IECO PROGRAM
THE GREAT BOOKS
Contemporary understanding, lasting relevance and inexhaustible source of ideas are the three main characteristics that should gather the works selected for this program as representative readings of Western culture. This program appeared for the first time under the name of “General Honors Course” at University of Columbia in 1920 offered by professor Erskine. Even though at its early stages it did not prosper, years later, in 1920, the University of Chicago picked it up as an annual seminar.
IECO together with the International IECO-UV Business Ethics Chair and the University Institute of Philosophy Investigation “Edith Stein” at the Catholic University of Valencia, has launched this program of formation through lecture. It is conceived as a four-year formation plan based on the reading program “The Great Books”, which has been incorporated in a great number of universities all around the world as part of its core curriculum (common syllabus for every titulation in an academic institution). For instance, the students at St. John’s College acquired through the program “mental flexibility” and perspective habits, intellectual ability and imagination which helped them become problem solvers, leaders, thinkers and communicators. Ultimately, it is about “learning to speak articulating a discourse, critical reading, effectively reasoning and creativing thinking”.
TRAINING GREAT MINDS
FOR THE 21ST CENTURY
Gatherings to reflect and to dialog around great readings to search together for the truth, goodness and beauty that is in the works of some of the greatest writers and thinkers in the world. The program encourages the reflection and study of great literature works, providing a vision of formation that frees the human being and incites him to reflect on the great matters of live and society.
Its main objective is to learn how to integrate knowledge that allows us to have a better understanding of the fundamental problems that can be faced today in the area of ethics, communication within organizations, and also on a personal, familiar, professional and social level.
Currently the program is taught only in Spanish
WHAT THEY SAY
ABOUT THE PROGRAMA?
“These literary encounters, developed in a climate of freedom and confidence, have been like fresh air emanating from the practical wisdom and from the knowledge of the speakers and attendants. The most valuable aspect has been to stop from my hectic life and reflect calmly on the world of existing ideas in the content of the books selected”
Ignacio Bel
Managing Director of the Institute for Media and Entertainment, at IESE
“The program has allowed me to get into the reading of the” Great Books “. That is, to wander my mind through the deepest and most beautiful ideas in the History”
Enrique Usina
Bachelor of Psychology
“Having the opportunity to share thoughts and reflections with great professionals, in a multidisciplinary environment and through great works of all time, is a truly enriching contribution. It is one of those necessary periods of time in life to broaden vision and horizons”.
Federico Ortolá
Economist and Consultant
“It has been a pleasure to participate, for the second year, in the program. A unique opportunity to read and comment, in a calm and highly intellectual environment, great books that help you to understand life and professional issues and the circumstances surrounding them. I strongly recommend it “
Javier Sancho
Tax Inspector of the AEAT (retired)
“The Great Books program is a respectful meeting space, where the diversity of ages and backgrounds of its attendants are enriched by the exquisite knowledge of the speakers”
Yolanda Arenas
Executive Coach – Mentoring
“The program is not only a source of inspiration and reflection, but a sincere invitation to undertake on the search for the truth”
Pau Sendra
4th year student in International Business
“The Great Books program has left me a deep footprint as the curious person that I am. I would highlight the depth and accessibility of the speakers, as well as the freedom with which the different topics chosen in the sessions are conducted”
Professor of Private International Law
“Lo que me resulta más atractivo del programa es aproximarme a obras de siempre desde una mirada sabia, con la grandeza y profundidad del estudio y desde la humildad del relator”.
María Muñoz
Consultora en RRHH – Coach
