13 - April 16 (no class March 5 and 12)
Mellon Hall, Room 103
Eight sessions. Tuition: $210.

Tocqueville's Democracy in America is the classic study of American Democracy. That it has recently come under critical scrutiny only testifies to its relevance and canonical status. Originally it was published in two volumes several years apart. Over the eight weeks of this semester students will read Volume II, in which Tocqueville discusses the effects of democracy on the thoughts, feelings, manners, and customs of Americans. While students who read Volume I in the fall will certainly refer to that reading, it is not a prerequisite for this seminar.

Suggested text: There are a number of fine translations available, including, interestingly enough, one in The Library of America.
First assignment: Author's Preface to the Second Part; Book I, Chapters 1- 12