Frequently Asks Questions:
What is slow reading?
Slow reading means: shorter readings, but deeper diving into the greats. Every week for a little over an hour, you meet with fellow lovers of learning to face a challenging text, and work at it, slowly. Each group differs in the amount of material covered. But all are committed to slowing down and taking our time. These books are built for life, not for a few conversations, but for as much leisure and time that we can bring to them.
Why is Symposium not free?
Tell us if this sounds familiar: you get together with a group of people because you want to read a challenging book: maybe its Homer’s Iliad, Eliot’s the Four Quartets or a great Russian novel like War and Peace. Everyone is excited, there is so much potential here! The first few meetings come and go, you are reading, you are having riveting discussions and learning and then…things start to fall apart. Or, maybe they don’t fall apart…maybe your group makes it to the very end of your project and then you are all left wondering…now what?
That question…now what?…and the related ability to keep a group running well throughout the entirety of a reading endeavor are two of the greatest strengths that Symposium brings to the world of classical adult education.
Specifically, our leaders bring the following qualities to every single reading adventure.
Consistency
Commitment
Organization
Guidance
These are qualities that make sure your book group doesn’t fall apart. They are qualities that can help you directly answer: what comes next?
And we believe that they are qualities that should be fairly compensated.
As a 501c3 non-profit business, Symposium prides itself on charging a reasonable membership fee for all class participants. Participation is not only to a class, but to a community. Subscriptions come with all group access to any reading pathway. Unlike some organizations, we are not in partnership with any large university or a college that can “pay our way” and we do not expect our leaders to work for free – that feels exploitative and icky to us…no, thank you! Instead, we rely on the very reasonable fees collected from our membership to cover the following costs:
-Payment of leaders
-Funding of web presence and marketing materials
-Administrative costs – including organizing course calendars, scheduling sessions, and corresponding with individual members whenever they have a question.
Over and above this, we believe that while the gifts of education are priceless, individuals committed to learning always get more out of the process when they have some investment in their learning experience. The truth is that while free experiences may sound great, their rates of attrition tell you everything you need to know. Symposium is committed to our mission of providing best classical adult learning experiences that explore the greatest ideas that have been thought and said. We believe this mission is worthwhile and worthy of your support. Thank you!
I’m new! What is my subscription rate?
If you are new to Slow Reading seminars, you are entitled to enjoy the first session for free. This is our “try before you subscribe” option. Just fill out the form above, and make sure to select “introductory offer”! If you value the learning as much as we do, and wish to continue, you have an opportunity to sign up at a reduced subscription price of $200 for the rest of the quarter.
What are your regular subscription rates?
$250 per Quarter (every three months), $750 annual (1 Quarter free) (Subscriptions are nonrefundable.) Sign up for one pathway, and you get access to as many other pathways as you wish.
Who is Symposium right for?
Symposium is the right fit for all serious life-long learners, who are committed to the conversational reading of the best that is thought and said.
When can I Subscribe?
A short window of opportunity opens every three months – quarterly – to onboard new readers.
When do subscriptions re-open next time?
The next opportunity will be in later December/Early January. Sign up for our free newsletter to stay updated!
Can I join after the Pathway has already started?
Yes! Each pathway holds Quarterly Review Sessions, for the benefit of new and current readers alike.
Do Reading Pathways ever end?
Yes. Different pathways have different estimated times to completion. On the whole, however, the estimated time for a single work is 24 weeks or 2 quarters.
Can I subscribe to more than one pathway?
The price of one subscription includes an “All Pathway Access”, so you can enjoy participation in one or more learning ventures.
Are there opportunities to connect with members of the seminars?
Yes. Collegiality and friendship are central to our learning community. Subscription to each Pathway includes membership in an excellent private, Facebook-free forum to support fellowship and learning in particular reading pathway.
When do the slow reading pathways meet?
“The Lusiads” by Cammoes, Great Books of Iberia Series Time TBD with Reynaldo Miranda and Miryam Bujanda
Shakespeare’s Sonnets: Wednesdays 1 pm Eastern/ 12 Central with Jeff Johnston and Eric Stull.
Shakespeare, “Antony and Cleopatra”: Wednesdays 2 pm Eastern/ 12 Central and 8pm EST (two separate groups) with Eric Stull.
Machiavelli, “The Prince” Time TBD with Jason Happel and Reynaldo Miranda
Aristotle “Ethics”: Thursdays 1 pm EST/12 pm Central, Reynaldo Miranda and David Saussy”
Slow reading case study: Jim Rice
The slow reading program complements other learning ventures. David Saussy discusses slow reading with long time participant Jim Rice about his experiences at Symposium Great Books Institute.
