Study Groups

A Powerful Vision of Social Transformation
An Introduction to the Progressive Utilization Theory
CONTACT US ABOUT UPCOMING STUDY PROGRAMS

Description

This nine week study course will provide a thorough introduction to PROUT and is designed especially for small, discussion-based groups. Participants will learn the basic elements of the PROUT paradigm and its potential to foster viable alternatives to the dominant system of global capitalism. Particular attention is given to PROUT's system of decentralized economics and the ways it supports sustainable, bioregional socio-economic development.

Format

Each week we will approximately read 20-40 pages (typically closer to 20 pgs.) of material in preparation for group discussion of a specific topic. Our discussions will be organized in a seminar-style format, in which knowledge is understood as a conversation between members of a learning community, and everyone will therefore be given opportunity to express one's views and insights concerning the reading material and concepts under consideration. Because active participation is fundamental to the depth and quality of conversation we achieve, everyone will be expected to remain alert and give respectful attention to everyone else. At all times we will strive for cooperation and a genuinely collective learning process.

Readings

The central text for discussion will be, PROUT: A New Paradigm of Development, by Ronald Logan, Associate Director of the PROUT Institute, which will be distributed during the first week. All other readings will consist of photocopies of articles and will be available online as PDF's or distributed in class the week prior to their discussion.

Evaluations and Group Check-in:

Time will be allotted during weeks 5 and 9 for collective evaluation of the course, with the intention of allowing opportunity for constructive feedback concerning the readings, discussions, group dynamics, course organization, etc. In addition, there may be times when we will need to have a group check-in, for example if the discussion gets heated or someone voices discomfort at the direction things are going. In such cases, we will take the situation as the object of group reflection. At all times, everyone has the option to opt out of the discussion if one doesn't want to participate. We can also allow time at the end of any session for group reflection if the group deems it appropriate.

Go to Prout Institute for more information and sign up.