All this, in a
postcard-pretty setting. The University of Vermont commands a
hilltop that overlooks the city of Burlington and beautiful Lake Champlain. From the
ferryboats at its thriving waterfront, to the outdoor cafes of its vibrant downtown
marketplace, this award-winning city has it all—music, sports, the arts, great
restaurants. It's the perfect place to vacation...and to keep cool during
the summer!
 Sound too good to be true? Said
Rebecca Reale, a 1998 participant: "I can't imagine a more valuable way to
spend my summer vacation. Where else can you debate children's rights, witness the
process of a theatrical rehearsal, discuss constitutional law, learn to foxtrot and
juggle, undergo hypnosis, form long-lasting friendships, and 'get down' on the
dance floor with brilliant speakers and authors all in one week?
I can hardly wait for next year!"
Well, "next year" is here. So join us at the
University of Vermont to celebrate our first decade...and to share our exciting vision
of the next decade.
The Program
From over two dozen brilliant teachers, you'll learn
about Ayn Rand and Romanticism — about Francis Bacon and the Enlightenment —
about Albert Einstein and relativity. You can attend a course outlining the entire system
of Objectivism, explore the workings of cults, or learn about homeschooling. Regardless of
your background, you'll find sessions to challenge, inform, and enchant you.
When you arrive at the Seminar, you'll receive an
abstract and outline for each of the scheduled presentations, in order to help you choose
the sessions that will give you the most value. But don't worry about missing out on
anything! All presentations will be audiotaped. These tapes, sold to Seminar participants
only, will let you hear the lectures you didn't attend or relive the ones you did.
Social life
It's well past midnight. In the Common Room,
people talk about the merits of the lectures they heard that day. Across the room, a
faculty member counsels a student on his career. In a corner, a folk singer entertains
listeners with his song parodies. Just outside, couples stroll under the stars.
The Common Room is the center of evening social activity at
the Seminar. Its informality makes it easy for you to meet others, chat about the
day's events, share ideas and personal interests.
The experience begins when you arrive, at the opening
picnic on Saturday, and won't stop until the closing banquet and
dance on Friday. At Thursday evening's "In Performance"
variety show, you can showcase your talents. You can conduct your own lectures, workshops,
or performances. These participant-sponsored sessions have been one of
the most popular elements in previous Seminars, with presentations running the gamut from
philosophical explorations—to new technology—to ballroom dancing lessons. And
then there's Movie Night, a new feature this year. Robert Bidinotto
of the Institute staff will show classic movies on a common theme and then lead discussion
about their artistic and philosophic merits.
During free
time periods each day, and on Wednesday afternoon and evening, you may use the
University's outstanding recreational facilities, take in the charming shops and
museums of Burlington, visit the home of Revolutionary War hero Ethan Allen, sail on Lake
Champlain, hike in the nearby Green Mountains, or visit Montreal, less than two hours
away.
Tenth Anniversary
Banquet
The closing banquet has always been an integral part
of the Seminar experience, a time to celebrate the week and make plans to stay in touch.
This year, to mark the tenth anniversary of the Seminar, the banquet will be an
extra-special occasion, with a live band, presentations, mementos, and a special banquet
address by...
 Barbara Branden
Author of
The Passion of
Ayn Rand
The Spirit of
Objectivism
This year, to allow as many people as possible to
enjoy the occasion, we are offering a special one-day package that includes the final day
of the program and the banquet (see the back page for details). Of course, nothing can
match the cumulative experience of a full week in Atlantis. But if you can't come for
the entire Seminar, join us on Friday, July 9, for an unforgettable party! |
The totality of the experience is not
to be missed: intellectual challenge, friendship, and adventure. — Don Parrish
Who should attend?
About half the participants each year are attending for the
first time. On the opening day, they can attend a welcoming reception for
first-time participants to get acquainted. By the final banquet, they will be
ready to join the many people who attend the Seminar year after year for intellectual
adventure and the opportunity to see old friends.
The Institute extends a special welcome to students. In
addition to a reduced conference fee, scholarships are available for those who
qualify—see the inside back cover for details.
If you are an undergraduate, the Seminar is the place to
develop your understanding of Objectivism and learn how to integrate it into your studies.
On the opening day, David Kelley, the IOS executive director, will host a reception
for undergraduate students. If you are a graduate student, the Seminar is the
place to learn about current work in Objectivist theory, and to meet faculty members who
can provide intellectual and career guidance. During the week, there will be special
meetings for scholars to discuss the challenges of pursuing academic careers.
The Institute is also interested in helping students and
nonstudents who want to organize Objectivist activities in their local areas. If you are a
club leader, or would like to be, our meeting of Objectivist clubs
will
let you meet other leaders, trade ideas, and get acquainted with the Institute staff who
can help you during the year.
In the end, though, the Seminar is for everyone who wants to
learn and grow. If you are one of the "New Intellectuals"—Ayn Rand's
term for anyone committed to reason, achievement, and freedom—the Seminar is the
place to enjoy a week of intellectual and artistic stimulation in the company of people
who share your values.
Still not sure? See the seminar section
of the IOS website for reports on previous
Summer Seminars. You'll appreciate the high standards we set in the past — and
plan to exceed this year.
For complete details on the 1999 IOS Summer Seminar, please
see the following additional sections:
- Introduction
- Program
- Schedule
- Registration Information
- Registration Form - for secure online registration
- Financial Aid Application
- Logical Structure of Objectivism
Application
|
