Outreach: Santa Fe

Community Seminars: Frequently Asked Questions

 

 

May I register for more than one seminar?

During Community Seminar Series, you may register for more than one session, as long as the meeting dates and times do not conflict. During Community Seminar Days, you may register for seminars on both days, but you can only register for one seminar offered each day.

Where may I find the necessary texts for the seminar?

All reading materials for the Community Seminar Series and Community Seminar Days may be purchased at the St. John's College bookstore. Some materials may be available as a free photocopy. Please contact 505-984-6056 for more information on the materials needed for your seminar.

May I audit a seminar?

Unfortunately, one may not audit a Community Seminar. Seminars are discussions on a given text. The seminar's success depends on the participation by all in attendance, and thus all participants must pay the registration fee.

How is a Community Seminar run?

Guidelines for a Community Seminar are as follows:

  • The tutor will begin the class by asking an “opening question.”
  • Participants need not raise a hand or be recognized by the tutor to speak. Jump right in at the end of someone else's statement. It takes some practice to figure out just when to do this and how to do this gracefully.
  • Each person need not speak for the same amount of time, but it is important that everyone contribute something.
  • Speak succinctly. This makes it easy for others to build on your ideas.
  • Listening is as important as speaking. The connections among ideas make for interesting conversation.
  • Asking questions is an important form of participation.
  • Challenging ideas of others or offering modifications is perfectly in order as long as it is in the service of seeking truth. Our conversation is not a debate.
  • Participants refer only to books the group has read together. Making a reference to a scholarly article, a fair tactic in graduate schools, is considered bad form.
  • Even in serious conversation – especially in serious conversation – a sense of humor is a wonderful thing.

Where are the seminars held?

Community Seminars take place on the St. John's College campus. As soon as the seminar meets the minimum number of participants, a confirmation letter will be sent to you with the reading assignment and the room assignment.